Heart Failure and Kidney Failure

[Curryandchips]

I have heart failure and now my kidneys are starting to degrade. (Egfr27)

Has anyone else been through this - are there any drugs that may help?

[Les5]

Was taken to hospital as was being sick all the time. Had a blood test and it came back that my kidneys where playing up. Totally different to what the doctor had said in the day. Was taken of a few heart tablets kept in hospital for 9 days then realised home. Still off the tablets that they stopped and lots of blood tests. Next appointment ( telephone call ) is next week don't seem to be in a rush. I am in and out of hospital due to hf. And the heart muscle is damaged

[Curryandchips in reply to Les5]

Thanks for that. Sounds like you are on the mend.

[stagename]

My kidneys were deteriorating after taking a cocktail of heart failure drugs. In the last 6 weeks the kidneys are improving , which is wonderful. It is a fine balance, I was told, between improving the heart and damaging the kidneys. It seems to be a case of getting the balance just right and careful monitoring. Stay strong, believe it is working, and try not to get stressed.

[Bingo88]

Hello Curryandchips. I have chronic kidney disease which was caused through only being born with 1 full size kidney and the other one was very small. But it was only found out when I was 40 years old. And sadly no medication will improve your kidney function. Just try to make sure you don't get water infections because that makes your function worse on the egfr. And it never recovers. I also now have a pacemaker and also copd. And my egfr is 33. Used to be 48 until I had water infection 4 years ago that put me in hospital for 5 days to clear it up. Only other option is dialysis. Hope you keep well and positive like i try to do. Brian

[Curryandchips in reply to Bingo88]

Are you on restrictive water consumption? I'm on 2.5 litres a day

[Bingo88 in reply to Curryandchips]

Not a certain limit I was just told to drink 2 litres a day because it flushes your kidneys out. But you can drink too much water and flood the body i was told

[Curryandchips in reply to Bingo88]

Yes, that's what I was told - too much water is a strain on the heart. Hard to have a beer when you are capped at 2.5 litres!

[Bingo88 in reply to Curryandchips]

Just incorporate your beer into your daily allowance and drink less water. We all like a few pints occasionally. Alcoholics have not drowned yet through drinking everyday so once in a while to have a few pints will be ok

[WardijaWardija in reply to Bingo88]

Nevermind if within your fluid allowance . . Beer every day ??? Really . . . and you're suggesting this as a chronic kidney disease sufferer ?? Hasn't served you so well eh.

[Bingo88 in reply to WardijaWardija]

If you read my introduction on this subject I said that I was born with a small kidney. Which when discovered 25 years ago at 40 years of age was only working to 25% Efficiency. And 1 pint of beer within your daily fluid allowance isn't going to hurt you. I was a driver for most of my working life So only drank more on holiday. So I have certainly not been irresponsible

[WardijaWardija in reply to Bingo88]

I read your profile thoroughly before I posted. Your circumstances makes no difference to the message you are advocating - irresponsible, end of.

[Bingo88 in reply to WardijaWardija]

I am sorry you disagree with my opinions. I never said I drink beer every day and if it was 1 pint a day in my opinion it would not do any harm. Life is for living as well. Goodbye

[WardijaWardija in reply to Bingo88]

Not according to the National Kidney Foundation, but hey, they are your kidneys so go ahead and abuse them, it's your funeral.

Loved one of your postings " enjoying lots of San Miguel's . . " 🍺🍺🍺 in sunny Spain. Moderation, yeah right.Drinking beer does not count as part of your daily fluid intake. The opposite in fact, it dries you out and raises blood pressure, and seeing as you already have a Pacemaker, courtesy no doubt, of our over stretched and under-funded NHS along with medications keeping you alive, I'd think-on if I were you before spouting uninformed, medical mis-information to the masses - CHEERS !

(And yes, I'm a qualified medical professional) just so you know.

[Bingo88 in reply to WardijaWardija]

Well I just hope i never come across you and your attitude. I have worked all my life and for years it was work and sleep and no time for anything in between

[WardijaWardija in reply to Bingo88]

😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁

[rubina786 in reply to Bingo88]

Hopefully you won't have to! Yes life is about living :)Btw, I just thought you might like to look into Fenugreek seeds benefits. I have a teaspoon every night when soft (soaked in water since morning).

It keeps my respiratory tract clear of mucus, infections, breathing well is good! Lol

A friend who had COPT could not manage a .5 mile walk, took it for a month and managed cycling to work and attempted the london marathon too! Bless him! It takes a week or so to start being effective. I have it for 15 days every month. Natural remedies seem to work better for me. Each to their own.

