Are these results a sign that I am going to have problems later on in life (see details)
I had cancer of the kidney 10+ years ago and I had my right kidney completely removed. My remaining kidney is enlarged. It’s palpable and almost sticks out sometimes. My last few lab tests have all shown that I pass protein and blood cells into my urine and the “spec. gravity” is always high. I also have elevated BUN levels, but I’m not sure what any of this means. The doctors just don’t seem to care and I’m left to look things up online, which I can never get answers from. It’s very frustrating and while I don’t think I’m facing any major kidney problems now, I’m worried that I will somewhere down the line and it doesn’t help that my doctors don’t listen to me. I don’t have a nephrologist and I’ve requested one countless times. Can anyone explain what any of this means or could mean? Do I have a reason to worry or are these results normal?
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6 Answers
Take a deep breath and don’t panic. Search for kidney groups online. There are groups for every topic imaginable…I’m sure you’ll find what you’re looking for. You would think that your doctors would have informed you a little better.
KIDNEY DISEASE LINKS
For information on kidney disease or for resources associated with kidney disease click on the following links:
American Association of Kidney Patients
American Kidney Fund
ESRD Network 4 (Delaware, Pennsylvania)
ESRD Network 9 & 10 (Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio)
Ikidney.com
Kidney Helpers (food guides & cookbooks)
Life Options Rehabilitation Advisory Council (LORAC)
National Foundation for Transplants
National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases
National Kidney Foundation
National Transplant Assistance Fund
Nephron Information Center
I really love healingwell.com’s forums for help and companionship with dealing with my health problems. I see they have forums for kidney disease if you have any interest in checking it out.
Ladies, two really good answers. jp
Why don’t your doctors listen and answer your questions? Why can’t you see a nephrologist on your own?
Instead of asking the negative question that @marinelife asks (no reflection on her, to be sure!, but asking “why are your doctors not doing their jobs properly?” doesn’t get you closer to have your concerns addressed) I would ask instead: “How can you arrange to get another physician who will listen and respond to your serious questions?” and “What do you need to do in order to have a nephrologist on your ‘health team’?”
And GAs to @MissA.
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