kidney problems

[The PM]

Can anyone out there, preferably in Australia, give advice on their experiences with glomerulonephritis, thought to be IgA Nephropathy (yet to be confirmed via kidney biopsy)?

I see CASA will"usually certify" but was wondering just how likely this is for a Class 1 ? Thanks in advance.

[The PM]

bump....anyone?

[aussiepax]

Hi, new to this forum, but i happen to be a urologist in sydney.

I'm not a D.A.M.E. for CASA purposes, but it sounds like there shouldn't be a problem unless you have very impaired or rapidly deteriorating kidney function, which is possible , but unusual wih most IgA nephropathy / glomerulonephritis (GN).

IgA is the most common type of GN, and is usually found by way of microscopic blood and protein in the urine test. Long term there is a small chance of chronic kidney failure. Mostly it will be far less problematic, just requiring monitoring of blood tests and urinalysis, often medication with "ACE inhibitors". More soon

[The PM]

Cheers Aussiepax!

Still early days as far as my diagnosis is concerned.Got to tell you, i'm not looking forward to the kidney biopsy! As its still about 4 weeks until I see the nephrologist again to review my test results over the last few weeks and ask him questions, can you fill me in on what to expect with this procedure, as I'm stressing a bit at the thought of a massive needle being put into me! What they have told me so far is to lose about 10kgs, and put me on perindopril to lower the BP slightly.Cheers!

[aussiepax]

Hi.
Wt loss and perindopril will be important. The perindopril not only lowers the BP but also minimises protein leak from the kidney (i.e reduces proteinuria) which is all for the good.
The biopsy is just under local, and maybe some sedation. A fine needle is used to take a core of tissue from the kidney, which can be quite deep in, but the kidney itself isn't that sensitive (pain wise) compared to skin, so once the local is in it may not be too bad. The main thing will be your physician will explain what to expect each step of the way. Some rest will be advised after the biopsy to minimise bruising (haematoma) around the kidney. There may be some visible blood in the urine afterwards, and this almost always settles spontaneously. Serious bleeding or major kidney damage is quite rare.

[Pseudonymn]

The_PM, have they scheduled your biopsy yet?

[The PM]

Nar, see the specialist on April 10, should be within 2 or 3 weeks tho.