Protein in Urine

[michymoomoo]

A big hello to all on this fantastic site.

I am a new member so please tolerate me until I get to know my way around.

I have recently had my 6 monthly check with the Diabetic Nurse. I rang for results, I was told the Hba1c was very good at 36. Not sure but I think that is 5.5 ?

I am however concerned as she told me that the results of the ACR test was 4, she explained this is slightly over the cut off and I need to provide another urine test for analysis.

I do not have any other figures to hand yet. My last egfr was above 90.

I am seriously worried what this protein in the urine might mean, I understand protein really should not be present. Does any one have personal experience of the same scenario ?

Thanks

M

 

[Redkite]

4 is very low, try not to worry - chances are the next test will be normal. Was this a first morning sample? If not, it could be postural proteinuria (normal minor loss of protein that some people experience due to physical activity). Illness can cause temporary proteinuria too.

 

[Redkite]

P.S. Normal range is 0-2. My son unfortunately has persistent microalbuminuria (highest ACR has been over 50), and takes a daily ACE inhibitor to try and keep it in range. It is a sign of early kidney damage, but the ACE inhibitors can help prevent further damage.

I presume you've been asked for a first morning sample to retest?

 

[michymoomoo]

No it was not the first sample of the day, had I been asked to do so then of course I would have.
I dont quite understand my good blood sugar results and yet I have rubbish protein result. I am wondering if it is my high blood pressure ? I am already on an ACE. 50 is a worrying result and kind of puts my measly 4 in some kind of perspective. I trust your son is doing ok now ?

 

[Redkite]

No it was not the first sample of the day, had I been asked to do so then of course I would have.
I dont quite understand my good blood sugar results and yet I have rubbish protein result. I am wondering if it is my high blood pressure ? I am already on an ACE. 50 is a worrying result and kind of puts my measly 4 in some kind of perspective. I trust your son is doing ok now ?

Don't worry, your protein isn't a rubbish result - and as I said, it can be completely normal in some people to excrete small amounts of protein when physically active, hence a first morning sample is more accurate (and ought to show no protein).

 

[michymoomoo]

Thanks for that info, so if the second result is still positive I will suggest that I have the opportunity to try a third (first morning) sample.
I might be clutching at straws, but for peace of mind it is worth it.

 

[Redkite]

Thanks for that info, so if the second result is still positive I will suggest that I have the opportunity to try a third (first morning) sample.
I might be clutching at straws, but for peace of mind it is worth it.

Yes definitely 🙂

 

[michymoomoo]

Received second result, unfortunately the protein is now measuring 6.5.
The Nurse has told me I must make an appointment to see the GP and I must now have more specific blood tests to determine kidney function ?
Naturally I am scared and am feeling irrantional
Any thoughts any one ?

 

[grovesy]

It is natural to have concerns, until till you have more tests and the results, you will not know what you are dealing with. Good luck.

 

[margie]

Here is a link to an article on why protein can appear in the blood, and what makes it more likely.

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Kidneyhealth/Documents/protein in urine.pdf

some causes like a uti are self limiting, others need treatment. However, as with all things the sooner somthing is discovered and the underlying cause found, the better it is for you. Hope it all works out for you

 

[michymoomoo]

Thanks Margie,

I guess I just have to bite the bullet and get the tests done, I think the worst part of investigations is the waiting game. Thinking the worse, I am upset because I have worked so hard to get my blood sugars under control, but the blood pressure is high and I am already on ACE blood pressure medications.
And Redkite, I did ask about the Protein being more evident in a sample which was not the first of the morning, the practice nurse dismissed me and insisted that we have done two tests now, protein is increasing, so no need. However I have also seen myself on line that it really should be an early morning sample , exactly as you have suggested. I did try honest.

 

[mikeyB]

If it's any consolation, I had proteinuria in 2013, but that was due to taking ibuprofen and later, Naproxen. Stopped those, and haven't had it since. Are you on any other medications?

 

[Redkite]

Try not to worry - have the blood tests done, but DO insist on bringing in another urine sample as well, a first morning one this time. My son is under the care of the specialist renal team at Gt Ormond St Hospital and they do know their stuff! For a time, his diabetes team were insisting on routinely testing a 12 hour sample (ie all urine over a 12 hour period goes into a jug) - his ACR from these was all over the place, and the renal nurse said categorically that this was obscuring any underlying trend, and the best and most accurate test was a first morning sample.

 

[michymoomoo]

If it's any consolation, I had proteinuria in 2013, but that was due to taking ibuprofen and later, Naproxen. Stopped those, and haven't had it since. Are you on any other medications?

