Kidney Cyst and high creatinine levels

[betsyc]

My blood tests show that my creatinine levels are about 2 points below the maximum, not to mention my platelet count, calcium levels, and red blood cell count are very close to hitting their maximum level.  I questioned my doctor about it, since she said my blood test came back normal, and all she said is that "It's fine, I have nothing to worry about." So I went home and got on the net and did some research of my own and found out that creatinine levels in the blood are a reliable way to measure kidney funtion.  After I found this out I was shocked because 8 months ago I had lithotripsy done on my left kidney for a pretty large stone.  The following week I went back for my urine test, still the doctor thought I was worrying a bit too much.  The results came back that I had blood in my urine, so off I went for a CT scan of my abdomen and pelvic.  Just last week those results came in showing a cyst on my right kidney!  I'm a little taken back to know that my Dr. told me that my creatinine level was nothing to be concerned about a month ago and now I find this out. Doesn't it seem like my blood tests were pointing to some problems going on possibly in my kidneys?  Also I would like to know given my issues with my stone 8 months ago and now a cyst, if there's anything major I need to worry about like cancer or more complications as I get older?  I had bacterial meningitis when I was 18 months old and wondered also if my kidney problems are a possible complication from way back when?  Other then the kidney stone, and now cyst, I've always had numerous UTI's a year since about the age 16, that were always taken care of by being prescriped antibiotics.  One final question I would like to hae answered would be; if the calcium levels, red blood cell count, and platelet count have anything to do with any of this or if it's a sign of something else, as my research on these haven't been too successful? I'm not in much pain, just small cramps here and there. Any help, answers, and/or opinions I receive will be much appreciated, as my health is very important to me.  

[Ash Tewari, MD, M.Ch.]

I need to know the actual values of your blood test before I can advise you.

Did you clear the stone completely after lithotripsy? Was an X-ray or ultrasound done later?

A cyst of the kidney  can be a benign condition not necessarily affecting your creatinine level. What was the description of the cyst on the CT scan report?

It is not very likely that the bacterial meningitis or its treatment had anything to do with your present complaints.

This answer is not intended and does not substitute for medical advice- the information is for patient education only. Follow up with a urologist is essential.

[betsyc]

According to my blood test, which was taken on the 7th of March..

Creatinine -  1.0
Calcium - 10.0
Platelet Count - 392

those listed were the ones I had in question, any information that may help me, would be appreciated, any others that may help form an opinion please let me know & i will gladly list those as well.
    
Yes, the stone was completely cleared after lithotripsy, and Yes an UltraSound was done to show that the stone was cleared.

I'm not sure of the description of the cyst.  I received a call from my Dr's office from one of the nurses telling me that the CT scan showed a cyst in my right kidney and that they wanted me to go in for a urine test the next day and to not worry they don't think it's anything to be concerned about.  Well of course everyone worries a bit, which is why I'm doing my own research.  Tomorrow or Tuesday I should know more after the urine test results come back, what the urine test is for I'm unsure of the nurse couldn't or didn't explain further.  I didn't question at the time b/c he was just a nurse and wouldn't be able to answer all of my questions like my doctor would be able to.  I was just waiting to get all the information I want and need when I go back in after my urine test results come back.

Also I'm not sure if this info helps or plays a role in any of it, but I am a 25 yr old female who has had 2 successful vaginal births, one which was 1 1/2 yrs ago.  

[Ash Tewari, MD, M.Ch.]

Your blood levels of Creatinine and Calcium are within Normal range. By 392, I presume you mean 392,000 for platelets which is also normal.

Most renal cysts are benign in nature and incidentally found during radiological investigations and don not need any further evaluation.

Your physician should be able to determine the nature of the cyst on CT scan. Without reviewing your scan, I cannot comment on the cyst.

What is  the urine report?

This answer is not intended and does not substitute for medical advice- the information is for patient education only. Follow up with a urologist is essential

[betsyc]

the highest in range creatinine level is 1.2 is that correct?  

If that is correct then is there a level, for example my level 1.0 that the Dr's like to keep a watch on so it doesn't get passed 1.2?

What happens when it passes 1.2, what do you recommend?

the highest in range level for calcium is 10.4, is that correct?

as I asked for creatinine, is there a level for calcium that the Dr's like to keep an eye on so they don't pass the in range high?

Is there anything I should or can do to keep my calcium levels down or in check?  For example, watch my calcium intake?

The only reason I ask all of this is b/c  I definitely do not want these levels to rise any more than what they are now. Seems that sometimes that they're overlooked even when they seem close to the in range high, UNTIL they have passed and maybe even UNTIL the patient seems to have complications because of the over range level.  I do not want to sit around and wait a few years for them to go over range to do something about my health.  To me as the patient my health is extremely important to me and it just seems like the creatinine levels are almost at their max range and that IT could be showing some issues with my kidneys as an early sign to future complications, that was overlooked.  What is your opinion on that?

I'm a little fed up with being told everything is fine and I worry to much but it was my persistance that led to blood, urine tests that ultimately led to a CT scan that showed the cyst.  Are there any Dr's out there that actually do listen and truly consider that there may be more than just an over worried patient going on?  

I have not gotten my urine test results back yet nor have I received details on the CT scan of the cyst yet, I am waiting for the urine test results to come back to further discuss with my doctor.  Is there anything that I should know concerning this 2nd urine test that may raise a flag or be a clue of all is well or there is something more going on?

Any help and opinions as always are much appreciated.  

Thank You!

[Ash Tewari, MD, M.Ch.]

Different labs have different  ranges of Normal. Your lab as you say may have 1.2 as the upper limit of normal.

You cannot rely on a single lab value . If more than one report it abnormal, it is reasonable to investigate. For the creatinine to rise, both the kidneys would have to be working suboptimally.

If the second urine test also shows blood then further investigation is warranted. ou could repeat a blood test in  few weeks to check the creatinine level again.

I understand your concern, but blood investigations have to be considered along with any symptoms or signs you may have and any other abnormal investigations such as abnormal Xray or CT scan.

You can cut down on dairy products to help keep your calcium level down .
This answer is not intended and does not substitute for medical advice- the information is for patient education only

[betsyc]

Thank you for all of your opinions and help, much appreciation.  

Called my Dr. today for the urine test results that were taken last Friday, said they are not in yet...once I get those you may be hearing back from me. ;)  

Thank You Again!

[Worried0717]

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