Category: Chronic Renal Failure

A man went to see the doctor.

“What is ailing you?” the doctor asked.

“Doctor, I am not feeling too good.”

After a thorough examination, the doctor said, “I have bad news and I have good news. Which do you want to hear first?”

“Give me the bad news first,” said the man.

“One of your kidneys is atrophied and probably not functioning.”

“What is the good news then?”

“Well, you can still live with one kidney.”

That pretty well sums up the situation after the ultrasound of my abdomen. My right kidney is 10cm, which is a normal size, while the left is 7cm. The atrophy could be due to the reflux of the urine from my bladder back into the kidneys. This is a preliminary diagnosis by the radiologist. I still need to go back to see the urologist for further assessment and treatment. This checkup is pursuant to the blood test which showed an abnormally high serum creatinine and uric acid levels.

There are many advantages of having a doctor for a neighbour. Recently, I met Dr. Anthony. He stays at the block next to mine. When I told him I wanted to have my blood tested last Thursday, he instructed me to fast from 10pm onwards. The next morning, he came and extracted three vials of blood. No waiting. No fuss. I have been meaning to get my blood screened for diabetes and renal function for a while now. I should get my blood tested routinely because of my condition. What I dislike is the perennial long queue at the hospitals.

I received the report early this week. It stated that I am mildly anaemic and my Total Cholesterol/HDL is level slightly above average. Those are the least of my worries. However, my serum creatinine is way too high which is a concern. The creatinine is a yardstick for kidney health. Dr. Anthony will be making an appointment for me to see a nephrologist and urologist for further tests next week.