Lupus Support Group

But two days ago I got a urinalysis, protein and red blood cells showed up in my urine!!! RBC 1-3 AND CASTS-fine granular cast 0-1, Pus Cells 1-3;

I have no idea what this all means but I am pretty scared about it!

The staff doctor at the hospital libratory where I got the urinalysis here in the Philippines said that it could just be stones. But she has no idea about my SLE Lupus back round!!! Am going to my Lupus Doctor in the morning.

My question is once your kidneys start having problems how long before it can become serious?

Will early detection and treatment help prolong the outcome we really don’t want to think about???

Will I really hope and Pray that God will personally touch each and every one of you where you hurt the most.

Love you guys Johnny

I started having kidney problems several years ago - continual kidney infections, then a couple of stones, and then it went away for awhile. Then 2 years ago it all started up again. I finally got to a urologist and the day before my IVP a large kidney stone started to move. The infection that followed went septic and put me in the ICU for several days. I didn't know I had SLE at the time and the doctors were puzzled at how poorly my immune system was handling the infection. Six months later when the kidney infections began again, and casts were noticed and kidney function was not optimal, I was screened for stones again which came up negative. Finally, additional tests were run and the Urologist got me in to the Rheumatolotist. Once I got the SLE under control, everything started to get better. I have involvement in my lungs, central nervous system, skin, kidneys, as well as Sjogrens and Reynauds syndrome. It was a rough year getting everything under control and learning to pace myself, get more rest, and educate friends and family to my management plan for this disease.

I know you are scared right now, but don't be afraid to ask your doctors for detailed explanations of your tests. If they put you off at all or you don't understand the answers, ask them to explain it in a different way. Take notes. You have a right to understand your tests. Always keep copies of your tests. If your doctor doesn't give them to you, ask for them---it is your right to have a copy. I have a binder with dividers for each organ system affected, the doctors treating that particular problem, and another section for blood work. This is tremendously helpful in case you need to see a new doctor. Keep a journal for your questions so you don't forget to ask the doctor when you are at an appointment.

For this current test, if you don't have an appointment right away, call the doctors and ask your questions over the phone. If your doctor is not receptive and interested in helping you understand and manage your illness, find a new doctor. The most important thing I have learned in this process is that I am my best advocate. I am the person who cares about me the most and I was the one who had to find my own answers by research and asking a lot of questions. My best to you.

You are going through a lot and have been so helpful to me which is a true blessing!!! Yes I am trying to fight off an lung infection now, the doctor put me on another full week of antibiotics,

I am going for a kidney function test this morning, I’ll let you know what they tell me today and in the mean while ill be really praying for you hma

Thanks so much and God hold you my Sister

Johnny

My BLOOD CHEMISTRY for the kidney function test came back normal, so my Doctor just told me to repeat the URINALYSIS in a week from now and see what happens!!! I am praying for you also Sister so keep the faith! Oh and I kept all the paperwork like you said, Thanks so much

God hold you my Sister

Johnny

May I ask just how old you are? If you do not feel like answering that ill understand!

God hold you

Johnny