Take care, be grateful and happy always

[Bingo88 in reply to rubina786]

Thanks very much for your reply and suggestion rubina786. I shall certainly look into this. Never heard of Fenugreek seeds before or where I would get them from. We have a Waitrose nearby. Will try there. I guess you soak the seeds all day and then drink the liquid or the seeds as well??. Thanks for your reply and hope your day goes well. Brian

[rubina786 in reply to Bingo88]

Hi Bingo88 sorry I missed your message. Yes you soak them in the morning and have the water and seeds at night. If you have mucus, phlegm, it clears out without any effort in the morning, might take a week to kick in. I have a teaspoon or bit more every night for maintenance. I take it for 15 days or so every month. Good for hair growth and colour too. Amazon sell it, but if you go to any indian grocery you can find it for just 2 to 3 pounds.

Btw if u don't remember and it soaks longer thats ok too. When it sprouts is good too. The seeds become soft after soaking.

Loads of benefits

Hope it works for you. If no mucus, nothing will be coughed up in the morning, but will still feel breathing improves.

All the best xx

Rubina

[Bingo88 in reply to rubina786]

Thank you

[Gjkas in reply to WardijaWardija]

Can you help me out please. I have Aortic valve stenosis and it's affecting my Mitral valve. My Cardiologist said that they can't find a Surgeon prepared to replace them because I wouldn't survive the surgery. I am a 77 year old female with multiple health problems.

As well as the Valvular Heart Disease I also have COPD, Angina, Asthma, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis, a 17 cm Haitus Hernia, Diverticulitis, IBS .Have had bones taken out of my right foot and both hands because of the Athritis..

Have had fluid aspirated from my left groin, that had leaked out of my left hip..My Orthopaedic Surgeon wants to do a complete wrist replacement. But I said No, because i know that it's a complicated procedure and I don't want the post operative pain..

I'm in enough pain as it is.

I've also got Chronic Fibromyalgia and PTSD,. 2 years ago I was in hospital because they thought that I'd had a stroke , but it wasn't. While I was in there they did an ultrasound, an MRI ,a CT Scan and an MRCP Scan. They told me that I had a cyst on my Pancreas, an Enlarged Liver, a cyst on my one kidney and some cysts on the inside and outside of my Liver also Blocked Bile Ducts. . They thought that I had Pancreatic Cancer..My Mum had Pancreatic Cancer and passed away 6 months after being diagnosed.

.I've probably missed out a few more things.

I'm on Monomil Xl. 1 each morning. Bisoprolol every morning.

I was on Ramapril, but I had a bad allergic reaction and was taken to Rhesus in the RGH.My lips and tongue were so swollen that I could hardly breathe.

I have been hospitalized several times because of high blood pressure. It's gone up to 220/120..

I don't know why. I eat a healthy diet, i don't drink alcohol, I never have. I'm not overweight. If anything I'm underweight. When I came home from hospital a few years ago I weighed 6 stone..I'm just 4 ft 11ins.

It's taken me a few years to get up to 7 1/2 stone.

I was on Amlodipine for 5 years, but my blood pressure was dropping too low. My GP took me off Amlodipine and put me on Lancarodipine.

I use my Trinitrate spray for the chest pains. I am on a Low dose Butrans Patch

Pregabalin. 250 mg per day. Paracetamol ..Buscopan.

Lansaprozle and Gaviscon.

Adcal, Alendronic Acid.

Ventolin, Anora,, My Nebuliser

Diazepam and Mirtazipine.

Zopiclone.I was on Prednisolone, but was taken off it because I have Osteoporosis.. My Pain Management Consultant have retired. The new Pain Management Consultants secretary rang me up to tell me that my new Consultant had looked through my files and decided that they couldn't do anything else for me. He hadn't even met me or spoken to me. .But I feel like I've been thrown out on the trash heap.

My GP told me last Tuesday that she thinks that I had a Silent Heart Attack and she wanted me to go to hospital. But I said NO.

I just don't trust the RGH anymore..

They tried to do an angiogram in my wrist, but they couldn't because it was Calcified. I understand that. That wasn't their fault. But they were told NOT to try in my groin.

( Long story ).But they apparently didn't get the message.

They went in my groin and tore my blood vessels. I had terrible pains in my right leg, my back and my stomach. I was soaking wet but it was my own blood that was all over me.

They didn't plug or stitch it, just put pure pressure on it. I couldn't move at all. The Doctor that did the procedure was a new one.

