QuestionDear Dr Aukerman,
There is something comforting discussing my concerns with a professional stranger, however I am seeing my Dr this week for test results. I am not soley relying on your professional opinion/guidance. This maybe a bit long winded but I feel you need a little background to be able to answer me. Please bear with me.
I was diagnosis with beign glomerulonephritis approxiamately 10 years ago following investigations into my hypertension. This was detected through a 24hr urine collection that showed I had extreme levels of protein in my urine, that werent evident on a dip stick. From memory I had a reading of 1.5 when levels should be o.5. I think. Please do not except these figures as accurate as this was quite some time ago.
It is believed that I developed Glomeruloneohritis as a result of severe pre-eclampsia during my first pregnancy. I was admitted to Perths major womens hospital at 26 weeks gestation with BP of 220/130. Following excellent medical care and many drugs my daughter was at risk of being still born and I had a c section at 31 1/2 weeks.Louisa had severe inter-uterine growth retardation. She was born 1445gms with no complications and is a fit, healthy and at times arrogant 17 yr old today. It took a number of months for my BP to settle. All my subsequent pregnancies were c sections at 37 weeks as i did develop mild pre-eclampsia by 12 weeks in all of them but not to the degree of my first. Excellent medical care, medication and fortnightly vistis to my ob Dr saw the pregancies through safely.
So we know how my condition may have developed.
Since then I have plodded along in life taking my medication and having regular check ups. About 5 years ago I had a kidney ultrasound which showed that I had no scarring. Therefore I have accepted that I do not have one of the more nasty strains of glomerulonephritis. My only other serious illness was cervical cancer when I was 26 resulting in a hystorectomy.
This week I saw my Dr as I would like to donate blood. The red cross said that I need to present current blood test results of my creatine and urea levels before they will take blood from me. I understood that when i saw my Dr all I had to do was get a copy of the results. But I got the phone call he wants to see me about my results. We all know what that means. Something is not right.
As you can imagine I've been to many internet sites reading much contradicting information. I also know it is wrong of me to over anayilise without even knowing my test results but as I am of a anaylitical nature i can't help myself! The Dr I am seeing is new I've only since him once and doesnt know me. I am the type of person that I don't like to be treated as a mushroom (kept in the dark and fed b***s***).
So a couple of questions if I may.
Today I am 41. BP most times 120/75. On Kaverside 300/12.5, Zoloft 100mg per day. Occassionally take Mersondyl for tension headaches after work. Ten 4yr olds from 9-5 on my own can affect me. Married, 3 teenagers and work 30 hrs a week as a kindy teacher. Love life and everything it offers.
My cholestral reading was 5.1. Dont eat a lot of rubbish but eat too much and adore cheese and butter. My eyes can be quite puffy when i wake up. I put this down to aging and not enough sleep.
1.
I drink about 3-4 litres of Pepsi Max a day and 1-2 litres of water, 600ml of milk, 1 cup of coffee. Would any of this effect my creatine and urea results?
2.
Would you provide me with accurate internet reference sites for my condition?
3.
I've been getting dull aches (a cold ache) in my back behind my third last rib, right side. Could this possibly be kidney assocaited?
4.
Would you object to me discussing with you what my Dr tells me?
I really appreciate your time and hope at your leisure you may assist.
Cheers
Renee
Western Australia
Answer1. I drink about 3-4 litres of Pepsi Max a day and 1-2 litres of water, 600ml of milk, 1 cup of coffee. Would any of this effect my creatine and urea results? Yes, the pepsi has a lot of phosphates which do make the kidney's work a lot harder than it would be if you could get off that. OK?
2. Would you provide me with accurate internet reference sites for my condition? http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000484.htm
3. I've been getting dull aches (a cold ache) in my back behind my third last rib, right side. Could this possibly be kidney assocaited? Yes, it could be but the urinalysis will tell for sure. OK?
4. Would you object to me discussing with you what my Dr tells me? No, that would be perfectly fine. Also ask him to give you a copy of all your tests so you will be able to think and review at later dates. OK?
