My dad has kidney failure

[NICOLETTE2020]

Hi everyone. My Dad had an aneurysm in February and alot of his large bowel and gallbladder removed whilst in surgery. He spent 6 weeks in ITU where his kidneys needed filtering a few times.There was talk of dialysis but then the kidneys started to improve on their own. Fast forward 4 weeks and my dad is in a rehab ward and I only just found out from Dr that his kidneys are not good. I am especially worried because he has had 3 blood transfusions in 2 weeks because of anaemia, two of them this week. He has also had iron infusions. I do not know how damaged the kidneys are but isn't 2 blood transfusions in 2 days a bit excessive? No mention of dialysis but i am worried the kidneys are getting progressively worse.

[HealthBuddyMelissa]

The blood transfusions are because that is the most rapid way to hopefully get the Anemia to improve. Diet and medications by mouth take a longer time. He may end up with CKD, after they get everything balanced and where it belongs. That simply means his condition is chronic because he lost some of his kidney function. He may also need Dialysis for some time to come. Unfortunately, I can not say for sure, as I am not a doctor, and I am not taking care of your Dad. Hopefully it will all work out, and he will get to where he can leave the rehab facility. Best wishes and take care.

[NICOLETTE2020 in reply to HealthBuddyMelissa]

Thank you for responding. He also cannot sleep at night because of itching skin which I know is a symptom of kidney failure. He had only received a blood transfusion about a week before the 2 more recent ones so am hoping a Dr can give me more info next week.

[HealthBuddyMelissa in reply to NICOLETTE2020]

I hope you will get positive news.

[Soneram in reply to NICOLETTE2020]

Can relate to itching skin I get cream from doctor but for me I found body lotion as the itching is caused by dry skin . It’s hard but tell your dad try not to scratch as this makes it worse. Hope he improves I’ve been on dialysis now five year and do home dialysis I find better

[Sammi_n_Munk]

Hi there Nicolette! I’m sorry to hear about all the distress your father’s been going through. If your father does come out of this with some kidney issues, your best bet would be to certainly keep in touch with his medical care team, but also, ask for a referral to a renal dietician. There are also many websites you can visit such as DaVita.com for kidney-friendly food lists or kidneyschool.org, that can be very informative.

It’s never too soon to start addressing kidney issues after a diagnosis. If this is CKD, then the goal is to slow down the progression by following a proper kidney- friendly diet plan, and keep him well hydrated. That’s always very important.

Also, just a few quick kidney-kind tips:

1. Have him steer clear of any anti-inflammatory meds such as Advil, Motrin and Aleve. These are damaging to the kidneys. For pain relief, try Tylenol instead, providing he has no liver issues or allergies to acetaminophen. Also, always discuss with his doctor any prescription meds containing anti-inflammatories, steroids or any antibiotics should he require these from time to time, as these can also impact the kidneys in a negative manner.

2. Get him to limit his intake of foods and beverages that are high in sodium, potassium and phosphorus. You should know that high phosphorus levels in the blood can cause itching. And dry skin can sometimes be due to high creatinine.

3. Also, he should limit his protein intake, especially animal proteins. Most people on this forum swear by a plant-based diet plan for the most part. Animal proteins can be hard on the kidneys and can raise creatinine levels.

4. As far as exercise goes, strenuous exertion should be out (especially any type of weight-lifting). Walking is what is usually suggested for kidney patients. It’s always good to keep the heart pumping and oxygen going in the blood, but too much vigorous exercise can raise creatinine levels as well.

5. Just a few food tips: Try to limit his intake of nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grain foods, chocolate, anything with caffeine (not good for blood pressure), and dairy. Also, he should limit any alcohol consumption as well. If he is a smoker, he should try his best to quit.

As I mentioned above, there are many websites you can visit that contain very helpful information as well. And if you’re ever unsure about anything, always consult with his physicians as they are not only the best qualified, but also have access to his blood results, hence better able to make the necessary adjustments to his routine.

