Posts by Robert Nelson12

A colleague of mine went through a very similar situation. However, since one of his kidneys had almost completely lost its function due to a tumor, removing it didn't actually make much of a difference in his day-to-day life. He just lived normally—no medications required, though he did start paying a bit more attention to his diet, and that was pretty much it.

Terry Davis40 said:Sarah Johnson11, thanks for the breakdown 🙂

Robert Nelson12, glad to hear you're feeling better 🙂

thanks everyone—it helps a bit, I guess, having people actually listen and offer advice 🙂 🙂

Thanks! 😍

Terry Davis40 said:Sarah Johnson11, thanks for the breakdown 🙂

Robert Nelson12, glad to hear you're feeling better 🙂

thanks everyone—it helps a bit, I guess, having people actually listen and offer advice 🙂 🙂

No need to thank me! If you ever just need to vent—or if you have some good news to share—please feel free to do so. Honestly, talking through this whole ordeal helped me quite a bit, too. I think if it weren't for the wonderful people who were willing to patiently listen and share their own experiences and advice, I probably would have had a much harder time getting through all of this.
I’m sending them a massive middle finger.😍😍
For the most part, just ask whatever is on your mind. We'll try to help you out if we can and if we actually know the answer.

Bradley Young,
First off, I have to ask—has the little one seen a nephrologist yet?
I actually had a scintigraphy done myself once, and it showed that my right kidney is smaller than the left. Naturally, that means its function is a bit lower, but it wasn't enough to be genuinely concerning.
What might be a bit unsettling is when they report significantly lower separate clearance values for that smaller kidney, but since it’s notably smaller than the other side, I suspect that's actually quite normal—or at least acceptable—in these kinds of cases.
From what I can see here, the renal blood flow seems to be within the normal range, which suggests they are functioning reasonably well despite the size difference.
Look, I don't think there's any reason to panic, especially since most of this falls within the normal limits. That said, I'm certainly no doctor, and having a toddler of my own, I completely understand how stressful this must feel for you.
Do whatever you feel is best. If it will give you some peace of mind, maybe take them in for an earlier follow-up or just get a second opinion from your pediatrician first. Even if they aren't a specialist, they should be able to offer some guidance.
I'm wishing you guys the very best, and I truly hope the little one is doing okay! I'll be rooting for you, and if you don't mind, please let me know how the follow-up goes.
Hang in there, and good luck!!😘😘😘

Terry Davis40 your blood pressure numbers look great! Mine won't even drop below 120/80 right now, even though I'm on two different types of medication. It rarely hits 110/70.
Your test results seem solid too. The only thing I noticed is a slightly elevated red blood cell count in your urine sediment (if I recall correctly, the normal range is 0-2). My levels were up at 14 or 15 when my gynecologist put me on antibiotics. But in your case, that might just be—and it probably is—a result of the ureaplasma.
My own diagnosis isn't quite as severe. Of course, it’s nothing to take lightly, but thank God the condition is in full remission now. 🙏
That said, I have to stick to a specific diet and avoid strenuous physical activity. As for the diet, it means:
Eating completely salt-free food, cutting back on protein—like meat—avoiding deli meats, salami, or pâté, and skipping carbonated drinks (including sparkling water)... it’s nothing extreme, just something that requires discipline. Now that I've adjusted to it, it isn't much of a struggle.
You can find more details about this in the glomerulonephritis thread, which covers both the nature of these conditions and how we manage daily life with them.
Whatever you do, don't start worrying prematurely; there's certainly no need for that while you're pregnant. I remember how stressful it was for me when doctors kept panicking and abruptly left me in the hospital...🙄
But you should definitely get all the necessary tests done, even if they are somewhat limited because of your pregnancy.
If you have any questions at all, feel free to ask us. 🙂

Hi Terry Davis40 (and hi Sarah Johnson11 😉)!

