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Need to vent...worried about my kidneys

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Posted 9/23/2007 1:18 PM (GMT 0)
I've had a rough week and am fighting the urge to get discouraged. The mold count where I live has been at an all time high and we're all suffering from allergy related problems. I've had a sinus headache for a few days and cannot get any relief from it. I've tried every remedy I know, from advil cold and sinus, nasal spray, hot tea, hot wet washcloths over my face, an eggroll with lots of hot mustard (usually the best medicine) and finally hydrocodone. It's just wearing me out.

My labs came back. My creatinine is high, but I haven't seen the results myself so don't know how high. My potassium is low so pcp game me some horse pills to take care of that & I've been eating lots of bananas. I have a UTI that should be cleared up by now because I took an antibiotic, but I'm having a great deal of difficulty urinating. I've been up for a couple of hours and have had 2 glasses of cranberry juice and three times that much water and though I have the urge, I still can't "go pee pee". I've been so nauseous. Fortunately, my joint pain has lessened a little.

I doubt that all these things are related, but I still wonder if my kidneys are having trouble.

Oh well. Thanks for allowing an "i'm feeling sorry for myself" vent. Maybe now that I got it off my chest I'll be able to focus on good health and things other than my body.

Or maybe I'll just take a nap.
Posted 9/23/2007 4:18 PM (GMT 0)
(((((Pat))))). I've been worried about you, especially with all of these new things going on and I think you need to find out if all of these things are related. It seems like it's too much of a coincidence. With your UTI did the doc tell you if you had any protein or blood in your urine? I'm thinking you should go back in and get your urine checked since you are still having so many problems. I'm so glad you have your rheumy appointment this week because I don't think you should wait any longer to get these things checked out. It stinks that the Cellcept helped you so much but that it might have been toxic to your body. Pat, I don't think you are feeling sorry for yourself, I think all of your concerns are very valid and I hope your rheumy can get to the bottom of things. You could always ask for a referral to a nephrologist too. When I had some mild kidney issues, it was a relief to see a specialist. Please take care of yourself. I imagine all of these things - the mold, the UTI, the low potassium are all taking a toll on your body. I hope you did decide to take a nap. Love, Hippi
Posted 9/23/2007 5:58 PM (GMT 0)
(((((( Pat )))))) I am sorry to hear you are having problems. I agree with Hippi about having your urine checked and seeing the kidney specialist. If your rheumy is anything like mine, if your kidney tests are outside the normal change they should tell you to see a specialist, even if they don't you can still see one on your own. I know when I had some kidney tests come back positive it helped me a lot to see the specialist, he eventually discharged me from his care. To this day I continue to have 24 hr urine tests done and my rheumy watches me very closely.

Kidney problems are often silent and it never hurts to have them checked out! Take care and let us know what the doctor says. Hugs and love to you!
Posted 9/23/2007 6:42 PM (GMT 0)
(((((Hugs))))))) I am sorry to hear about the problems you are going through. Yes. I would also think that it may be better to see a specialist or have your urine/kidney check out. Does your back or your kidney hurt? If so, I think you definitely need to see a specialist right away.
Hope you feel better soon.
Posted 9/23/2007 7:14 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Hippi, Stacie, and Omega. I don't have any pain but I am very short of breath. This has been going on for about three weeks. It's not just when I'm doing things or climbing chairs, but even when I'm sitting and resting. I have a little edema, but not as much as I sometimes do. The inability to do much more than dribble even though I've had more than a half dozen large glasses or water or cranberry juice, plus the difficulty breathing are worrisome. And these symptoms came on so fast.

Oh well, I'm not going to worry (yeah, right) until I know whether or not there's something to worry about. I took extra pain meds in the late morning and that has sure helped.

On a happier note, all six kids plus their spouses, partners, steadies, and the grandkids are all happy and doing well and I'll remind you of a saying I once heard: You're only as happy as your unhappiest child. Three of our kids are planning weddings in 2008 so that gives me even more reason to get a whole lot better real soon.