When I finally got back to the ward he came to see me 3 times to apologise. But the damage had been done .My Cardiologist was on holiday. But we had both decided not to do another angiogram in my groin, because they aren't without risk. I had an Angiogram in my groin a few years before this happened. My Cardiologist said that one blood vessel was slightly narrowed. But he was reluctant to do anything else.

I did have Faith in my Cardiologist.

I told the Cardiologist that was on duty what my Cardiologist had told me..He told me that it was okay.

But when I was taken to the room where they did the procedure ,he wasn't even there. Only this Young Doctor..What a difference to when I had it done a few years before..

My original Cardiologist have recently retired. He only does clinics now.

If you could give me any help or advice I would be so grateful.

I know that you can't tell me what to do. But to just give me some help.

I'm at the end of my tether. I just don't know which way to turn. I used to be so active until 10 years ago.

Even though I've had some kind of things going wrong, I've never allowed it to stop me. But now I've had it. I know that this is a long one.

Thankyou for taking the time to read it. But any advice would be so gratefully received.. Thankyou.

[WardijaWardija in reply to Gjkas]

Bless you Gloria (I read your profile), you have so much going on I'm not one bit surprised as to the way you are feeling right now, you have every right as it sounds as if you may have experienced care that falls well short of what is considered an acceptable level.If this is recent, and you still have the will, every NHS hospital has what's called a PALS office (Patient Advice and Liaison Service) which deals with Patients complaints.

Another source of information and support, would be your local Citizens Advice Bureau.

I am unable to comment on your numerous conditions/medications, but perhaps a medication review with your GP and or other clinicians, cardiac, urological etc. would be a step in the right direction.

I'm sure your Cardiologist will have sent notification as to his decision, not to treat you, to your GP.

Would it help you to discuss this with your GP. maybe when you see him/her for a review.

Unfortunately, it may just be the case, that sometimes due to circumstances, aging including, that at some point, we have little option but to accept that there may be a limit to what can realistically be done.

Acceptance is difficult to come to terms to, in terms of health and mental wellbeing, it raises issues we'd rather not think about, like our own mortality.

Your health issues aside, do you feel perhaps you might benefit from some extra emotional support as you seem to be pretty near the end of your tether from the sound of your posting.

Age UK is the UK's largest organisation that offers a wide range of support to older people.

Your Local Authority will also have departments dedicated to the care of older and vulnerable persons living in the community.

Citizens Advice, once again, holds information specifically for older clients across a wide range of issues.

I wish I had a magic wand 🧚‍♀️ to wave away all your problems, sadly I dont, but I hope at least a little of what I have written may be of some comfort to you.

On a personal note, I too have been on the end of a very rough radial wrist insertion for an Angiogram, that had to be aborted. The pain was horrific, totally of the scale . . thought I was going to die there and then, I had to beg them to stop.

On a different occasion, angiogram done through the groin, I didnt feel anything because I insisted it be done under full General Anaesthetic BUT when I came back from surgery with 3 stents in place, I was black and blue, bruised almost down to my knees (I still have the photos) and I was bleeding under groin area bandages - turned out they had caught and cut part of my Femoral Artery 😱 Jesus, I could have died. No one told me until I asked, repeatedly. .

So I totally know what you mean.

Thank God, it is now a distant memory but I'll never forget it.

Please take care and I hope you can find some resolution that is acceptable to you. 🌹🌹🌹

[Gjkas in reply to WardijaWardija]

Thankyou so much for getting back to me. I saw my GP on Thursday and she said that I should be in hospital on a drip.But I wouldn't go because they don't look after you in the RGH.

When I had my Gallstones and gallbladder removed last year they also repaired 2 abdominal hernias.

A couple of hours after my operation

I wanted to use the Loo .None of us in the ward had a buzzer I was calling and calling but nobody came. So I got out of bed and walked to the toilet.

I couldn't push the door open, so an elderly Lady got out of bed and with her zimmer frame to help her, she helped me push the door open.

But there was a desk just outside our room with a coloured Nurse sat on the chair using her mobile and laughing. She could see I was having problems, but she didn't get off her butt. That same Nurse pinched my bag out of my Locker. But the Lady in the next bed saw her.

The Nurse took my bag and put it in a cupboard in the Staff room.

But the Lady in the next bed followed her. ( Long Story ).

Thanks to the Lady in the next bed, I got my bag back. I rang my Hubby and asked him to come and pick me up. I did ask my Consultant if I could go home

She was reluctant at 1st because I only had those procedures done less than 24 hours. But she knew what had happened and how upset I was about it, She agreed.

In the past 6 months 2 of my friends have gone in that hospital and haven't came back out.

