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Urology (Expert Forum)
Kidney Failure
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.
Kidney Failure
by J-Ryan, Jul 23, 1998 12:00AM
Posted by Ray on July 04, 1999 at 11:18:15
First off I'd like to thank you for this forum, it is very informative.
I have been diagnosed with kidney failure. I went to the doctor complaining of headaches, vomiting and blood in my semen. He found very high blood pressure and sent me to the ER. (230/140). In the ER I think it was either the creatinine or BUN (I forgot which) was 1.4 and they said that the kidneys weren't doing their job. I'm only 26 years old and have no other health probs. They said 1.8 is complete failure and that 1.4 was high for my age, and that high blood pressure may be caused by the kidneys failing. We did some tests, ultrasound, nuclear and MRI and now they are saying they want to do a kidney biopsy. Right now I'm on blood pressure medication Norvasc, Metoprolol and the diuretic Lasix.
Thing is they said they would see me in 4 weeks and assign me a Nephrologist then who will discuss whether or not to do the biopsy. One question I have is why wait so long? Why do they not want me to see the Nephrologist sooner? Also what is my prognosis? Can this be reversed? And should I get a second opinion or just wait and see what they say in 4 weeks? Could this be kidney cancer as they may do a biopsy?
Thanks in advance for your response as this has me worried.
Posted by HFHS M.D.-BE on July 14, 1999 at 16:35:45
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Dear Ray,
It appears that you have had high blood pressure for some time without knowing about it, since it often does not cause any symptoms. This condition can and does lead to kidney insufficiency and failure, unless the blood pressure is well controlled. You certainly need to see a nephrologist, but it is a good idea to wait and see the result of the treatment course before seeing him, since that would make for a better and easier evaluation , to sort out the possible causes. It may take a few weeks before you show optimal response to the medications, at which time you would be seeing a nephrologist.
As far as your prognosis and reversibility, it depends on the cause, and how responsive you would be to the medications/therapy you would have to be on.
The reason for biopsy is not because of cancer, but to characterize the disease process that is present in your kidney, and possibly causing failure; unless of course, your blood pressure and creatinine of 1.4 normalize with this present treatment. Meanwhile, your compliance with your meds and other dietary modifications are important
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition. More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its urban campuses by calling (1 800 653 6568).
Sincerely;
HFHS-M.D. BE
* Keyword:Renal failure
