High BLood Pressure, Kidney failure, cause discovered

[phebamom]

Super high blood pressure, average 180/110 past two years. OVer 10 different BP meds failed to reduce BP. Kidney GFR dropped from upper 50s two years ago to 22 last week in hospital. After hospital and fluids back up to 31. Kidney biopsy last November showed protein crystals in kidneys. Bone Biopsy in December showed MGUS, which I have had for 16 years has progressed to Multiple Myeloma, presenting as a very rare (1%) variant called MGRS, meaning the protein is attacking my kidneys. On 2nd round of chemo. BLood pressure now down to 140s over 85ish. So, chemotherapy is helping. On 4 different chemo meds. Tolerating them fairly well, and learning how to balance life. Scheduled for a stem cell transplant end of April, or early May. Stem cell doctor told me my kidney function should return to normal with the transplant. I am writing this in case any one else has failing kidneys with high blood pressure and no clear answer why. It is probably not as severe as what I am presenting with, but in my opinion a kidney biopsy is never a bad ideal, and in my case took 5 minutes with very little pain. The bone biopsy was a different tale. I have been on very low sodium diet past 5 years, with low protein added last NOvember. Diet does not seem to make much difference. I thought most people lose weight on chemo, but since one of my drugs is super high dose steroids, I have gained 15# in a month. All my empathy and sincere understanding goes out to all who are struggling with kidney issues.

[sunshineday]

So sorry phebamom to hear how poorly you are and hope the treatment works and your health improves. Thank goodness your BP has come down. Long story short, many years ago I had to have an emergency kidney biopsy and as you say it was only a few minutes and painless. My bloods showed CKD stage 4, I had never had any kidney problems but after the biopsy the consultant said it was all due to Omeprazole, which I had been taking for about 12 months, and taking flucloxacillin for an infection. He also said he had several patients with CKD due to Omeprazole. Fortunately within a few days my kidneys were back to normal but both these meds are a no go for me. My BP is all over the place bouncing from 135/65 to 183/80 but I'm a born worrier and my hubby is very poorly so I can't see that changing. My very best wishes to you and very sincere thoughts that everything works out for you.

[phebamom in reply to sunshineday]

Also a born worrier and a problem solver, so neurotic. The first thing I was taken off of when diagnosed was PPI. Placed on Pepcid AC, but have to watch that because of constipation. Very few people realize just how horrible PPIs are on kidney function. My Bp is lower than it has been for months, so the chemo is working. I was in hospital 4 days last week for pancreatitis and severe constipation from side effects of chemo. Learned the Valsartan BP med I am on is bad for kidneys. So after dropping dose on Valsartan BP is now down. It was good to hear from you. I like listening to and feeling the stories of others. We are not in this alone. We are all warriors. Take care.

[Eygalieres in reply to phebamom]

recent blood results show low kidney function. I only have one due to cancer over 20 years ago. Taking Indapamide for BP but was put on Amilodapine as well. This made me feel awful so stopped taking. My reading s fluctuate quite a bit but do not take regularly enough.

You have a lot to contend with and hope you improve after the chemo has done it’s job. Good luck.

[phebamom in reply to Eygalieres]

Morning BP was 180/100 for over two years. On 2nd round of chemo. Just finished round of Lasix for water retention from chemo. Morning Bp is averaging 126/77. I don't know if the Lasix did it, or the chemo. I see doctor this morning and will ask him. I do heavy round of chemo this morning, then light round on Thursday, then heavy round next Monday, then I have ten days off. Looking forward to it.

[phebamom in reply to Eygalieres]

My father lived to age 90, served in the Navy in WWII. When he was in his late 50s he had a hernia surgery. At that time it was learned he was born with one kidney. He was an amazing man. My BP now averages 120/76, down from 180/110. So, yes, chemo is working. I am scheduled for a self-stem cell transplant May 17. I know it will be a very tough procedure, but I will have expert care. According to the stem care specialist, after stem cell my kidney function should be back to normal, with little to no need for BP meds, although I will need meds for the stem cell for a while. recovery should take months to a year.