I have been on a bad health rollercoaster of sorts, since 10/00. Sudden unexpected weight loss along with a small list of concerns, prompted a visit to the Dr. 2 mo. after I failed to gain wt. back on own. My first, last and only UA's January 2001- small blood and low specific gravity <1.005, February 2001- 24hr UA Protein 355. and Possible Blood Contamination - Vol. 5925 and last March 2001 - 24hr UA Creatinine Clearance Corrected 200, Protein 340.5. All other parts of UA tests are within normal range or have no reference listed for range. My serum Creatinine normal 0.7 and albumin 24 hr. 11.4 no range. I was told upon test results that I distorted the results due to fluid intake. Plus five (5)yrs ago I had sudden and unexplained back side discomfort and small trace of blood found on a routine UA. Was told common occurance. I was given a dx of B-12 Deficiency w/ Pernicious Anemia 4/01. I was told I have the 'Intrinsic Factor' in June 2001, but have read that I cannot have both together. I was told in 12/00 MRI of head only that I also have an Arachnoid Cyst. One of many areas (LIST) of concern that will not go back to normal is the problem with having to urinate constantly and having little accidents. I know my UA numbers are not a big concern to Dr.'s. But I would like to know what I can do possibly help my body back to normal??? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I have tried, tried and tried to enlist my past Dr.'s to help me with basic dietary and vitamin supplement info. Also asked for some basic lab tests either not drawn or for follow up. But have not received guidance nor support with / for. The effects of the symptoms and spells on my body since 10/2000 has been a constant struggle and I seemed to have overwelmed and pushed every Dr.(6) plus (2)Eye Dr.'s to the point of outright apathy. I realize that my issues are not as severe as others. This thing has caused me to miss work but I have as of 10/01 reduced my daily meals to one per day, evening only and before 8p.m. This has actually helped to relieve the once constant 'Flu' or 'Food Poisening' feeling that overcomes me. I have not been able to reduce or eliminate all effects / spells as yet. And I have increased liquids (hot tea and coffee - gross) to help with the swelling around eyes and in hands and fingers, sometimes stomach. All areas involving neurological and muscular ability, getting more more noticeable. So, what else should I be doing or checking in to???? Thank you in advance for anything.
ms42

Wow--I'm sorry. I wish i could help you but I don't know what to tell you. I too am spilling protien but it's due to lupus. Are you seeing a neprhologist or is this your primary doc you're seeing? It just seems that they would be able to give you some advice as to what things you can do. Maybe you should try to get an appointment with him/her just to discuss your concerns with him. If you're not seeing a nephrologist, I'd suggest you do that.

I really am sorry. I'm sure this wasn't very helpful but I felt bad because no one had responded to you.

Let me know if I can help.

Renea,
Thank you for your kind words. I guess my post is sort of pathetic. Gosh, I was so happy to see 'ONE' reply.
Thank you for just replying....it does matter. I have
posted 2 other questions on two other sites, but they were not for this particular concern. Sadly, they were inquiries to one of the many things going on with my body. Funny, I expected changes as I grew older and actually was totally at peace with the aging process.
Yes, I was referred by my HMO - Primary Dr. to a specific Nephrologist (before B-12 Deficiency dx by different Dr.)who said my fluid intake altered the results. He then told me to go back to my Primary Dr. to get tested for TB and see him in 6 mo for follow-up. I did not go back to him. I was so worried that I had TB but Primary Dr. stated Chest X-ray and a few tests results said I was free of TB. Not to worry....I won't describe all the different directions I have been sent to. I am perplexed, however. I have asked for follow-up to some of the original test results and have asked for Fasting Glucose, Cholesterol, repeat UA, metabolism tests. And inquired every step of the way could this be causing....or this.... Instead I am either told no that is not related or it is a woman thing, an age thing or it is just anxiety related. I guess I will eventually need to graduate to something like 'Depends' for better bladder protection. I have been fighting this idea, but am more resigned to doing now. There are so many things that I have to be on guard for. At 42 yrs. of age never thought would have to do. (HaHaHa)
I do try to laugh some of the stupid things my body is doing.....without my permission. Thank you so much for just reading. Enough venting from me. By the way I noticed you are in Wisconsin, I am in Minnesota. Small world. Please, write about your protein spilling. How did you find out and what do the Dr.'s tell you to do or how to monitor? If you have positive experiences or not, I would be interested in reading. I do understand if you choose not to. I will keep reading the forums, though. I have learned so much already. Thank you again and hope your health concerns are being rectified. Lastly, hope our REAL winter comes soon.
Marie

Hi Marie--(neighbor!)
You are such a young woman so it really is a shame that you can't get some more definite answers! Maybe try switching doctors?? I'm 41 by the way so I can use the word "young" when desribing us!

