@trishanna, my neph is from Mayo's. I can't get there and can't afford it even if I could but have every confidence in the docs at the 2 medical schools here and in my hospital. Maybe I'll know something more today. Lab results came in over the week-end so I know we can rule out autoimmune causes from my lab readings. I still say shingles, neph is doubtful. We may never know. My 2nd theory is elegantly simple, therefore probably accurate - my remaining partially functiioning kidney simply got tired and quit. It is what it is. Thank you for your support, I'll be forever grateful for these fora. Will keep you posted.