I love the support I get from all of you here. Lots of hugs are going your way!

Love,

Pat
Posted 9/23/2007 7:48 PM (GMT 0)
Oh Pat . . . I'm afraid you'll explode if you don't find a way to pee!! That sounds so scary. I see the others have made the couple suggestions I thought of and I'm chuckling about your last post . . . he he he . . . THREE weddings in one year!! Oh, it just sounds too hard. I hope that at least two of them are sons. I'm glad you have a doctor appointment this week . . . make SURE that you get all these symptoms in writing so you can show the doc. Sending you a prayer and a hug! Blessings!
Posted 9/23/2007 11:57 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, Pat. I'm sorry you aren't doing well and have new symptoms to add to your list. Please make sure to write everything out for your appt. Some of these things could really need to be addressed. Please rest and take care of yourself, but do try to prepare for a detailed discussion with your doc! You want to feel better right? It sounds like you've got a really full calender coming at you! (Hugs!)
Posted 9/24/2007 3:17 AM (GMT 0)
Pat,

This is so not fun: allergies, sinus headache that won't go away or be relieved, labs that are a little wacky and to top it all off a UTI that is causing pee pee problems and worry concerning your kidneys. I've got no better advice that what you've been given other than maybe a nice hot jalapeno pepper might open the sinuses and an ice cold beer could be just the thing to make you pee. Before meds it always led me straight to a wash room! Just want you to know I'm thinking of you.

xoxo emmie
Posted 9/24/2007 4:54 AM (GMT 0)
The beer is a good idea emmie. I don't know why I didn't think of that one. I've had so much to drink today that I've started having more success. I tried hot chinese mustard rather than jalapenos and it started opening up my sinuses. Rosie and Sharen, I am writing everything down. Get a good night's sleep and let's hope this coming week is a good one for everyone.

Love,

Pat
Posted 9/24/2007 3:28 PM (GMT 0)
Hugs Pat... I don't have anything to add to what the others have suggested. I hope you can find relief soon, urinary problems are awful and painful. I'm praying that its nothing serious and that your doc can help you through these symptoms. Just wanted you to know that I'm thinking of you.
Posted 9/24/2007 3:41 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Pat - I don't know if you recall, but I recently went through all that myself. Sounds almost identical. My GFR had even declined to 53 and bad edema at times. Turns out it was okay but I will need to be monitored from here on out. It was a relief to see a nephrologist. I do not have lupus nephritis at this point and it was wonderful news as I too was very worried. Nephritis and glumeronephritis are companions to our disease, so it needs to be checked out and kept an eye on. It may take a while to get an appointment, so I would get on that one soon. If nothing else, it is worth the peace of mind.

I wish you the best and hope all turns out well - Kristin
Posted 9/24/2007 9:50 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Des and Kris. I know you've been having a rough time Des, and and I hope you're feeling better. Kris, thanks for the information and i'll take your advice. I'll let you all know what I find out tomorrow. I just learned that my chest x-ray was normal, which is great news. Thank you both for thinking of me.

Love,

Pat
Posted 9/25/2007 2:26 PM (GMT 0)
Pat, I just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you today and am praying that your rheumy can get to the bottom of things and help you. I am also hoping that the symptoms you are having aren't related to kidney problems or anything else that is serious. Let us know how things go when you are feeling up to it. Love, Hippi
Posted 9/25/2007 9:12 PM (GMT 0)
Prayers for you Pat . . . I hope things go/went well . . . give us an update when you can. Blessings!
Posted 9/25/2007 11:12 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks guys. My creatine and bun levels are still high but my rheumy isn't concerned because they haven't worsened in the past 2 months. She is concerned about my heart, however, and ordered an echo to be done this Friday. Something about the P2 being elevated. The way she described it to me is that the second beat is louder than the first and that can indicate a problem. She also wants the cardiologist to measure my PA presssure. I don't know much about heart disease other than the fact that both my parents died from it last year. The good news is that my father had a bypass when he was my age and lived till he was 82. I'm not going to worry about this until I get the results of the echo and have a chance to speak with my cardiologist. If any of you can shed any light on this, please let me know.

