Declining Kidney function

[footyfan]

My mum has type 2 diabetes, with a longstanding decline in Kidney function, it has decreased from 40% to 20% over the past 10 years. The GP has asked us to stop for the 5mg dose of ramapril for the time being and retest in 2 weeks. Also blood glucose levels for many years on metformin, gliclizide and pioglitazone were in the region of 6.9-9.5. Now these are reducing and she no longer takes Gliclizide, Metformin stopped in recent weeks too. Her glucose levels now seem to be settling at about 4.8-5.5.

Has anyone else experienced this?

W are now worried as to prognosis as she is not a candidate for dialysis due to other health issues.

Any support or info gratefully appreciated.

[Celtic]

footyfan, I'm sorry to hear about your Mum's problems but it does sound as though she is being well monitored. In stopping the Ramipril, and re-testing in two weeks, your GP is obviously trying to rule out whether Rampipril is doing more harm than good. Although it is advertised as a good medication for high blood pressure, it doesn't suit everyone - it especially should not be prescribed if there is any sign of narrowing of the arteries to the kidneys. Diabetes can cause a further decline in kidney function but it sounds as though your Mum has her blood glucose levels well under control now if she has been able to stop the Metformin. I hope you have good news after the re-testing in two weeks' time.

[footyfan in reply to Celtic]

Many thanks for your reply, one of the major problems is due to other health issues it is sometimes imposssible to attend any hospital appointments so a clear diagnosis other than the assumption of diabetic kidney disease is difficult to make.

She is 74 years old, has suffered more than 40 years of that time with one problem or another with varying degrees of both physical and mental well being, we thought we'd lost her 10 years ago when she went into multi organ failure due to Beta Blocker toxicity so sadly we know that her organs have been damaged it is just a shock to have to realise that she will probably decline as opposed to suddenly leaving us.

No really sure what I would prefer! The only good thing is that I am able to provide much of her care alongside a team of 3 other carers thanks due to a great Social Worker and Pyschiatric team who have supported and fought for us to receive Direct Payments rather than have the Local Authority provide the care. We can be as flexible as her needs are, some days more care when things are bad sometimes less when things are good.

[Celtic in reply to footyfan]

It is a shame that your Mum has been unable to attend certain hospital appointments because that is an important way of monitoring things along the way, and taking immediate action, especially where medications are concerned as she has sadly discovered following her nasty experience with a beta blocker.

Quite recently, one of the blood pressure pills (incidentally also a beta blocker) I was prescribed made me feel even more poorly than some of the previous ones. Luckily, at the next renal appointment it was discovered through blood tests that, among other things, the beta blocker had further caused a rapid reduction in my already reduced functioning sole kidney, so it was stopped immediately. A previous BP pill had caused a rapid drop in my sodium levels. So regular monitoring is very important.

It sounds as though you have a good care package in place for your Mum - meanwhile it's wonderful to hear what a caring daughter she has....do remember to care for yourself as well along the way.

[footyfan in reply to Celtic]

Many thanks for your kind wishes, it is great to know that one is not alone when having to cope with some of the things life throws at us all.X

[aadd4444]

I pray for your mother to be cured as soon as possible.

[nonie2147]

DIABETES AND MULTI MEDS ARE ROUGH ON KIDNEY-WHICH WE FIND OUT TOO LATE. KIDNEY FOUNDATION OF CANADA IS A WEALTH OF INFO. TO LOWER CREATININE AND INCREASE GFR- PHOSPHORUS AND POTASSIUM AFFECT THESE NUMBERS GREATLYFOUNDATION CAN GIVE ADVICE AND LISTS OF FOODS TO EAT AND AVOID. 60 OUNCES WATER PER DAY, AT LEAST 30 MINS PER DAY OF EXERCISE- IF POSSIBLE-EVEN TEN MINS AT A TIME. GOOD LUCK AND GOD BLESS-HE IS THE ANSWER-THE ONLY ONE