Results... new problems!

I posted about having horrible stomach problems and you all were so wonderful in your replies. Thank you!

I got blood work done on Monday and my doctor (it was my first time visiting her and she is fantastic!) called me the next day with results.

She still has no idea what's wrong with my stomach, but (in perfect Kirsten style...) she found different problems!

Since my last Doctor visit last summer, I have become severely anemic ( which is no fun when alone or mixed with Lupus!) She said anything under '50' is anemic, and I am a '12.' That is with taking a multivitamin daily. So I stocked up on iron and hopefully I will get some energy back.

She also informed me I have something called a double stranded DNA, which signals bad news for my kidneys. She was shocked that no doctor had ever informed me of this before. She said that I will have to be monitored closely from now on to catch early indicators of kidney problems. Has anyone had any experience with this and Lupus? I'm not sure how they're connected or interact with each other. I googled it but only came across jargon-laden research studies that I could not comprehend!

Any help would be AWESOME! Thanks.

P.S. I plan on regularly seeing my new doctor. No more risky skipping of appointments. :)

Good Morning! I have the same problem. I do have kidney involvment now and I am anemic. The Doc has me taking loads of Iron to. I wish you luck and serioulsy make sure you get your Kidney funtion checked regulary. Mine was perfect in the first part of December and by January 15th I was in the hospital with acute kindey failure...Watch for signs of kidney failing. The only ones I had was I was getting up about 5-6 times a night to p and there was signifacnt amount of blood in my urine and my urine was also very foaming...meaning lots or protein in it. Keep up updated and you are in my thoughts Thanks Smurfy Shadow for the list of foods...I have been having trouble finding some good foods with Iron in them. I was never one of those kids that could stay awake in health class...Now i regret that more than anything!! OH well. I hope everyone has a good day and a good physical day filled with lots of strenth and happiness!!

Hi,

Double stranded DNA is a blood test that makes a definite lupus diagnosis.  This along with low complement levels, specifically C3 and C4 often correlate to kidney involvement.

There are many test results that can give the doctor information on ones kidneys...urinalysis looking for protein, blood, and cast cells. When this is present there may be active kidney inflammation going on.  The only way to know for sure what is going on is by a kidney biopsy. 

One's hemoglobin, total protein, serum albumin can also be low when there is active inflammation in the kidneys.  Your serum creatinine may increase above normal range...although this does not always need to occur.

Your doctor will order a 24 hour urine if she want more specific information on the overall functioning of the kidneys.  You do not feel kidney inflammation which is why the doctors have various blood/urine tests that they order.

If I can be of any further help, please don't hesitate to ask.  I have kidney disease from lupus.  Best of Luck!