Hi Lilynette,

I had the same things for years. Nephrologist wanted to put me on rituximab also to participate in a research study.. My Nephrologist also suspected I had Lupus. How. I didn't have any symptoms or signs of Lupus. Drs decided to do a kidney cyst biopsy as well. IT was very frightening. Once I got to hospital doctor tells me. I am very sorry; however, I have decided I will not do a biopsy on your cyst in kidney which I understand is common with Glomerulonephritis. I was shocked as I had mentally prepare for this very uncomfortable procedure. Patient is numbed right above the biopsy sight . I would have preferred a Demerol pill to knock me out short term. Now I am more relived dr made this choice as there are risk factors involved when doing biopsy especially if there is possibility there could be malignancy. According to doctor cancer can spread. IT was a wise choice.
Dr office at major hospital in NYC billed medicare anyway or his staff billed Medicare.
I called them and said how dare you. I didn't have the biospsy procedure. This is called Ghost Billing and anyone that had any kind of procedures should watch what is paid by your insurance. This is illegal. I continued being very careful with diet. exercise and NO SALT, no caffeine, red meat, ect ect.
I had already gone through chemo drugs for breast cancer in my 40's and so no thanks to the Rituximab. I held out until I hit gfr of 17 then I got my kidney transplant. A CT SCAN of your abdomen is done before Kidney transplant as on occasion coronary issue are revealed and this needs to be addressed. You may be interest to read and learn about the new research with stem cell for kidney transplants at Mayo Clinic and George Washington University Hospital Georgetown? Research is being done using the donors stem cell that are given to the recipient. IF all works out person receiving kidney from sibling who match blood type and other criteria will help if you a person is selected to be part of this new research study. Not too many people have heard of the stem cell for kidney transplant. I suspect in years to come we will learn and know about what hospitals are interested in pursuing kidney transplants with stems cells If you were to find a matching donor. Having to take anti rejection medication is not easy. IT take a good amount of time for the body to adjust. Reminded me of chemo as My hair fell out totally. IT's a roller coaster ride. I found this info after I had my kidney transplant. Nine Months later it grew back. and curly too. I am permanently curly. haired now. Little freaky but no more messing with hair. Don't fear the condition you have just educate. yourself as much as. possible. Most importantly watch our diet, weight vip. exercise even walking to be in tip top shape should your GFR numbers fall. At the number you are at I don't believe you are even close to a kidney transplant. Best of Luck. Hope all works out for you.