EXPERT
Dr. Laura Rankin, MD
Nephrology
Dr. Laura Rankin is a nephrologist practicing in Oklahoma City, OK. Dr. Rankin specializes in the care and treatment of the kidneys. As a nephrologist, Dr. Rankin most typically treats conditions like kidney stones, chronic kidney disease, acute renal failure, polycystuc kidney disease, high blood pressure and more. Nephrologists are also experts on kidney transplantation and dialysis. They are usually referred to by primary care physicians for problems related to the kidneys, and while they can perform tests to diagnose kidney disorders, they do not perform surgeries.
51 years
Experience
Dr. Laura Rankin, MD
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Accepting new patients
No results found
Other than creatinine, what are the signs of deteriorating kidney functions?
The creatinine level and the estimated GFR that is calculated from the creatinine level and other measurements are the best and earliest indicators. The physical signs are late READ MORE
The creatinine level and the estimated GFR that is calculated from the creatinine level and other measurements are the best and earliest indicators. The physical signs are late in the game, so watch the creatinine level.
After taking vitamin supplements urine changed color?
Probably due to the supplements--vitamin C is a likely culprit. Do the experiment--stop taking them, and if the urine resumes its normal color in 3-5 days, you nailed the reason. READ MORE
Probably due to the supplements--vitamin C is a likely culprit. Do the experiment--stop taking them, and if the urine resumes its normal color in 3-5 days, you nailed the reason.
Supplements that have 100% of the RDA of the various vitamins usually don't cause discoloration, and that is all you need anyway.
Supplements that have 100% of the RDA of the various vitamins usually don't cause discoloration, and that is all you need anyway.
What should you drink if you have kidney stones?
Enough of fluids so that you NEED to empty your bladder every 2 hours, and that you NEED to get up at night at least once to empty your bladder, and drink more then
How will a kidney with a cyst and slight enlargement affect my health?
Cysts in the kidney are fluid filled sacs. Sometimes they mean cancer, but usually they are what is called simple cysts, meaning no sign of cancer. I get the impression from what READ MORE
Cysts in the kidney are fluid filled sacs. Sometimes they mean cancer, but usually they are what is called simple cysts, meaning no sign of cancer. I get the impression from what you say that this was a simple cyst. It won't affect your health, if that is the case.
If I take a creatine supplement, will my normal levels drop when I stop?
Creatine is a muscle protein. It is converted in the body into creatinine. It would be predicted that the creatinine level would be higher when you were taking creatine, and therefore READ MORE
Creatine is a muscle protein. It is converted in the body into creatinine. It would be predicted that the creatinine level would be higher when you were taking creatine, and therefore would go lower when you stopped taking it.
How can children live with just one kidney?
God gave us extra. The remaining kidney will be able to adjust to a little extra load. In addition, he still has growth hormone present, and that will help the remaining kidney READ MORE
God gave us extra. The remaining kidney will be able to adjust to a little extra load. In addition, he still has growth hormone present, and that will help the remaining kidney grow bigger, so it will be even better able to adapt.
One in every 1000 people is born with only one kidney also.
One in every 1000 people is born with only one kidney also.
What are the medications recommended to treat renal hypertension?
Any of the group of medications for hypertension can be used.
After three years of my kidney transplant, my legs are beginning to swell up again. What should I do?
Your nephrologist and transplant team will be able to tell you
What are the treatment options for cystitis?
It depends on what kind of cystitis you have. If it is an infection, then antibiotics are needed. If it is another kind of cystitis, you will have to find out the details of READ MORE
It depends on what kind of cystitis you have. If it is an infection, then antibiotics are needed. If it is another kind of cystitis, you will have to find out the details of treatment from your doctor. Sometimes referral to a urologist is needed to assist in the best treatment.
I am suddenly having a lot of swelling in my feet. Could it be a kidney issue?
Maybe. See your doctor to have the blood tests done to see if it is a kidney problem.
What should I eat that's good for my kidneys?
No changes in your diet will make a difference, unless you are eating a LOT of protein. I'm talking about the high protein diets like some football players and some body builders READ MORE
No changes in your diet will make a difference, unless you are eating a LOT of protein. I'm talking about the high protein diets like some football players and some body builders will eat (to say nothing of supplementing with protein powder!!) If you are doing that, it would be wise to stop! Please talk to your doctor about the specific kind of kidney disease that is in your family, to see if there is something else to watch out for, and ask for a referral to a nephrologist if your doctor thinks that would be appropriate.
Is fatigue and extreme tiredness sign of kidney failure?
It may mean that the kidneys are very close to failing, or there may be another problem. I would suggest that you talk with your dad, to see what the doctors are telling him. READ MORE
It may mean that the kidneys are very close to failing, or there may be another problem. I would suggest that you talk with your dad, to see what the doctors are telling him. He may know that you are nervous about him dying soon, and therefore is not talking with you. However, both you and he may be better discussing that he will probably die before you, one way or another, and you really want him to know that you love him and treasure him, and that whatever he chooses as his way is good with you.
What could be the cause of pain while urinating?
May things can cause this, and you need to see your doctor for testing.
My first USG showed a calculi of 2 cms and the next showed nothing. Is it possible?
That is one big stone! It would be highly unlikely that you would not notice passing it. Are you sure that both ultrasounds were yours?? Talk with your doctor.
Can kidney infections go away on their own?
Yes, sometimes the body will take care of the infection--drink plenty of fluids to try to wash the infection out, but if you get fever or chills, or start having nausea or vomiting, READ MORE
Yes, sometimes the body will take care of the infection--drink plenty of fluids to try to wash the infection out, but if you get fever or chills, or start having nausea or vomiting, you need to be seen by the doctor.
Why is my mother so breathless?
There may be fluid buildup if the kidneys are not eliminating fluids well. It may be a heart problem also.
She needs to be checked!
She needs to be checked!
Can kidney disease cause extreme bloating?
Maybe, or it may be an intestinal issue, or a liver issue, or a heart issue, or a lung issue. She needs to see her doctor.
How should pain be managed in kidney patients who are not on dialysis?
She should be seen, or at least her kidney doctor should be called to help.
Is coconut water safe for someone suffering from kidney disease?
It is safe but it will probably not help.
My son has difficulty using the bathroom?
He should be seen by a urologist, pediatric one if available.
