@littlebittexas [cool screen name!] Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. We are fellow patients who share our stories and experiences here, and help others on their own health journeys.

I am also a kidney disease patient, stage 4. Kidney disease can be a "quiet predator", in that many times it progresses slowly. You don't realize that there is an issue until later. Unfortunately, the majority of general practitioners do not have a great knowledge in kidney issues. If your primary dr will not refer you to a nephrologist, call your insurance and ask about self-referral. It is certainly better to pursue a specialist's opinion now.

In my experience, I had a wonderful general dr who sent me to an equally wonderful nephrologist, back in 2014. It has been quite the journey! There are many causes to kidney disease, including family history, high blood pressure, diabetes, lifestyle choices, certain medications, or like mine, a weird autoimmune disorder.

Please let me know what you decide to do, and if I can be of any help to pursue your decision! Will you do that?
Ginger