interstitial Nephritis

Hello.  I am new to this forum and looking for some answers.  During a CT scan last summer my DR found that I have several masses in both kidneys.  After a biopsy I was diagnosed with interstitial nephritis.  I was wondering if anyone has heard of this?  Does it ever go away?  I have large amounts of blood and protein in my urine and my kidney functions are decreased and have been for about 4 years already.  I am scheduled with a kidney dr in a few weeks.  Because it has been a year I am getting a little concerned.  My DR doesn't have a lot of answers for me.  I have had Lupus for 6 years now, so I was thinking maybe it is somehow related.  Any information would be very helpful, and it would calm my nerves.  Thanks

[Dr Santos]

How are you? What other symptoms do you have? Interstitial nephritis  is a type of inflammation in the kidneys affecting the interstitium of the kidneys. Common causes include infection, or reaction to medication such as antibiotics and analgesics.This disease is also caused by other diseases and toxins that damage the kidney. The most serious long term effect is decreased kidney function or  kidney failure. The function of the kidneys will return after the harmful drug is not taken anymore, or when the underlying disease is cured by treatment. T his link may be of help: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tubulointerstitial_nephritis

Take care and keep us posted.

[cudagirl]

Thank you for your response.  The only other symptoms that appeared at the same time was a mass on my pancreas.  At first they thought it was cancer, but after a huge battery of tests, and I mean huge, it was discovered that I actually had Autoimmune Pancreatitis.  I am still under treatment for that, and will be for some time.  I have pain in my left flank area, and fluid retention.  Drs think that is caused from my heart.  I have lupus related heart issues.  Thank you again for your reply.