Kidney problems with normal creatinine? - Kidney Disorders Message Board

tinamarie0914 · 12-18-2003, 02:54 PM

Does anyone know if it's possible to have a kidney problem if creatinine levels are normal? I've been having a problem with swelling, particularly in my hands, legs and feet for the past six months. I had surgery done in early November and the blood work showed a normal creatinine level (actually bordering on low). For the past few days I've been having pain in the lower left side of my back and am not sure if it's kidney related or not - it's kind of a dull, burning ache. I also have to urinate much more often than ever before.

I'm just curious and appreciate any help!!

Thanks,
Tina

butterflytrans · 12-18-2003, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tinamarie0914

Does anyone know if it's possible to have a kidney problem if creatinine levels are normal? I've been having a problem with swelling, particularly in my hands, legs and feet for the past six months. I had surgery done in early November and the blood work showed a normal creatinine level (actually bordering on low). For the past few days I've been having pain in the lower left side of my back and am not sure if it's kidney related or not - it's kind of a dull, burning ache. I also have to urinate much more often than ever before.

I'm just curious and appreciate any help!!

Thanks,
Tina

You sure can have kidney problems with normal creatinine! Creatinine is a measure of how well the kidneys are working clearing the blood of its wastes. Creatinine is only affected in acute and chronic renal FAILURE. However, if you have an acute or sub-acute condition that doesn't result in kidney failure, then the creatinine could be normal.

Because you mentioned that you're swelling up, you need to find out if there is any blood and/or protein in your urine. That is VERY important. There are structures in your kidney called glomeruli which are like little sieves that make sure wastes get in to the urine, but the good things like red blood cells and proteins stay in circulation. If there is a problem with the glomeruli, you can start losing protein, for example, and this can result in swelling, and a totally normal creatinine!

tinamarie0914 · 12-18-2003, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by butterflytrans

You sure can have kidney problems with normal creatinine! Creatinine is a measure of how well the kidneys are working clearing the blood of its wastes. Creatinine is only affected in acute and chronic renal FAILURE. However, if you have an acute or sub-acute condition that doesn't result in kidney failure, then the creatinine could be normal.

Because you mentioned that you're swelling up, you need to find out if there is any blood and/or protein in your urine. That is VERY important. There are structures in your kidney called glomeruli which are like little sieves that make sure wastes get in to the urine, but the good things like red blood cells and proteins stay in circulation. If there is a problem with the glomeruli, you can start losing protein, for example, and this can result in swelling, and a totally normal creatinine!

Thanks Butterfly! I really appreciate your response. In the UA that was done just prior to my surgery, it showed trace blood and negative for protein. I wasn't having any pain in my back then, I suppose things could be different now. I need to go see my doctor for an annual physical anyway - is there anything specific I should be prepared to ask or discuss regarding possible kidney problems? I've found that the more informed I am on issues, the better results I get from my doctors - I had to diagnose my own thryoid disease!

butterflytrans · 12-18-2003, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tinamarie0914

Thanks Butterfly! I really appreciate your response. In the UA that was done just prior to my surgery, it showed trace blood and negative for protein. I wasn't having any pain in my back then, I suppose things could be different now. I need to go see my doctor for an annual physical anyway - is there anything specific I should be prepared to ask or discuss regarding possible kidney problems? I've found that the more informed I am on issues, the better results I get from my doctors - I had to diagnose my own thryoid disease!

Hey there! Glad to be of help. Well, make sure you tell the doctor about the fact that you've been having swelling around your body....he or she should then do a physical exam to see if you have pitting edema on your shins or not. Very important in terms of determining whether they should do further testing.

tinamarie0914 · 12-19-2003, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by butterflytrans

Hey there! Glad to be of help. Well, make sure you tell the doctor about the fact that you've been having swelling around your body....he or she should then do a physical exam to see if you have pitting edema on your shins or not. Very important in terms of determining whether they should do further testing.

I hate to show my ignorance here, but what the heck! What is pitting edema? I'm guessing it's when you push on your skin it makes a dent? If so, does the dent stay there or does the skin come back up? Mine does make a dent, but it comes back up.

Thanks again SO much for your help!!