Got results of Kidney Biopsy

MARYCAIN · King of the Jungle Joined: 03 Aug 2006 Posts: 1576

Yes, potassium can certainly affect blood pressure, not to mention your heart and all the other organs. Have you been seen by an endocrinologist? Because when my potassium levels were going up and down like a yo-yo - that's who my rheumie and nephrologist finally called in, and he finally managed to get it reasonably under control -ironically, my problem was not a potassium deficiency, but a magnesium deficiency - apparently your body needs magnesium to keep you from losing too much potassium, and because of a problem with my small intestine, I wasn't absorbing enough through food. Plus I was taking lasix which also causes loss of magnesium, And since many of the symptoms of magnesium deficiency are also common with lupus - fatigue, weakness, nausea, numbness, tingling, muscle pain, etc. - I didn't notice anything different. I'm sure your doctors have probably checked your magnesium levels in trying to figure out the low potassium problem, but it might not hurt to ask. Smile

Quarterhorsegal · Hamster Joined: 18 Jul 2006 Posts: 81 Location: Illinois

Solesinger,
What a frustrateing problem! I did not mean to insinuate that all of your troubles are due to postural hypotension. I mentioned it because it seems that so many of us are taking one type of drug or another that affect blood pressure, and so many seem to have dizziness as a symptom. It can be a challenge to differentiate between disease symptoms and drug side effects, especially when the disease can cause sooo many different symptoms. I hope you get some answers and relief soon.
Laura

SoleSinger · Posted: Wed Nov 22, 2006 4:55 pm Post subject:

Oh NO! I didn't take it that way at all! Sorry if I sounded curt or offended or anything. I just meant to say that for me, that's been ruled out... Sorry...
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Missy · Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2006 8:25 pm Post subject:

What a crummy situation, Solesinger. I hope you can find some combination of treatment that works for you. I feel a bit lucky because even at my worst kidney problems I didn't have water retention problems.

So, I think the Sulfa drug did cause a flare - saw the Nephrologist today and I think I'm going to have to do a course of Prednisone. I'm bummed because I've really been working on getting off the meds and had been doing so well.

And I'm disappointed that my internist, whom I really like and listens to me, missed the boat on this one.........
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littlered · Wolf Joined: 20 Sep 2006 Posts: 549

What IS creatine anyway? My doc was alarmed at my creatine levels during my last urine test (also had protein and blood in my urine.)
I think I may ask him for a referral to a nephrologist.
But somebody explain how the kidney works, and what these test results mean????

ganesha · Goldfish Joined: 28 Mar 2006 Posts: 56

littlered,
I think they were likely referring to your creatinine level. Creatinine is a measure of kidney function with most peoples ideal number being around .6 or so I think. I run a little higher due to paralysis and low muscle mass. I have lupus nephritis, but fortunately my kidney function is still very good. I think your going to a nephrologist is a very good idea with the protein and blood in urine, and the creatinine being high (I am assuming yours was a bit high recently). Good luck.
Brent
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