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Hey Sarita

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Posted 1/28/2008 4:30 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Sarita,

I read in one of the posts you saw your nephrologist. How did it go? I know it's hard not to worry, but as we all know worrying doesn't help things either. I have membranous nephritis and it is one of the less aggressive forms of kidney disease. I hope that whatever you have isn't too serious. Keep in mind too that kidney disease is usually very slow to progress. As a medical student I'm sure you are aware of all this but sometimes hearing it again helps. Are they going to do a biopsy? I still remember how terrified I was and my worry was for nothing. The procedure is easy and all I had was a sore back the folllowing day. If you have any questions feel free to ask. Just wanted you to know I was thinking of you.

Sandy                (from the lupus forum)

Posted 1/28/2008 7:38 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks curlyhair! Right now I am trying to focus my energy on passing my classes and that doesn't leave too much time for worrying about anything else :) although I have to admit sometimes I sit there and stare off into space and think, "What organ system is going to go next?" My doc did say something about membranous glomerulonephritis as well as about 23978 other possibilities, so we'll just wait and see. The first step are the urine and blood tests, then a renal ultrasound. He will then decide if a biopsy will be necessary.

I assume your kidney disease is caused by lupus - I don't really understand the physiology behind it (not surprising). Do you take medication specifically for your kidneys? Was it the biopsy that sealed your diagnosis, or did you have other markers? So weird...you don't just all of a sudden have kidney disease one day. Well, normal people don't :) I have absolutely no risk factors for kidney disease - only 28 years old, 115 pounds, not diabetic or insulin-resistant whatsoever, low blood pressure - so I'm thinking it's either an autoimmune problem or something bizarre I picked up in Africa a few years ago. Which is probably why he suggested I see a tropical medicine specialist. I'm going to see what this first round of tests yields first.

Thanks again for asking and checking in :)
Posted 1/29/2008 12:26 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Sarita,

Yes, my kidney disease is caused by my lupus. When I was first diagnosed with kidney disease I felt perfectly fine! The only reason I went to the doctors was because I retaining fluid and couldn't get rid of it. My GP couldn't find anything wrong with me but she did do a urinalysis and sent it to the lab. It was my urine that showed 3+ protein and I was told I had kidney problems. That shocked me, and then my neph said he thought it was lupus. I was really shocked then!!!! My biopsy came back as "these findings raise the question of lupus nephritis." However, I didn't meet the criteria and felt great so my neph called it idiopathic membranous. During the course of the next 2 years I started having lots of lupus symptoms so I was sent to a rheumy. He diagnosed me with lupus and 2 more nephs have said definite lupus. There is no history of lupus or kidney disease anywhere in my family. I do not have any risk factors either, and my blood pressure has always been low. Like you, I just seemed to have kidney disease one day.

I admire you tackling medical school. It is hard enough for any one and you are sick on top of that. Keep your positive outlook and good luck with your tests. Keep us updated in the lupus forum. I know you pop in there and have given some great advise. We appreciate it!

Sandy

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