My doctors also caught kidney issues during my pregnancy. Ever since I found out I was pregnant, there were constantly elevated red blood cells in my urine. My OB-GYN put me on antibiotics because she was convinced it was just some kind of infection. I even had swabs done, which came back fine. But then my blood pressure started climbing, and around my fifth month, they did a quick dipstick test for protein in my urine—it immediately came back as +++. My nurse told me right then that something was going wrong with my kidneys.
To make a long story short (not to drone on too much), a 24-hour urine collection confirmed proteinuria, which led to me being rushed to the hospital with a diagnosis of EPH gestosis (edema, proteinuria, hypertension), even though I didn't actually have any swelling. After giving birth, further testing revealed that I actually have an autoimmune disease called IgA nephropathy, which falls under the category of glomerulonephritis (similar to what Sarah Johnson11 is dealing with, though her situation is a bit different). On top of that, one of my kidneys is smaller than the other and is mobile, which causes those little tubes leading from the kidney to the bladder to kink. I didn't have any symptoms or pain at all; honestly, if I hadn't gotten pregnant, I probably wouldn't have even known I had this condition.
By the way, did they check your protein levels? How is your blood pressure holding up? I’d really suggest (and I know Sarah Johnson11 already mentioned this) getting that 24-hour urine test done so you can see exactly where your protein levels stand. Proteinuria—having excess protein in your urine—can affect fetal development (my doctor mentioned it could lead to certain malformations), though I had proteinuria throughout my entire pregnancy and, thank God, my little girl is perfectly healthy. That said, proteinuria isn't good for you either, as it can cause kidney damage.
It seems very likely that if your doctor is this concerned, she'll refer you to a nephrologist, and they'll be able to give you some real answers...
Anyway, that's just my experience, and it doesn't necessarily mean you're facing the same thing.
Let me know when you hear anything new...

Terry Cruz3 said:If we go against common sense, I suppose we’re essentially choosing to get sick. If we already know the damage caused by smoking, drinking, or just living an undisciplined lifestyle, then isn't it basically picking out our own illnesses? And then, predictably, we turn to doctors expecting some kind of magic pill to fix everything. I’m not talking about serious congenital issues or genetic predispositions here—most "everyday" ailments could probably be avoided if people were more careful.

I both agree and disagree with this...
What I mean is, not every smoker ends up with lung cancer, and not every heavy drinker develops cirrhosis... and so on. But they certainly invite trouble, and there's no doubt they significantly ramp up the risk of those specific diseases.
Of course, I think our mindset and how we feel can influence how a disease progresses—and maybe a negative attitude attracts negativity—but I still suspect it takes a whole host of different factors coming together at once to create the chaos that actually leads to illness.

Hannah Cox16 said:Here is my take on a solution😛First off, life is far too short to dwell on these things. Second, hold a little "family meeting" at home and be honest with everyone about how you're feeling; tell them you're going to seek professional help and ask them to give you some space while you work through this. Third, go to your primary care physician and ask for a full panel of bloodwork, urine tests, hormone checks, thyroid levels—the whole nine yards. Once you confirm that everything is physically fine, you can move to the next step. Fourth, go see a psychiatrist and lay it all out just like you did here on the forum. And just so you know, someone else's advice on a forum like this was actually the catalyst that led me to follow this exact sequence. The result? Everything is better than okay! There really is no excuse for being lazy toward your own well-being!👍

Actually, my family already knows how I feel, and they’ve been incredibly supportive. My mom even suggested that if things don't improve, I should probably see a psychiatrist. I’m constantly getting my blood and urine checked, and I’ve already had my thyroid tested (everything came back normal), mostly because I deal with kidney issues that require monthly checkups. I was actually at the clinic today, and my doctor referred me to a psychiatrist because the medications I'm currently taking can trigger psychological symptoms—in some cases, even psychotic episodes, personality shifts, or severe depression. My nephrologist believes everything I'm experiencing is just a side effect of the medication, and that it should subside once I stop the treatment...
Anyway, I'm going to see the psychiatrist and see what happens. Whether it's a side effect or something else, I need to get this resolved.

