Kidney Concerns

[BadassBlues]

The past few urinalyses for life insurance purposes have shown an over range number in protein, hemoglobin and specific gravity.

I have no symptoms of any kind of kidney problems, but those numbers are very troubling. My father had kidney problems, so I do have a genetic link there.

It could be kidney stones, or and infection, but again... no indications of that. Also dehydration which is possible.

I'm looking for some insight from anyone who has experience.

 

[Vince]

The past few urinalyses for life insurance purposes have shown an over range number in protein, hemoglobin and specific gravity.

I have no symptoms of any kind of kidney problems, but those numbers are very troubling. My father had kidney problems, so I do have a genetic link there.

It could be kidney stones, or and infection, but again... no indications of that. Also dehydration which is possible.

I'm looking for some insight from anyone who has experience.

If you have time, can you post your labs with the rages?

 

[BadassBlues]

Here are the most recent:

 

[Vince]

Did you happen to have a hard workout before your Labs?

 

[BadassBlues]

On the first test, yes... I was exhausted and dehydrated. The second one (attached) no, I was rested. I really want to get my ducks in a row before going to the doc as I don't want this on my medical records unless it's a real issue.

I ordered some urine protein strips and will be monitoring it.

 

[Guided_by_Voices]

I've had some kidney concerns and in general I view the kidneys as a very under-appreciated risk. A few thoughts:

- Get a cystatin C test. From everything I've researched, it is one of the best, if not the best, overall test of kidney function. Many of the other tests are very subject to invalidating factors such as creatine use and heavy exercise
- Avoid extreme exercise especially after a layoff. Anything that causes extreme muscle breakdown is not good and potentially fatal.
- Supplement with astragalus, niacin and baking soda
- Hydrate consistently
- Avoid high or low blood pressure.
- Avoid blood sugar spikes and anything else that is bad for the microvasculature.
- My memory of the details on this one is a bit hazy, but get enough salt, The issues caused by low salt can cause kidney stress IIRC. See the book The Salt Fix.

 

[BadassBlues]

I've had some kidney concerns and in general I view the kidneys as a very under-appreciated risk. A few thoughts:

- Get a cystatin C test. From everything I've researched, it is one of the best, if not the best, overall test of kidney function. Many of the other tests are very subject to invalidating factors such as creatine use and heavy exercise
- Avoid extreme exercise especially after a layoff. Anything that causes extreme muscle breakdown is not good and potentially fatal.
- Supplement with astragalus, niacin and baking soda
- Hydrate consistently
- Avoid high or low blood pressure.
- Avoid blood sugar spikes and anything else that is bad for the microvasculature.
- My memory of the details on this one is a bit hazy, but get enough salt, The issues caused by low salt can cause kidney stress IIRC. See the book The Salt Fix.

Thanks for the heads up on the Cystatin C Test, I will get one done this week as I was going to have another urinalysis done as well.

I bought some protein test strips and tested twice, which showed normal, so I don't know what to think.

My BP is very good, no diabetic issues at all. I do tend to not drink enough water and too much coffee and cabernet, so dehydration is a possibility. I am a lifelong gym rat and in very good shape physically. I would call it a one off, except this is the second test in a month that came back high. I have no symptoms, but from what I have read, that is normal for early-stage problems.

You are correct, kidney health is extremely important. A lot of people may ignore it, but I don't want a lifetime of dialysis and / or the possibility of a transplant.

 

[WhiteMale]

I was going to suggest also the Cystatin-C with EGFR, I would not trust the basic Creatine test contained in a CBC. Do it FASTED, too. National Kidney Foundation takes issue with that test, too, as being a poor indicator of kidney function.

 

[Vince]

My doctor also gives me the Cystatin C Test, because I workout and use creatine.