Okay. Well for starters don't be too concerned until you know details. It can mean many things. People can have transient protein in their urine for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it can even be because the lab let the specimen sit too long. It's not automatically associated with kidney failure just because you have Lupus. That being said it is still a possibility that shouldn't be ignored especially given your diagnosis. Not sure why your Lupus doctor isn't on it right away but by either way it's a good idea to follow up on it as soon as possible. Rule number one of having Lupus, ALWAYS get a copy of your lab work and start keeping it. I keep mine in a big binder that I hand to every new doctor to look through. This way because labs fluctuate you have proof of prior positives etc and also you want to look at those labs with your own eyes. Medical staff become complacent with results that are abnormal. Review your labs. Ask questions. Educate yourself. You are your best medical advocate from the point of being diagnosed with Lupus forward.

If there continues to be protein in your urine ask to see a renal specialist the only way to know what stage of kidney involvment there is is to do a kidney biopsy...I have stage 5 lupus nephritis & it can go from a 3 to 4 very quickly or never so I'm closely monitored with labs by my specialist, RA doc, & so on. Try not to stress just make sure your being taken care of properly. Good luck! :)

For future reference, I always get a copy of my lab results. I have researched every single thing I have ever been tested for and created a spreadsheet of my blood work for the last 5 years so I can keep track of my results. I live in Texas, so the labs you use may be different, but the two biggest ones out here are Quest and LabCorp. Both have websites and apps that you can download and get access to all the labwork you've ever had done through them. I don't like not having the information in my hands, and always do my own research. I do believe protein in your urine is related to kidney function, but that does not necessarily mean you have kidney failure. If you catch it early enough, there might be some simple things you can do to keep it from getting worse. A healthy diet and lots of water can help. Although I understand many people with Lupus have kidney issues. Thankfully that has not been a concern for me just yet, and I know what Lupus decides to attack a certain organ, there may not be alot you can do to stop it. But maintaining a healthy lifestyle and keeping track of your lab results is always a good idea. Best of luck to you! (and personally I don't think having Lupus would prevent you from doing your job, but I understand your hesitation in not sharing that information). My only concern with driving would be with fatigue,

You should monitor the protein level. Low levels are not of much concern. If the levels rise, then you do need further work up. About half of us have kidney involvement. Have a discussion with your doctor.

@A MyLupusTeam Member Look into it further. I had protein in my urine & it is because I have end stage 3 Chronic Renal failure.

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