Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => Other Health Discussion => Topic started by: Judith57 on October 05, 2014, 01:46:56 PM

Title: Raised creatinine level
Post by: Judith57 on October 05, 2014, 01:46:56 PM
Hi, can anybody help me please as I am googling myself into a right frenzy!

I took myself off to A&E in the week as I was in a bit of a panic about my liver, I had been unable to sleep due to a feeling of 'heaviness' just beneath my rib cage and was starting to fear for the state of my liver as I have been on anti-biotics almost non-stop since February and have recently been diagnosed with interstitial cystitis.

Anyway, my liver was fine but they pointed out some abnormalities with my renal profile. The creatinine level was 90 and the normal range is between 45-84. The Estimated GFR was 56 and the normal range is 70-130. I also had a raised Neutrophil count. Also, I have noticed that my urine has a smell like boiled bacon which can apparently indicate nitrates (or nitrites) can't remember which. I am really worried now as some of the sites seem to indicate stage 2 kidney disease.  I do know I shouldn't google but I can't help myself!

Has anyone else had experience of this? Could it just be that I am dehydrated?
Title: Re: Raised creatinine level
Post by: Hattie on October 05, 2014, 02:45:33 PM
I can't answer you i'm afraid Judith but just wondered if it is worth ringing NHS Direct 111 if you are worried.

They have always been very good whenever i have rung and if noone can answer they get someone to ring you back. I haven't rung the new 111 number but hopefully they are as good.

Hattie X
Title: Re: Raised creatinine level
Post by: Limpy on October 05, 2014, 02:47:52 PM
Might be an idea to talk to your GP?
Title: Re: Raised creatinine level
Post by: Rowan on October 05, 2014, 03:24:20 PM
Normally if you go to A&E and they do tests they then are sent on to your GP, have you rung to see if they have received them, usually if there is anything to worry about your Surgery will ring you to make an appointment.

Judith57 I would phone your Surgery tomorrow.

Title: Re: Raised creatinine level
Post by: Judith57 on October 05, 2014, 04:49:33 PM
Thank you everyone, I will phone my GP tomorrow and try not to get too worked up!
Title: Re: Raised creatinine level
Post by: CLKD on October 05, 2014, 06:33:28 PM
Stop GOOGLING  ;D but we all do don't we  ::) ……….. hopefully the A&E will have faxed a copy of the results by the morning, therefore your GP may well ring you: but do contact the Surgery to find out. 

Well done for going to A&E, important to be seen sooner rather than later when we feel 'out of sorts'.  Someone symptoms can seem worse when at home.
Title: Re: Raised creatinine level
Post by: Judith57 on October 05, 2014, 06:50:12 PM
What did we do before GOOGLE? We didn't scare ourselves to death, that's what. Just used to rely on a medical encyclopaedia and what the doctor said!

I scare myself silly half the time and OH keeps threatening to confiscate my I-pad  >:(
Title: Re: Raised creatinine level
Post by: CLKD on October 05, 2014, 06:57:18 PM
Yep.  What we need to remember is that 'google' doesn't always be truthful  ;)
Title: Re: Raised creatinine level
Post by: oldsheep on October 13, 2014, 04:04:40 PM
I've also been told I have 'stage 2 kidney disease'. I went into panic mode, but the GP and a specialist (endocrinologist) told me that it's all about the ratio, not just the creatinine reading, and that some deterioration at our age ( ::)) is common and not to worry.
Check with your GP?
Title: Re: Raised creatinine level
Post by: Judith57 on October 13, 2014, 05:59:03 PM
I went to see my GP and he already had a letter fron Guys with my renal profile, he then said that what is considered an abnormal creatinine level at Guys Hospital is considered within the normal range at Lewisham. Anyway, he has given me a blood test request form and has requested a full blood count and renal profile to recheck everything. Will report back......
Title: Re: Raised creatinine level
Post by: oldsheep on October 15, 2014, 05:48:26 PM
My 'stage 2' was from QEH, Woolwich so it's strange how it varies from hospital to hospital. Both Guys and Lewisham are excellent (QEH not....).
I hope you sort it out and it's nothing to worry about.
Title: Re: Raised creatinine level
Post by: Judith57 on October 15, 2014, 05:57:51 PM
Thank you old sheep, I will report back a soon as I get the results  :)
Title: Re: Raised creatinine level
Post by: Henrietta on October 16, 2014, 10:40:16 AM
Hi Judith
I just wanted to say , "Don't panic"- I've read loads of kidney sites for caring purposes and even if it is stage 2 CKD, this can be slowed right down and improved with diet etc. It is better to find out early when things can be done than slide the slippery slope to the point when it needs to be managed rather than treated.
Title: Re: Raised creatinine level
Post by: Judith57 on October 16, 2014, 02:54:43 PM
Thank you Henrietta, I have been for my blood tests this morning so should know in a few days....
Title: Re: Raised creatinine level
Post by: oldsheep on October 17, 2014, 04:13:12 PM
Henrietta, what are the diet suggestions please?
Title: Re: Raised creatinine level
Post by: Taz2 on October 17, 2014, 05:22:35 PM
Details here on CKD - not sure if it's already been posted http://www.britishkidney-pa.co.uk/images/stories/patient_information_leaflets/BKPA_Chronic_Kidney_Disease.pdf

Taz x
Title: Re: Raised creatinine level
Post by: oldsheep on October 18, 2014, 09:10:53 AM
thanks Taz
GP's never mentioned any follow up kidney function tests. Mind you, getting any tests or referrals out of them now is pretty difficult.
He just said 'stage 2: don't worry about it'. He knows I'm an anxious patient.
Title: Re: Raised creatinine level
Post by: Judith57 on October 26, 2014, 01:48:52 PM
Well phoned my GP on Friday and the receptionist said my full blood count and renal profile were both normal. I wish I had asked for the actual numbers for the kidney function test though as my GP told me that what was considered outside the normal range at Guys was considered normal by Lewisham and my blood tests were done by Lewisham....

Old Sheep, I think you must live close to me as I see from your posts that you cycle in Greenwich Park. I used to do that, going down was great but not so easy coming back up!  ;)
Title: Re: Raised creatinine level
Post by: babyjane on October 26, 2014, 03:04:25 PM
Judith57 and Oldsheep, is Greenwich anywhere near Plumstead?
Title: Re: Raised creatinine level
Post by: Judith57 on October 26, 2014, 03:13:00 PM
Hi Babyjane, yes Plumstead is very near Greenwich  :)
Title: Re: Raised creatinine level
Post by: babyjane on October 26, 2014, 03:52:38 PM
Oh thanks,   My husband's late grandparents (he never knew them) lived in Plumstead and are in Plumstead Cemetery.  I thought I remembered him mentioning Greenwich  :)

I am clueless when it comes to London  ???
Title: Re: Raised creatinine level
Post by: Judith57 on October 26, 2014, 04:11:42 PM
Greenwich and Plumstead are both in SE London  :)