Protienurea

[kc1976]

I have been monitored for protienurea for a couple years now and have just recently been referred to a nephrologist (kidney specialist). I am wondering what kind of tests the specialist will do and what to expect during the visit. Are there any questions I should ask?

[Tarkin]

Protienurea means you have excess protein in your urine.

They will probably do some or all of the following:

Ask what medications you are taking. NOTE IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO LIST ALL HERBS and other "Natural" or "Alternative" medicines. Many of them either cause Kidney problems or making them worse.

They will ask you to give blood to be analyzed for several things including diseases.

They should definietly ask for both an immediate urine sample AND a 24 hour urine sample (Do it on a Sunday so you don't have to carry your urine bottle around at work).

In the urine they will be looking for a more accurate protein count, any blood cells (both red and/or white), sugar and other things.

They will also look for something called creatin (Spelled incorrectly). This measures your kidney's total function.

Kidneys do two things: 1) keep blood and protein in your blood and 2) get rid of poisons and waste products in the blood.

You generally only need to go on Dialysis if the kidney stops doing #2.