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Diagnoses

Posted , 4 users are following.

amina_72
amina_72

Hi,

Can i ask how do they diagnose you with CKD meaning what test do they have to carry out before you get a diagnosis.

Thanks

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • richard87134
    richard87134 amina_72

    Posted

    You'll be asked for a urine sample where they will look for blood and/or protein, if one or either is present a blood test will follow and usually an ultrasound scan, if your GFR is below 60 you will be diagnosed with kidney disease

    • amina_72
      amina_72 richard87134

      Posted

      My GFR was below 60 but the ultrasound scan showed up normal with CKD would my scan show up normal ? and now I've been referred to a specialist .

      Thanks

  • mikewordman
    mikewordman amina_72

    Posted

    Hi Amina,

    I can only tell you what my experience was.  One day 17 years ago I became very ill with a flu and my urine turned coke-coloured (and I mean, literally!).  That prompted me to go to the doctor.  They scratched their head and referred me to a nephrologist.  They took urine tests and found protein (blood) in the urine, and they took blood tests  and found my kidney function was also not what it should be.  CKD was suspected.  The only way to know for sure was a kidney biopsy, so I went into the hospital and had one done.  They stuck a needle into my back (ugh) and dug it down into one of my kidneys, freezing the entire way (it wasn't painful, thankfully, but certainly not pleasant) to extract a few kidney cells.  That led to a conclusive diagnosis of IGA nephropathy.  So, blood & urine tests to start, biopsy to conclude.  As far as I know, biopsy is (was?) the only way to arrive at a conclusive diagnosis.

    I hope that helps,

    • amina_72
      amina_72 mikewordman

      Posted

      Doctors never tell you the full thing I suppose I'll just have to sit back and wait .

      Many Thanks

    • richard87134
      richard87134 amina_72

      Posted

      Yes Mike is right, sometimes the nephrologist will diagnose based on symptoms or may want to carry out a biopsy depending on the consultant
  • helen54849
    helen54849 amina_72

    Posted

    Hi,

    They start by taking bloods, if anything shows up that isn't quite right such as blood or protien they may scan.  The cause of CKD doesn't always show up on a scan so a biopsy may be required.  They may also ask you to do a 24 hour urine collection as this is more accurate than the dip test.

    • amina_72
      amina_72 helen54849

      Posted

      That's why I'm confused because everything showed up fine on the scan just my GFR was low I'm waiting for an appointment to see a specialist it's just a waiting game now .

      Thanks

    • richard87134
      richard87134 amina_72

      Posted

      Do you remember what your GFR was ?? They regard 60 or above as normal
    • helen54849
      helen54849 amina_72

      Posted

      Hi,

      Mine didn't show up on a scan either, I had two biopsy's I am still not convinced they have the right diagnosis however the outcome of all the different things have been told ended the same way which was kidney failure.  I have done dialysis and had a transplant so hopefully onward and upward now. Your specialist is the one who will ask for the biopsy if need be.  Good luck and keep us posted there are lots of lovely people here that have experience and we are all at different stages of the journey so lots of good info to be had take care.

    • amina_72
      amina_72 helen54849

      Posted

      Thanks for your comment helen it just helps to understand things better Dr's are not always very good with answering your questions

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