So, as I expected, my urinalysis did indicate protein in my urine, level was 100 (I think acceptable is 10 or less).
I am trying not to be too stressed, but reality is I am. My LLMD put me on K-Drain and parsley drops. I am also drinking Yogi kidney support tea as well as the usual binders of cholestyramine and chlorella.
She did not indicate for me to stop my IV Merrem, but I did. I was suppose to add IV Rifampin today, but I didn't. I have a message into my LLMD office to advise what I am doing. She wanted me to take the kidney support for 1 week and retest. I am certain I have a build up of ammonia in my system due to a bad taste in my mouth, my food taste is weird, sort of deadened as well, which I've read can be associated with kidney malfunction.
I'm scared the disease is going to take my kidneys, though trying not to stress, it's hard. My blood work for kidney function, so far, has been in normal range. Can die off cause the protein? I'm certain this has been going on for several weeks, pretty much since I started the IV Merrem, so not a transient thing. My infusion nurse explained that the pharmacist said this is not a normal side effect of the med itself.
Think I need a break from the computer to calm myself...but, will check back here for any input. I know proteinuria is a common problem with dogs and Lyme - often leading to serious, if not deadly, kidney malfunction, but not so much with humans. I get scared this is the beginning of serious kidney issues, hope not.
More than anything, thanks for listening. I will talk about possibility of KPU and/or C-diff with my LLMD; I see him in 2 weeks. Thanks again. TS
Posts: 566 | From West Coast | Registered: May 2008
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posted
It would be a good idea for you to seek a consult with a nephrologist. In the meantime have your doc repeat the UA.
Since your bloodwork is nml (assuming you're referring to creatinine/BUN) there is no need to panic!!
IMO you did the right thing by stopping the IV Merrem and holding off on the IV Rifampin til you get clarity on the situation. You are following your instincts, which is a good thing. But you need repeat bloodwork drawn.
I don't know much about KPU so can't comment as to whether this could be the root of the problem.
Curious though why you mention C-Diff??? C-Diff causes a lot of GI problems but to my knowledge is not associated with protein in the urine.
-------------------- You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.'
---Eleanor Roosevelt Posts: 748 | From somewhere | Registered: May 2010
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I only mentioned C-Diff as I read past posts about protein in urine and this came up. I didn't really research it. I do not suffer from any GI distress currently so don't think it's an issue for me, just grasping at straws.
My LLMD is having me do another urinalysis next week after I've been on a couple of kidney support supps, blood work will also be done. Yes it's been normal as far as creatinine/BUN and anything else that might point to kidney function.
I'm trying not to panic, but I am scared - a little too much reading online I'm afraid. I will know before I get test results back if the protein is still there; it's very obvious to me by my almost colorless pee (even after sleeping all night as I drink a lot of water during the day) and the bubbles that are present.
I suppose I should make an appt with a nephrologist. I hesitate as I so much hate discussing the Lyme thing with an illiterate doctor. I'm sick as it is and just hate to have to explain myself and be under such scrutiny and disagreement. But I am concerned enough about this that I guess I should....thanks a lot for your response. TS
Posts: 566 | From West Coast | Registered: May 2008
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karenl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 17753
posted
The 100 is no reason at all to panic. Longterm you should find out what it could be, but you may not. I think lyme, parasites ...have to be treated. Many people live with protein in urine.
Posts: 1834 | From US | Registered: Oct 2008
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Thanks, you guys are helping me calm down a bit. Of course, I'd like reassurance that kidneys are okay. The bad taste in my mouth/lack of taste really has me down. To lose the pleasure of tasting food is a bummer for me - as trivial as that may seem.
Mind you, I have had a numb tongue for the better part of 5 years so it may be a cranial nerve thing; however I am inclined to think it's more related to kidneys as it's a bad taste in my mouth - like toxic, toxin build up sort of thing; it sounds weird I know, but have read about this correlation. If it was just completely no taste, then maybe be more inclined to suspect cranial nerve. Also, of recent, my blurry vision has really intensified.
Sigh....so confusing. I have a good ILADS LLMD that I see again in 2 weeks; I pray he'll have better insight. Thanks. TS
Posts: 566 | From West Coast | Registered: May 2008
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hum the taste thing reaaly seems to be from a cranial nerve to me especially if you also have the blurry vision which means your optic nerves are being overwhelmed too... If i were you i'd stop the medication for now and and focus on detox and binders...
Posts: 723 | From Montreal | Registered: Oct 2010
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