2 week referral to kidney specialist

[HastingsLikeTheBattle]

Please tell me that just because its a two week referral, it doesnt mean what I think it means :(

I have been rather unwell for a good few weeks now, weekly appointments with my GP and weekly blood and urine tests. Urine has been showing trace blood (past 3 tests) and now has protein as well. My GP thinks I may have a form of vasculitis (HSP) which I know can affect the kidneys, but during his phone call yesterday following the urine test, he said he needed to urgently refer me on. Not "urgent as in today, but urgent as in within 2 weeks". Unfortunately I know about the 2 week referral system due to a friend's illness, though I'm not sure that is clouding my judgement.

Secondly, does anyone have any experience of HSP vasculitis? And/or issues with kidneys meaning very frequent (as in twice hourly) trips to the loo

Forgot to say, the HSP suggestion comes from the horrendous rash I had on my feet/lower legs and stomach, as well as the awful swelling.

Hi. I don't have any experience of kidney issues. The 2 week rule is for symptoms that could be cancer. But it doesn't mean that's the most likely cause. Just that they need to rule it out quickly. On the positive side it means you'll find out what's going on sooner

I'm on 2ww for bladder / kidney issues, got appointment privately tomorrow - blood and clots in urine. 2ww is for a cancer referral but still quite rare for it to be cancer - sounds like GP thinks it not. Hope it goes well and you get all clear soon. I'm not too worried with mine as had an ultrasound in Nov which didn't show much and a clear cystoscopy in Feb so think its something else.

OP - not sure how old you are but if you're over 40 and have blood in urine without any sign of infection, your GP has to refer you under the 2 week wait.

When this happened to me, the doctor who did the scan said it is very rare they find anything sinister.

Thank you

I am 45 Crikey (very apt username!) I guess it’s standard procedure then. Hope your appointment goes well penguins, and I think you’re right - doc thinks it’s HSP related rather than anything too sinister (I hope), it’s just threw me hearing the 2ww mentioned.

Plus - I’m supposed to be going on holiday in 3 weeks.

Wishing you well.

GP have guidelines by which presentation of symptoms/test results mean that they have to refer urgently to rule in or OUT cancer. It means that investigations take another level.

Most people who are referred under the 2ww are fine, but as we know that the quicker cancer is detected, the better the chances, they introduced the 2ww.

The 2ww is a very stressful time so take it one day at a time. The holiday is not best timing, does the hospital know? Do let the consultant know as soon as you see them.

swing I forgot to mention the holiday to my GP, I just went into panic mode I’m now wondering whether I should ring him on Monday, or wait until I get the appointment. It’s our first holiday in 4 years

Thanks Ariadne

Get the appointment first.

FYI - I had a scan showing a kidney tumour. Surgeon was fine for me to go on holiday first.

I mean, surgery waited until after holiday

Sorry to use the C word. PM me if you want.

Thanks Hastings Hope yours goes fine too. I had mine today - I went private to speed it up - but I got given urine tests, blood tests, CT scan, ultrasound a have to do a 3 day diary of symptoms plus I got 14 days antibiotics. He thinks it will be all clear but he said anyone over 40 privately they do CT but does involve a bit of radioactivity. Very happy to have antibiotics and CT scan, that's on 15th.