Hi, Linda.
It was very kind of you to check up on me. Happily, the re-done tests were all normal, including the 24-hour urine collection exam, as were the additional tests ordered for the second go-around, which included a 0/2-hour glucose tolerance test and HbA1c (that last one somehow gives some sort of "glucose history" for the past few months).
Personally, I'm inclined to attribute my original results to my having been scurrying around in a heat wave doing errands over the few days before the tests (alas, I had that exact type of day today, too!), and having just returned to the gym (which can cause protein in the urine).
However, today I visited an "outside" nephrologist, not affiliated with my transplant center. This was mainly to help interpret my labs, just so I really understood what was going on. As I'd posted earlier, I do trust my center, where the staff are competent and warm-hearted. But they are understaffed, and sometimes seem too harried to spend the time I'd like explaining where I stand, and why. I'm no control freak, but I prefer (make that, sort of need) to have a more clear picture than what I'd gotten so far. So I was very happy that he patiently spent a lot of time explaining the science behind the exams, which helped me to keep things straight.
Though he said my "re-done" labs looked fine, he decided to order one more 24-hr. urine collection, mainly to check for protein in the urine. As he explained it, "you had one bad set of results, and one good set: let's break the tie". Fair enough. Hopefully, my good fortune will continue.
By the way, the nephrologist also made a point to look me in the eye and remind me that I had no obligation to donate, I could back out at any time--even at the last moment--if I had any fears deep down, and that nobody had any claim to my kidney (in my case, he knew I'm not donating to a relative or friend). He also gave me his cell phone number and told me I could call him anytime with questions. Although I feel very comfortable with my decision (I had absolutely no pressure to donate from anybody; in fact, it sometimes seems as though I've had to bang on the doors to get the process up and running), I was definitely touched by his concern. I've never met him before, and may never again, but I was impressed.
{One slightly annoying thing about the new urine collection tests: I'll need a referral slip from my regular, "on-plan" doctor to take to the lab. My doc is only available in the afternoon, and the lab (and every other lab in town, I think) closes by mid-morning. So, tomorrow afternoon I'll try to get in to see my doctor to get the referral, and the next morning I'll try to run across town to the lab, to submit the referral form and get the specimen bottles. Then, I'll need to wait till early the following morning to start the collection, and run back across town 24 hours later to submit the specimen for analysis. There goes half my week....Since my transplant center is also not on the same plan as I am, I've had several weeks like this, when they order tests for which my own doc has to issue a referral for my own health plan (by which time the lab has closed, etc.), and each stage is another half-day of taking buses all over town. Still, I have it much easier than all the folks who have to fly cross-country to visit their transplant center! Mine is only 1-2 hours away, by ground transport.}
Anyway, Linda, thanks again for your concern (and sorry my answer was so long). How are you doing, these days?
Be well, Snoopy