It looks like it’s been a while since anyone posted anything here, but I have a question...
So, here’s the situation:
I have an autoimmune condition called IgA nephropathy, specifically a form of glomerulonephritis (kidney disease). My treatment plan includes Medrol 32mg (a corticosteroid/immunosuppressant).
Because of that medication, my immune system is pretty much compromised—it's significantly weakened. About a month ago, I underwent pulse therapy (high-dose IV Medrol), and I had to get some tests done: nasal, throat, and urine cultures. The urine came back sterile and the throat swab was fine, but my nasal swab showed *Streptococcus pneumoniae*.
I won't get the official results back until Monday, at which point I can take them to my primary care physician, but I was wondering how dangerous that specific bacterium might be in my case, given how suppressed my immunity is right now?

quoting:
cyclosporine is an "immunosuppressant" used to suppress the immune system in patients dealing with severe rheumatoid arthritis, intense psoriasis, or those who have undergone bone marrow transplants. If cyclosporine levels get too high, it can trigger seizures and significantly increase the risk of side effects.

For what it’s worth, I’m currently on Medtronic (which falls under the same immunosuppressant umbrella—specifically a corticosteroid from the glucocorticoid group), and let me tell you, the list of side effects is exhaustive. But with these kinds of drugs, doctors generally weigh whether the benefits of treating the actual disease outweigh the "downsides." Basically, the potential harm is often considered acceptable compared to the relief the medication provides. I don't have firsthand experience with cyclosporine, but from my time on corticosteroids, I've dealt with weight gain, water and salt retention (swelling, moon face), acne, stomach issues, high cholesterol, and certain mental health shifts like nervousness, anxiety, and mood swings. Since these drugs are designed to lower your immunity, you end up more vulnerable to infections and inflammation, so constant monitoring is mandatory—regular blood work, swabs, and even OBGYN checkups—just to make sure some dormant infection isn't flaring up. You also have to keep a close eye on cyclosporine levels in the blood to prevent them from spiking, which is definitely not ideal. I hope this gives you at least a little bit of perspective, though I'm hoping someone who actually uses cyclosporine chimes in so you can get some firsthand info.
Besides, it doesn't necessarily mean you'll deal with a mountain of side effects; everyone reacts to medication differently.
Good luck!

Hannah Cox16 said:Everyone is just getting on my nerves lately. I feel incredibly irritable, on edge, and all I want to do is sleep. I have zero drive; even the simplest daily tasks feel like an uphill battle. It’s like I’ve completely lost my internal compass and any sense of motivation to keep pushing forward...
I’m essentially working purely out of obligation now, mostly because my career allows me to pull in a salary that's well above average—certainly enough to afford luxuries most people can only dream of—but I find myself physically unable to even get off my couch. I tried to jump back into a fitness routine with some Pilates classes, but after showing up twice, I just couldn't bring myself to go back. I have two grandchildren who are absolute joys in my life, yet even an hour or two with them feels exhausting. Socializing with friends or hosting guests at the house feels like a massive chore; it’s draining, tedious, and frankly, just boring. Everything feels hollow right now, and I can't seem to find any spark of joy in anything I do. I am just so tired of everything. I desperately need a reason to keep going, a lever to help me jumpstart my life again...

I suppose I'm in the exact same boat...
I'm constantly on edge—and I mean literally. Every little thing grates on my nerves. I have no energy, and absolutely no willpower to get started on anything. I've been neglecting my husband and my friends; the only thing I really try for is spending time with my child, since she's pretty much the only thing keeping me together right now. I have no desire to socialize; I just want to be alone and have some peace. It feels like I'm carrying this massive weight on my shoulders, even though there isn't any obvious reason for it. It's as if I've just stalled out in one spot and I have no idea how to start moving again... I just don't know...

