Kidney problem not sure if AF related

[2brighteyes]

Taking Ditiazem and Apixaban twice daily for AF. Not agreeing with me but developed Bleedingvfrom bladder. Had tests and sent for ultra and CT scans. Referred to urinologist and now need further MRI and possible surgery to remove kidney! Shocked and worried. Has anyone else experienced this? Don't know if side affects from AF medication started it or if there had been an undiagnosed kidney problem initially before the diagnosis of AF which triggered the irregular heart beat. Can't get answers to these but investigation under urinologist proceeding fast. Keeping fingers crossed .

Think it essential to have regular blood and kidney function tests when taking any of these medications.

[Nanne]

Hi. That sounds awful. I developed kidney stones soon after my heart attack but have no idea which drug triggered the problem as I was constantly having them changed. Kidnet problems and heart medication is a common problem.

I have been fine on apixaban but diltiazem was not so clever. Need to see if you can try an alternative

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Nanne]

Kidney and gall stones are formed from calcium deposits. It does seem that if you have the tendency to develop narrowed arteries (often calcified) there is a tendancy for narrowed arteries elsewhere and stones. After they decided my arteries were to calcified for stents they did a kidney scan found a number, of fortunately, very small kidney stones. It is worth having a blood test to check calcium levels as other medical conditions can adversely affect this.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello and welcome to the forum! Are you by any chance diabetic as this can cause kidney damage. ACE inhibitors do seem to offer a degree of protection and even if a patient does not have BP a low dose can be beneficial. Another thought - have you had a UTI in recent times?

In addition to regular kidney function tests I would recommend liver function tests (LFT) particularly if on statins. Hopefully your kidney will not need removal - I am crossing my fingers for you!

[Hollybaz]

Hi have you considered cardioversion, I have done it 3 times, again recently. It was 3 and half years since the last cardioversion, in normal rhythm all the time for 3 and half years. The previous cardioversion lasted me 18 months, no drugs just what I have taken for decades Amlodipine and 25 mg Atenolol.

[redcake]

Thank you everyone for your comments you all so helpful. I am being admitted on 23 May for keyhole investigation on right kidney after abnormalities showing on ct scan. I will check on creatinine levels with Dr. Queston;Did the kidney stones show up on the ct scan as urologist did not detect this when I saw him? Thanks again.

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to redcake]

Kidney stones tend to show up equally well on CT scans and ultrasounds. Mine were spotted using ultrasound - a quick ten minute procedure. Ultrasound is often used to limit exposure to (X-ray) radiation which us hearties sometimes have a lot of. Ultrasound was also used for my cartoid arteries.