One was having a stent put in and the other one fell and broke her hip..She went In because she had problems walking.But apparently she wanted to use the Loo ,but there was nobody there to help her. That happened just 8 weeks ago. I was talking to her Son and he said to me ' Glo we'll never know what really happened.'.

Im being referred to Clinical Trials in London. It's to do with medicinal Canabis. I'll try anything to help me ease this pain. But I am worried about how I'm gonna get there .

I live in South Wales and I have problems sitting down for more than 5 minutes, because the pain in my back and legs are excruciating..

Thankyou so very much for getting back to me. I really do appreciate it..

You have made more sense to me than anyone else I have spoken to in the past 12 .months.

I wish that we all had a button to push for when we've had enough of this life.Not one that could be used if you're just fed up .but one for if you're in Chronic pain like I am. .

I wish that this Country had the same rules as they have in Switzerland.

I know that they have to be very careful about Assisted Suicide.

But I'd be 1st In the Que.

If I was a doggy 🐕🐩I would have been put to sleep a long time ago. .

I've told the Doctors this when I've been in hospital..

You know what??? .They've all agreed with me. .

Anyway Thankyou once again for reading my moans and groans.

I wish you all the best and Stay Safe and well. 🤞🙏x

[WardijaWardija in reply to Gjkas]

You are most welcome Gloria and thank you for your kind words. The way you are sounding suggests you are feeling very low just now, so along with the references I mentioned yesterday, I'm wondering if the organization, The Samaritans might be another service that could meet your needs right now.

Sometimes it's easier speaking to a stranger rather than close family or friend.

The Samaritans is national UK organisation.

It is a non-judgemental, fully confidential free telehone service for anyone who feels, let's say - close to the edge and are possibly considering ending their own life.

The service can be accessed 24 hours a day, every day of the year and you can speak in confidence to one of the highly trained and compassionate advisers.

It's not a prescriptive service, they wont tell you what to do, their main aim is to listen to you and hear your story. As much as or as little you want to share with them

If required by you, they can arrange support from the emergency services on your behalf.

You dont even have to give your name if you dont wish to do so.

This is just an option you might want to consider now or at some later stage.

Please know you are not alone, us Hearties care and there's always members on-line who will respond to you if your feeling down.

🙏 Blessings 🙏

[Gjkas in reply to WardijaWardija]

Thankyou so much for your advice and kind.words. But I can't talk to anyone about how I feel, because I just break down.

Honestly I am not afraid of dieing, I am more afraid of living, because I know what tomorrow is gonna bring. The same thing as today.

Just more pain.

I'm sorry to have troubled you, but Thankyou once again.

Take care and stay safe. 🤞🙏

[WardijaWardija in reply to Gjkas]

No trouble at all Goria. I hope you can find some peace of mind from some direction . . .Take care 🙏🙏🙏

[Gjkas in reply to WardijaWardija]

Thankyou very much. You take care too.🤞🙏

[Lulu2607 in reply to Gjkas]

Gloria, your story horrified and upsets me. I really hope you feel more positive about life now. My mother didn't get the best treatment in hospital before she died and the memories still haunt me. I really hope you find the strength to battle on. It's hard I know but I'm willing you on. Things can get better. Take care. Lulu.

[rubina786 in reply to Gjkas]

Your comments are heart breaking! Wish I could just cuddle you make it all go away! I have a few practical suggestions, part of my routine... that have helped my heart. (Not a medical professional). Just what I worked out through trial and error.

1. When my BP used to be high 200ish, I used to breath deeply from my nose, then exhale very slowly (15 seconds or so) from the mouth. If done correctly, in 3 to 4 goes the BP drops 40 notches! Stops needing subligual spray if I have rushed around and its goes high.

2. Half a clove of garlic pieces with a spoon of Manuka >500 MGO honey every night. Amazon

3. 80% Dark Chocolate a piece or too every night too! waitrose lol

4. Pinch of black tea leaves, with grated ginger add honey to taste.

5. A teaspoon Fenugreek soaked in water 12 hrs. Every night. Keeps my respiratory tract, breathing good no mucus ever.

6. Zamzam Water (research healing properties, official one on Amazon)

7. Pinch of Black seed (nigella) with Manuka every morning.

8. 3 or so Ajwa dates a day (research healing properties)

Currently an on no medication apart from Prednisolone (between 10 and 20mg depending on bone pain)

9. Manage ankle swelling with a couple of cups of Green Tea from Afghanistan and putting feet at 90° from torso (as opposed to diuretics) when needed

10. The heart sends more pain signals to the brain than the other way round!

Keep your heart happy and it won't complain!

