Protein in urine - please help

[MissHippo86]

Hi everyone,

can someone please help?

I had a urine test sample taken a fair few days after receiving my HbA1c result.

GP phones me today telling me I have protein in my urine and it’s slightly higher than it should be- its 4.4 but should be under 3 and he wants me to take ramipril (BP medication I was told).

I refused to take metformin hoping low carb and fasting will help. In less than 10 days, I’ve got my morning levels to less than 5.5 and my after meals to less than 7 so going well.

on the day the urine sample was taken, I did exercise and I’m also drinking 4 litres of water daily. Could these have an effect on the result? I really don’t want to take medicines if I don’t have to

also does this protein issue improve with improving HbA1c results?

Is there a private blood test that I can have done which will get me an accurate function of my kidneys? If so, what is it called please?

thank you!

 

[Drummer]

Is there some reason to drink so much water in a day?

 

[MissHippo86]

Is there some reason to drink so much water in a day?

I found it helps to keep headaches and hunger at bay. I also do intensive exercise daily

 

[Loobyloo]

I was always lead to believe that drinking too much water can put a strain on kidneys. I believe healthy amount is 2L for a woman and 2.5L for a man. Perhaps ask the GP about your water intake. Maybe you do need more if you exercise intensively but wonder if you need double.

 

[Loobyloo]

Oh and in reply to your other question my kidney function has improved with weight loss and getting my Hba1c within normal range. That may be just because tested at different time and natural fluctuation of results but think good control can stop kidney disease getting worse.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Sorry to hear that you have had a little extra protein found in your urine than the reference range would like.

I have had some checks over the years where microalbuminuria was slightly raised, then other later ones where it seemed to have cleared up (or at least they didn’t mention it again).

I think microalbumin is a urine check, and U&E is the kidney-related blood check.

It was explained to me that the kidneys act as a very fine mesh, filtering the blood, and that increased blood pressure and excess glucose can cause damage over time, making slightly larger holes, through which tiny traces of protein can pass.

There are multiple stages of kidney disease, but i believe it really helps to keep both your BP and BG as in-range as possible.

Is there any particular reason why you are reluctant to take BP meds - it may not be a permanent thing?

 

[MissHippo86]

Oh and in reply to your other question my kidney function has improved with weight loss and getting my Hba1c within normal range.

thank you, do you still take meds for it?

 

[MissHippo86]

Sorry to hear that you have had a little extra protein found in your urine than the reference range would like.

I have had some checks over the years where microalbuminuria was slightly raised, then other later ones where it seemed to have cleared up (or at least they didn’t mention it again).

It was explained to me that the kidneys act as a very fine mesh, filtering the blood, and that increased blood pressure and excess glucose can cause damage over time, making slightly larger holes, through which tiny traces of protein can pass.

There are multiple stages of kidney disease, but i believe it really helps to keep both your BP and BG as in-range as possible.

Is there any particular reason why you are reluctant to take BP meds - it may not be a permanent thing?

Just unsure if I’d be stuck on them forever and someone mentioned they feel dizzy taking them

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Just unsure if I’d be stuck on them forever and someone mentioned they feel dizzy taking them

Do you remember how elevated your blood pressure was?

Dizziness may have been someone on too high a dose?

 

[Loobyloo]

thank you, do you still take meds for it?

I am taking Metformin 500mg for Diabetes but nothing for Kidneys as not deemed too bad by my GP.

 

[VICTOR HILL]

i am always being told 8 pint a of fluid a
WW2 DOC ON THE RAILWAY IN JAPAN KEEPED PEAPLE ALIVE WITH WATER ONLY AS DEHYDRATION IS WORSE
I HAVE just been in a very huge operation given fluids and food by line 8 days with only water to drink still here repair of the bladder low gut some removed and lymph node removed TOUGH but good NHS
VIC

 

[MissHippo86]

Th

I am taking Metformin 500mg for Diabetes but nothing for Kidneys as not deemed too bad by my GP.

Ah great amazing do you remember what your number was for protein in kidneys?

 

[MissHippo86]

Do you remember how elevated your blood pressure was?

Dizziness may have been someone on too high a dose?

My blood pressure is normal

 

[AJLang]

thank you, do you still take meds for it?

The ramipril is prescribed to try to slow down/prevent further deterioration in your kidneys. If a GP precribed Them to me because of protein I wouldn’t hesitate to take them and if there are side effects then you can ask for an alternative.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

My blood pressure is normal

That’s interesting. I wonder if there’s a lower target which has been shown to be beneficial if protein is detected?

 

[EmmaL76]

I know athletes can have increased protein in urine, something like proteinuria. When you say intense.. how intense ? Just a thought , but try not to worry xx

 

[Pumper_Sue]

Sometimes an infection can cause protein in your urine.

 

[MissHippo86]

Sometimes an infection can cause protein in your urine.

Thank you, I’ll definitely redo my test

 

[MissHippo86]

I know athletes can have increased protein in urine, something like proteinuria. When you say intense.. how intense ? Just a thought , but try not to worry xx

thank you, I’m definitely not an athlete. It’s mainly HIIT workouts for about 45 minutes daily

 

[EmmaL76]

thank you, I’m definitely not an athlete. It’s mainly HIIT workouts for about 45 minutes daily

Well that sounds pretty athletic to me at the moment. Mind you yesterday I managed a HIIT the sofa workout.