I am on some blood pressure medications Candersartan and another, I dont think I have taken any over the counter meds .
I am pleased in your case the culprit for the proteinurea was identifed, thank you for the reply

 

[michymoomoo]

Try not to worry - have the blood tests done, but DO insist on bringing in another urine sample as well, a first morning one this time. My son is under the care of the specialist renal team at Gt Ormond St Hospital and they do know their stuff! For a time, his diabetes team were insisting on routinely testing a 12 hour sample (ie all urine over a 12 hour period goes into a jug) - his ACR from these was all over the place, and the renal nurse said categorically that this was obscuring any underlying trend, and the best and most accurate test was a first morning sample.

I have read this online also, and in addition I have read that the first morning urine sample is especially emphasised with children/adolescents. Thanks for the reply.

 

[graj0]

A big hello to all on this fantastic site.

I am seriously worried what this protein in the urine might mean, I understand protein really should not be present. Does any one have personal experience of the same scenario ?

Thanks

M

Sorry that I'm just getting to answer this. Try not to worry (easier said than done) I had similar some years ago and my GP on that occasion, after I mentioned that I was drink 4 or 5 pints of water in a day, suggested that it was literally washing protein out through my kidneys.
I'm sorry that I don't have anything to back that up scientifically, but I'm still here, teasing my GPs whenever I get a chance.

 

[michymoomoo]

Sorry that I'm just getting to answer this. Try not to worry (easier said than done) I had similar some years ago and my GP on that occasion, after I mentioned that I was drink 4 or 5 pints of water in a day, suggested that it was literally washing protein out through my kidneys.
I'm sorry that I don't have anything to back that up scientifically, but I'm still here, teasing my GPs whenever I get a chance.

Hi thanks for taking the time to reply, can I ask you (if you can remember) if you had to have blood tests at that time to check your kidneys. I have now had two ACR tests and both raised for protein, hence I have to have a more specialised blood test, it is encouraging to hear that there can sometimes be an innocent reason for protein. The first test I did drink extra water so I could provide the sample, the second test I did not drink anything extra. Wah...so worried, I think I have developed serious health anxiety over all this work up, waiting for eye screen results too (violins play in the background ) .

 

[michymoomoo]

Try not to worry - have the blood tests done, but DO insist on bringing in another urine sample as well, a first morning one this time. My son is under the care of the specialist renal team at Gt Ormond St Hospital and they do know their stuff! For a time, his diabetes team were insisting on routinely testing a 12 hour sample (ie all urine over a 12 hour period goes into a jug) - his ACR from these was all over the place, and the renal nurse said categorically that this was obscuring any underlying trend, and the best and most accurate test was a first morning sample.

I have looked through some of your posts and I think you have been very helpful to a lot of members on this forum, I am sure you are really appreciated. It must be so hard to look after your child with diabetes and also kidney concerns. I cant imagine how difficult that is, I can only say that unfortunately (happy ending coming) my daughter when aged 15 contracted Malaria and subsequently she experienced Acute Kidney Failure, this happened in Sub-Sahara Africa. I can tell you I had never felt happier than getting her home to GOS , the staff there were amazing and she remained under their care for 18 months, she is well now and I just want to let you know that I am sure her recovery was down to the excellent care she had there.

 

[graj0]

Hi thanks for taking the time to reply, can I ask you (if you can remember) if you had to have blood tests at that time to check your kidneys.

Both diabetes and high blood pressure can affect the kidneys in such a way that protein ends up in the urine. The blood tests should identify which preotein. Certain proteins in the blood may be elevated as your body fights an infection or some other inflammation.

I seem to remember that I did go for further blood test but for creatine kinase which indicated that I had inflammation in my muscles, I also had arthritis which I didn't need a blood test for, I could have told them that.

I think it's fair to say that there are several things affecting protein found in urine. I know my GP was very casual when telling me and I also know several people who have had protein in their urine, it doesn't seem to be unusual. Please try not worry, the further blood test will probably indicate that your worries are unfounded.

 

[michymoomoo]

Both diabetes and high blood pressure can affect the kidneys in such a way that protein ends up in the urine. The blood tests should identify which preotein. Certain proteins in the blood may be elevated as your body fights an infection or some other inflammation.

I seem to remember that I did go for further blood test but for creatine kinase which indicated that I had inflammation in my muscles, I also had arthritis which I didn't need a blood test for, I could have told them that.

I think it's fair to say that there are several things affecting protein found in urine. I know my GP was very casual when telling me and I also know several people who have had protein in their urine, it doesn't seem to be unusual. Please try not worry, the further blood test will probably indicate that your worries are unfounded.