The diagnosis.

I met with Matt Esson today to get the official diagnosis. Matt is a nephrologist. Smart, cute, and a live stream of information in the most candid way.

Here's what I have, IgA-N, otherwise called Berger's Disease. IgA is a protein that helps the body fight infections. IgA Nephropathy occurs when too much of this protein is deposited in the kidneys. IgA builds up inside the small blood vessels of the kidney. Structures in the kidney called glomeruli become inflamed. Sounds worse than it is. Don't ask me more about it. The best I can describe is in this link.

 IgA 

IgA nephropathy progresses slowly. In many cases, it does not progress at all. High blood pressure, large quantities of protein in the urine, and increased BUN or creatinine levels (blood tests that reflect kidney functioning) indicate a higher risk for progression of the disorder.

I have low blood pressure, no abnormal symptoms, no pain, normal kidney function, no childhood diseases that could have potentially caused kidney damage. I go for a follow up in 4 weeks. Baby Zook should not be affected by this unless I were to develop preeclampsia which Matt does not believe is in the cards for me.