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/317...

researchgate.net/publicatio...

Its worked for me but everyone has to workout what their body is telling them and allow the best conditions to let it heal itself...one ailment at a time

Just my two pence worth. My hugs and prayer are with you. May Allah (God) Heal you with no ill effects remaining.

He Created us, He Can Heal us too. Anytime if He Wills it.

Bless ya xx

[Curryandchips in reply to WardijaWardija]

Geez! let the guy have a pint. He is a big boy and by the sounds of it he knows more than many healthcare professionals I have met.

[WardijaWardija in reply to Curryandchips]

He can do as he pleases, it's not going to be my funeral.I simply commented on the fact that he was spouting mis-information by suggesting that water can be substituted for Beer, as part of daily fluid allowances, for the reason I have already stated.

If you, like him, wish to ignore all the medical research and statistical facts in front of you, you are both clearly in denial . . .

And you thinking he knows more/better than "many healthcare professionals" is just laughable . .

With respect, he was a bus driver not a Consultant Nephrologist as far as I am aware . . . Of what, I could take an educated guess.

I'm not commenting any further, I've made my point on this issue, and it's not worth wasting my time trying to open "closed minds" . . . 🙉 🙈 🙉

[Trebigo in reply to WardijaWardija]

My nephew, a renal consultant, would not share your approach.

[Hidden]

I must admit I don't know much about eGfr, other than mine has dropped to 29 since an infection and being on Heart meds since May. A fine balance as they, I've been on Entresto for a month, which I'm told runs the kidneys harder, but is better for the heart. Taken more blood today, so I'm hoping it hasnt dropped further when I see the heart failure nurse on Friday.

Can the eGfr increase?

[Bingo88 in reply to Hidden]

No your kidney function doesn't usually improve much from what I was told I would ask your doctor about tablets that don't affect your kidneys too much, I was put on Doxazosin after having my pacemaker because I was told they were kinder to your kidneys. I am on 1x4mg in a morning and 1x2mg at teatime Hope you get some help and answers. Brian

[Hidden in reply to Bingo88]

Thanks, it looks as though my meds are remaining as they are, unless I hear otherwise from my Cardiologist. A case of continuous monitoring, which I'm used too.Cheers

[Curryandchips in reply to Hidden]

Mine has been up and down, bouncing around the 30 mark for a while now. I'm also on Entresto and, in my case, is the main reason for my predicament. It would be great to know how your blood test goes and what they are suggesting. Are you on restrictive water consumption? I'm on 2.5 litres a day

[Hidden in reply to Curryandchips]

It went well enough today, bloods results showed no reaction from the Entresto, so my medication is unchanged. BP was settled at 136/56, more or less what they're aiming for.

No restriction on consumption, so I can continue to drink what I choose, be it, alcoholic or otherwise.

[Bingo88 in reply to Hidden]

That's good news. We have to live and enjoy life in moderation. I see my kidney specialist once a year

[foxglove]

How do you know kidneys failing? Symptoms etc. please? I've had heart failure and want to know kidney stance!

[Hidden in reply to foxglove]

In my case, I only know because of blood results. No symptoms as such. If you have bloods taken, I'd have thought GP would make you aware if it was an issue.

[Curryandchips in reply to foxglove]

In my case it was a blood test - there are several indicators filtration fgactor appears the erasiest for me to understand.

[Hidden]

Thanks, indeed we do. I'll moderate to four or five pints this afternoon.

[foxglove in reply to Hidden]

Sounds good to me

[Dollcollector]

I have heart failure and chronic kidney disease. I had the kidney disease ( l don't know why l have that. It is never investigated ) before the heart failure. All the drugs that help your heart make your kidneys worse. There are no drugs for your kidneys. I don't take any medication at the moment apart from Rivaroxaban and a reduced amount of a diuretic. I am allowed 1 and a half litres of fluid a day. I drink mainly water, no alcohol, very little caffeine and no fizzy drinks. I eat mainly a plant based diet with a small amount of meat or fish and no junk food . Lucky that l love vegetables , but l know l eat more fruit and dairy foods than l should. I try to get enough sleep and fresh air. All this so that l can avoid the heart tablets. Unfortunately l can't exercise as l am in a wheelchair, which would have been good for me. There doesn't seem to be a cure for heart failure or kidney disease. It's just a case of finding strategies to make yourself feel better and not causing any more damage. Best Wishes. .

[Winter4519]

I don't know I am seeing my doctor on Monday as this was a shock for me as I had to find out through going through my medical records with my failure heart .according to my history I have chronic kidney dieses stage 3. I will update