Does anyone know anything about protein in urine - possible CKD?

[Batsplat]

I know I should post in general health, but I thought I might get more replies here. I hope that’s ok.

I was recently diagnosed with high blood pressure (not drastically high - average was 134/90 at home over7 days). The doctor ordered blood tests and a urine test for kidney function - I I think it’s called ACR? Today the results came back abnormal - it should be below 3, and mine was 5.4.

Nobody has spoken to me about this yet, so I’m not sure how bad this is. Obviously I will speak to the GP when I can, but can anyone give me any information please. I’m not diabetic as far as I know (was last checked a year ago and was well within normal range, but results for the latest test not back yet). In my head, I’m worrying about dialysis and transplants already. I’m not 40 yet.

Thank you for any replies.

Do you have any of the results from your blood tests? These would show exactly what is happening with your kidney function. Your acr is slightly raised but I wouldn't think worryingly so. (I have long term kidney disease and have had two kidney transplants). I would give your GP a ring if you can and get them to talk through the results with you.

Hi there,

I'm sorry you're going through this worrying time

Posted too soon!

I too have gone through this process of diagnosis and it is upsetting. I'm sorry you are going through it. I was eventually diagnosed with an autoimmune disease after falling pregnant at 32.

Do you know your eGFR or creatinine levels? I have only really gone off those. My assumption is that, if your GP is concerned, they will refer you to a consultant renal team at hospital for further tests. Best speak to the GP - as much as it is scary, well informed is best prepared.

Many people with CKD never get to end stage failure - so please don't overthink this just yet.

However you should know - I am now a kidney transplant recipient at 37 and life is healthy, happy and NORMAL. It has been a journey, yes - and challenging at times - but there is a future for you if you should get to this point. IT WILL BE OK. I am proof, should you need it right now.

I wish you all the best. Any questions, I can try and answer them for you.

xxx

Thank you for your replies - it really does mean a lot to be able to speak to people about this.

I’ve now got the other bloods, though I’m not sure what they mean. Diabetes, cholesterol, urea and electrolytes etc all normal, but there are several abnormal results too!

• creatine is 57 and GFR just says greater than 90.
• serum ferritin, haemoglobin level and haemobgloblin concentration all low, so I’m guessing that’s anaemia. Ferratin is 8 and haemoglobin is 111.
• Platelets are high, and so is red blood cell width. I’ve no idea what these mean really, even after googling!

My doctors always seem reluctant to treat anaemia. It was lower than this 5 years ago and they didn’t prescribe anything, so they probably still won’t.

Thank you again for you patience with me!

An eGFR of above 90 is full kidney function , creatinine level is absolutely fine as well. These are the main ones for checking kidney function.
Not sure about your platelets, I'll check my results and see if it says anything.

In terms of kidney function, you have nothing to worry about

Could anemia cause high blood pressure!? I am unsure! But good news is - you DO NOT need to worry about renal failure, from where I'm standing. Renal failure is 15% eGFR and lower - above 90 is perfectly healthy.

Hopefully you will have the other factors explained soon.

Again, all the best! Hope we have/can help. xx

Okay, after a quick check of my results your iron and haemoglobin are low and high platelet count is caused by iron deficiency and anaemia. So I would press your doctor for iron supplements. And if they refuse get them to justify why or ask for a second opinion, that tends to motivate them! Good luck.

Thank you again, all!

@MissKittyFantastico84 I thought it meant that this (protein in urine) was just the first stage of kidney disease and it will progress from here? So hopefully not renal failure yet, but it will get worse? Hopefully it’s not that inevitable.

I will push for the anaemia - I’ve lived with it for 5 years already!

So, as far as I know, with a kidney function so high, that would not be the cause of your high blood pressure.

The proteinuria can be a sign of CKD, but it can also be other things.

It could be a sign of kidney disease, but you are very unlikely to ever get to end stage renal failure if your function is, and remains, so high.

The point where renal failure becomes more likely is when your eGFR is below Stage 3A - which I think is eGFR 59% and below. I was already at that point when I was diagnosed.

I hope you get more information soon - but I think you should be calmed by your blood results re: your kidneys. They really are perfectly healthy.

x