analogpuma0, I’m not quite sure what to tell you...
I seem to be dealing with similar symptoms, though my issues appear to stem from an autoimmune condition. I take Helex too, but very sparingly because I have a young child at home; whenever I do take it, it just knocks me out so completely that I can't function for the rest of the day—I get so drowsy I can barely stay on my feet. To be honest, I haven't actually seen a psychiatrist; my nephrologist was the one who prescribed the Helex. I am actually considering seeking professional help regarding this, as I have certain symptoms that I might not be able to fully attribute to my illness. It isn't like I have massive life crises or anything; just the usual stuff... stress, worrying about work, the mortgage, the paycheck... but I have this crushing drop in energy, mood swings, a general sense of apathy, a low tolerance for everything, extreme sleepiness, constant fatigue, that nervous knot in my stomach, and excessive sweating—just under the arms, that nervous kind. Pick your poison. I kept trying to blame it all on having a toddler (you know, the sleep deprivation and all), but lately, it has really crossed a line.
You mentioned switching back to Zoloft; did you consult with a psychiatrist before doing that? If you didn't, I think it would be a good idea, and I'll probably do the same since I can't keep going like this. I feel like I'm stuck in this endless loop, and clearly, I can't fix it on my own.
And that feeling of being a prisoner to your own thoughts... it's like I'm watching myself. Except, I don't sleep during the day because I simply don't have the time, but once I lie down at night... sometimes my head actually aches from thinking so much. Sometimes I just spiral into these dark thoughts, which leaves me totally frazzled, and then I end up feeling "sick" for three days afterward because I just can't shake them off.
The mind is a strange thing...

Look, I’m certainly no expert, but I deal with enough health issues to require blood pressure checks twice a day, and frankly, my track record with digital monitors hasn't been great. My doctor actually mentioned that they tend to have certain discrepancies when compared to those manual ones—you know, the cuff style or the mercury versions that are supposedly the gold standard for accuracy. Since my digital monitor didn't make any noise during the reading, I can't really say if that's a sign of a malfunction or not, but again, my experience with digital devices just isn't very reassuring. Maybe try to find a way to borrow a manual pump-style one? If you use that instead, you'll at least be able to hear your pulse and see if there are any irregularities in your heartbeat while you take the reading.

It’s entirely possible this started happening because of the corticosteroids; after all, they are immunosuppressants. I remember being warned the moment I started my treatment that it would be incredibly easy to pick up every bug going around due to a weakened immune system. Now, I find myself having to get nasal and throat swabs, urine cultures, and if I have a cough that lasts more than three days, I pretty much head straight for antibiotics...

And what else can I say... corticosteroids aren't exactly harmless, though they certainly do their job. What you might consider doing is asking your primary care physician to send you in for regular testing—swabs, urine samples, blood work—just to see if there's any potential "threat" so it can be nipped in the bud immediately. In any case, you’ll just have to be mindful of a hundred other things now, unfortunately.

I’m currently on corticosteroids myself because I’m dealing with an autoimmune condition. It’s a fact that they act as immunosuppressants—essentially dialing down your immune system—and yeah, they come with a long list of side effects, ranging from the minor nuisances to the much more serious stuff. But honestly, you might experience them, or you might not; it really just depends on the individual. One thing I will say, though, is please don't go abruptly stopping your treatment. Everything regarding that has been covered before, but I personally don't think any alternative is going to be able to replicate or balance out those hormone levels in your body 🤷 this isn't something you should be experimenting with.

Personally, whenever I'm under a lot of stress—or if I'm just feeling angry, jittery, or even slightly unsettled—I get this exact same kind of flushing. I usually just call them "spots" because that's pretty much what they look like. It’s as if I break out all over my neck, chest, and face; I basically turn bright red, if you can believe it. It’s especially noticeable when someone really pushes my buttons.😠
I'm not entirely sure what triggers it, though I think I read somewhere that it might have some psychological roots.🤷

And no, it isn't fatal.🤣 If it were, I probably would've been six feet under a long time ago.😂

Chloe White87 said:I stumbled upon this thread—I know it’s pretty old, but I’m dealing with something similar. My left kidney is hurting, my back pain is so bad I can barely walk, and the scariest part is that it feels like my kidney has shifted outward and looks swollen. 😲 😢

I just got back from the ER; they gave me two shots, and I have all my other tests scheduled for tomorrow... honestly, I'm terrified. 😲

Could this possibly be a kidney stone? 🤷

I saw a urologist recently because I have kidney issues too. He mentioned that the kidney itself doesn't actually cause pain. It's usually the stones or an inflammation in the ducts—the ones that carry everything from the kidney down to the bladder, I think. As for the feeling of the kidney shifting? Well, my right kidney is quite mobile, though I don't really feel it and it hasn't caused any issues for me. It might just be a stone.