My rheumy didn't want to add or change any meds till we get the results of the echo back. She also told me not to taper my pred. any more.

My cardiologist and were great friends in college and how strange that now he has helped me bury both of my parents and is going to be treating me. Who would have thought life could fly by so fast. It's a great reminder that we must enjoy every single day to it's fullest.

My grandkids are on their way over and are spending the night so I'll probably not be posting anymore till tomorrow. Hope everyone here is having a good day.
Posted 9/25/2007 11:20 PM (GMT 0)
Patty . . enjoy those grands!!! What a blast . . . I dashed out yesterday evening to catch a sunset and picked up the grands on the way . . . no sunset to be seen, but we had a blast at the park. There is a slide built into the slope of a hillside and even I can get on it . . . I shrieked with delight as I sat on my waxed paper and flew down the slide. The girls were screaming and laughing "Go Nanny!!!" We attracted a crowd and handed out waxed paper to each . . . a memorable moment and we really spent less than an hour at the park. I was pooped but I am still wearing that smile!! I'm SO sorry that you are now having to worry about your heart . . . You have such a calm attitude. *phew* I can't wait till you get all your test results. I also sorry to learn that you lost BOTH parents so close together. I bet the second to go was really missing the first . . . What a stressful year Patty!!! BTW . . . there have been several more donations at my son's Lupus Marathon website!! Its less than two weeks away now!!! Wooo hoooo . . . I'll be watching this topic to see how things go for you!! Blessings!
Posted 9/26/2007 4:29 AM (GMT 0)

I've been to Dr. Albert twice, and I am so happy with her! Just wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you and praying for the best!

Heather

Posted 9/26/2007 7:17 AM (GMT 0)
Rosie, I saw that your son has raised more $! Good for him. I forgot, when is the marathon? It sounds like you and your grandkids had a great time at the park. How old are they? Ours are 6 & 8 year old girls. Our favorite pastime is reading. We're into a series by Phyllis Reynolds Nalor and finished "Girls Rule" tonight and started "A Spy Among the Girls" in which one of the girls, a 10 year old, falls in love. My granddaughters were laughing hysterically at that and we can't wait to get together and read some more.

Heather, I'm so happy that you like Dr. Albert. She's pretty smart....not a great talker, but I have a lot of confidence in her. I was actually relieved when she told me I might have a problem with my heart because I had plugged my symptoms into a medical website and it came up with heart failure. I don't think it's actually heart failure, but it's something to do with my heart or I wouldn't be so out of breath. Anyway, I'm glad she's so thorough.

I tell myself I'm not worried, and I act like I'm not worried, but I can't sleep tonight, so who knows. Maybe it's time to plan another vacation. :)

Anyway, thanks for thinking of me. Hope you are doing well since you started seeing her. I remember that you were having trouble with plaquenil. Has that gotten better?

Night night for now.

Love,

Pat
Posted 9/26/2007 5:02 PM (GMT 0)
Pat. Hate to do the me too thing again. But I was going through heart problems at the time as the kidneys. I wonder if the heart was causing the kidney function problem. Mitral valve prolapse and sclerosis were the culprits to my breathing and the murmur problems. It was scary in the heat. Ace Inhibitor/Beta Blocker cured it though and heart/kidneys are doing pretty good now. Hope it is something easy to treat. From what I read the heart can cause kidney problems and the kidneys can cause heart problems. Guess they are linked somehow.