As for my problem, to make a long story kind of short, I was running a CONSTANT fever for at least 4 months. Aside from that, I was having recurring sore throats, swollen glands and some other symptoms. I did have mono but it was hanging on too long and he fever was obviously a problem. Anyway, the doctor decided to run some lab tests including urine. Among other abnormalities my urine protein was high. At that time I was spilling 3.5 grams a day (it's considered high at 1.0). Because of the other tests, they told me I had Lupus and it was in my kidneys. That was back in July of 2001. They have me go in often--at least once a month to monitor and it's remained high but stable. But Because I was out of town, I didn't go in in October and didn't go in until I returned in November. At that time, my protein jumped from 3.5 to 10.2! So I was sent to a nephrologist the week before Christmas--they did a kidney biopsy the following week. I have extensive damage but luckily--for now my function is pretty good. So the strategy now is to treat me aggressively with meds to try to force my lupus into remission. The lupus is what's causing the damage to the kidneys. So among other meds, the new one they've added is one that is normally used for people who have had kidney transplants to prevent rejection. I've only been on it a couple of weeks now and so far at least I'm tolerating it well. Let's just hope that it works! The standard treatment is a much stronger immunosuppresant which is a type of chemo. I would have to go into the hospital a few times a week to receive an intravenous treatment which would make me very sick and I'd loose my hair. The one that I am on is newer drug that we are trying first and hope that I don't have to go with the chemo type. Fun huh? So I have a doctor visit at the end of this month and we'll be able to see if there is any change.

That was probably more than you wanted to know. Sorry I went on.

I really wish there was something that I could suggest to help you. You must be so frustrated!

Take care--

renae

Hi Back...Neighbor,
Isn't it funny, one state away. Must have been fate.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience. I am so sorry that you were so ill. I truly hope the new medicine works and that you are "FEELING" better too. You are right about the young part.
My wish has always been to feel young no matter what age I grow to be. My Grandmother is 93 and she still runs circles around everyone. That...is how I want to be!!! Yes, another Dr. is a good idea. Uhg! I have been procrastinating. I did make the calls late this afternoon, after I received your post. Called the Insurance Company and to a few more clinics. One did have an opening. Have to wait till February due to HMO Insurance procedure. Hope this is the last one for the road. A little leary, but will try to be optimistic. Otherwise I am going to run out of places to go to. HaHaHa. Your protein spill is in grams, while mine is in milligrams. My level was just a speck (3/2001) compared to your levels. Two tests that were done, one for RA Quant and one for ANA 1:40 were 'Positive' back in 1/01, but that Dr. told me nothing for concern. I had mono when I was 7 or 8 yrs. old and both my children have had...in there teens. Sure wears a person down. I only remember being spoiled rotten when I had it. My little sister was so mad, cuz I was in charge of choosing all of the the favorite foods. When my children became ill with mono, I spoiled them rotten, but with healthier foods. Funny how time changes how we approach things. Four months is sure a long time to have a constant fever. My heart goes out to you having to build your strength back along with Lupus. A co-worker was diagnosed with Lupus many, many months after going through a vary scary time. It has been 3 years and she is doing well. She monitors and paces herself and has reduced her hours to half time. I think she is 60 years old now. I am so terrible with peoples ages. She is the nicest most articulate person and yet she had a series of bad experiences with Dr.'s.
Finally finding the right one, one who would listen to her. I have drawn off of her positive outcome this past year. Believing that I will find the right Dr.
It has been up and down. I know I get stressed now, when I am trying to do my job like I used to. I have always been a really high energy person, especially at work. Sometimes my work carries over to home. Which never bothered me before. Since all the stuff started happening with my body, I am aware that I have to slow down and pace myself. My capacity for dealing with people, clients has diminished. That probably bothers me more than anything. I have had a passion for doing my job for so many years and now it presents a struggle. I don't want to lose that passion for helping people. Plus I don't want my clients or co-workers to see my lows. Four years ago when I went to the Dr. for a silly unexplained back and side ache, I went through so many tests. I had even waited a few months, agian trying to rectify on my own. I went through so many tests and felt so foolish at the end. All those tests for blood in the UA. Anyway, eight or nine months later and a string of referrals I was told that one leg was shorter than the other. Silly, huh?
I learned then to meditate and take better care of myself, at least more aware of when I might need to slow down. This health development, since 10/01 has thrown me a curve. Well guess I went on waaaaay toooo
long. By the way I am a talker, as you can see...read.
So sorry for my novel. I really want to thank you for writing and do look forward to more postings.....novels are welcome. Truly hope every day gets better for you. Any suggestions or ideas throw them my way. Truly hope all goes well for you. I will stop my babbeling for this evening.
Marie