Hopefully they will get to the bottom of this soon for you. Funny how the little problems can add up at times. Don't know when to be worried and when not to. Doesn't sound like it is stopping you much either way. Good for you! No reason not to enjoy the little ones. I'm sure it will all work out in the end. Best wishes - Kristin
Posted 9/26/2007 5:38 PM (GMT 0)
Rosie, I saw that your son has raised more $! Good for him.  Thanks . . . its fun watching the total go up!!!!   getting so exciting . .  there is a link on the Firstgiving page where you can get up to the minute reports on his progress the day of the race!!!  So I signed up for the progress updates.  If anyone wants the link, please email me.    I forgot, when is the marathon? Just a a week and a half. . .  Sunday, October 7.  It sounds like you and your grandkids had a great time at the park. How old are they? YES! one of those little slices of life that makes great memories.   Justine is 10 and Libby is 8.  Ours are 6 & 8 year old girls. Our favorite pastime is reading. We're into a series by Phyllis Reynolds Nalor and finished "Girls Rule" tonight and started "A Spy Among the Girls" in which one of the girls, a 10 year old, falls in love. My granddaughters were laughing hysterically at that and we can't wait to get together and read some more.  Oh. . . yours are very close in age to mine . . . what a fun age to interact with them!!   Your story time is a great idea.  My Justine is an avid reader and she carries a library book at all times.  She reads in the car and any odd moment when things are "boring".   Maybe all three of us can take turns reading the story!!  I can't wait to try that!! I tell myself I'm not worried, and I act like I'm not worried, but I can't sleep tonight, so who knows. Maybe it's time to plan another vacation. :)  Sounds very normal to me . . . I don't know how you could "not" worry about something so potentially serious.  But you have a great attitude about it.  I hope you sleep soundly tonight . . . I try the alphabet game when I can't get my mind off of a scary topic . . . Start with A and think of a word that begins with A that you are thankful for.  Usually by the time I get to S, T, U, I'm getting groggy and I just fall asleep.  Keep us posted Patty!! Blessings!
Posted 9/26/2007 6:25 PM (GMT 0)
That's a good idea Rosie. The reason I'm trying not to worry is that I've always been such a worrier and these little scares usually don't add up to anything. i'm tired of worrying and tired of feeling bad.

Kris, your post made me feel so much better. My rheumy told me there is a med for what she thinks I have and I'm glad your condition was taken care of with a med. Fortunately, my kidneys are fine.

This has been a good wake-up call for me because I need to get more exercise and work through my fatigue. I got a good start with that this morning.

By the way, it turns out that she hasn't diagnosed me with RA. i must have misunderstood her but had a conversation about this with my PCP. Isn't that great!

Have a great day.
Posted 9/28/2007 3:49 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, Patty. Sorry I'm a little late getting in on this. I love your attitude...just keep trying to work through this one step at a time. That worry can really cause more problems to add up. It's not healthy for us at all. I do hope your doc is thorough with you and can get whatever the problem is under control for you quickly. Take care of yourself and keep us updated,
Posted 9/28/2007 5:27 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Patty, I have had some simalair problem with my breathing during times when I have edema. I was Dx's with congestive heart failure. which actually means fluid building up around the sack of your lung and kidneys. They put me on lasix and I peed my brains out that in turn go rid of my CFH. I hope you get some answers from your doctor. Try to keep a good attitude and tell them to give you lasix and see if it helps. You might want to take your weight on your scales a couple of times a day and see if there is a big increase in weight gain. If there is it could be CHF and you will need to be on something to remove the fluids. I'm sorry yu are not feeling well. I know the breathing can reall be trying and a little scarey.
love ya
carol
Posted 9/28/2007 11:28 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Pat:

Just wanted to say I hope you're feeling ok today and to let you know I said a prayer for you today. Glad to hear the kidneys are work okay, but what a bummer about your heart. Try not to get to worried over this until you've had all your tests and the doctors read them and give you the results.

Just wanted you to know I was thinking about you a lot and just wanted you to know that I'm pulling for you. Enjoy your time with your granddaughters. Which I know you will. You take care and let us know when you get the results.

Love ya,
Barb
Posted 9/28/2007 1:36 PM (GMT 0)
Pat, I'm also thinking about you today and praying that your echo will show that your heart is just fine. I hope you get your results today so you don't have to wonder and worry over the weekend. I agree with the others that your attitude through all of this has been amazing. Lots of of love, hippi
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