I wish your father and you all my best, dear. I do hope all works out for you both. Remember, we’re always here for you, whenever you need us! Take good care! Please keep us posted on his progress. God bless. 🙏😊👍

[RickHow]

Of course we all wish you the best. But there are any number of reasons that could explain the need for the transfusion, the Anemia, etc. Such as some internal bleeding from the operations. Yes of course some kidney problems may be the reason, or just part of the reason. You really need that information from the doctor. I will relate to you a store about both of my parents, who both has passed. My father was in his 70's when the doctor told us his kidneys are "not the greatest". We were naïve and did not pressure the doctor for how bad. But long store short, he died of natural causes in his 90's. Never did anything to treat his kidneys, his diet, etc. My mother was 79 and doctor related same thing. She died of breast cancer at 86. You do not give your father's age. If elderly, it is natural for kidney's to not be terribly efficient. You really need to pin your doctor down on why the transfusions, and just how poor are the kidneys.

[NICOLETTE2020]

Thank you everyone for your replies. My Dad is 72 and because he was in ICU for 6 weeks and then an acute ward for 2 weeks he now has severe muscle wasting in his legs. He was an avid hillwalker so very fit which was the reason the surgeon was happy to operate on burst aneurysm, otherwise he said he would not have survived. Now the doctors think the blood flow was compromised when the aneurysm ruptured just like his bowel. His kidneys were showing signs of trouble in ICU, was filtered a few times and then they seemed to improve on their own. Not sure why they have worsened again. I am still waiting on talking to a consultant. All we seem to get are students when we call and no-one ever calls us despite the nurses noting we want to speak to whomever is in charge. It's not acceptable, given the lockdown. I haven't seen my dad in 7 weeks when he was in ICU. He is now refusing i.v fluids and his potassium levels are climbing. I am assuming they will be doing further tests to look at the blood vessels. Regarding the transfusions all I know so far is that he is becoming very anaemic because his kidneys are not doing well and therefore his red blood cell count keeps going too low. Also he was telling me that his skin is very dry as well as itchy and someone rubbed some sort of lotion/ cream on which seemed to help a bit. It seems to bother him much more at night when trying to sleep. He is also losing weight and he can't afford to lose any more. We are puzzled by this because he says his appetite is better but perhaps the work he is doing with the physios is making him burn alot of energy. He has been prescribed protein drinks by the dietician for his muscle wastage but maybe this needs to be reviewed if they are potentially making kidneys worse. The body really is such a complex machine!

[Sammi_n_Munk in reply to NICOLETTE2020]

Hi NICOLETTE2020. It really depends on what his levels are now. With kidney issues, the tricky thing is our nutrient levels are out of whack sometimes as the kidneys are no longer regulating them properly.

Years ago, when I was first diagnosed, most of my levels too (except my potassium) were very low. My hemoglobin was so low, I was told that I had maybe 1 or 1 1/2 weeks left before my heart would have called it quits.

My care team back then responded much in the same way that your father’s are now. They increased my iron intake with supplements (300 mg 3 times a day, plus a multi-vitamin daily, as well as vitamin D tablets every day, and as that was not even enough, a Glucerna drink with every meal). And I was eating a high protein diet as well for some time thereafter. Prior to this change in diet, my muscles had also somewhat wasted away due to some other things that were going on at the time.

Always follow what his doctors and specialists are advising. Remember, they are responding to what his blood results and other test results are telling them. Once he is out of hospitalization, request that they have him see a renal dietician (this is something they may just do automatically). His diet will most likely change from time to time along this journey. Rarely does it remain the same throughout.

His red blood cell count being too low should be helped by the extra iron in his diet and any iron supplements they put him on. But remember, iron is better absorbed by the body when it’s accompanied by vitamin C (orange, cranberry or tomato juices should work for that).

Oh, and I was also itchy mostly at night as well, back then. The nurses used to apply a cream that they referred to as, “dialysis cream”. I wasn’t on dialysis, but that’s what they called it. It did help, but only temporarily. I used to ask for it frequently.

I will be praying for you both dear. Take care and try not to worry. I know that’s easier said than done, but fretting will only consume you. You’re a good daughter, and I’m sure he doesn’t want you using up all your energy worrying. Just try to be supportive to him and reassure him that if he follows the doctor’s advice, things will begin to improve. Once again, all my best to you both, dear. God bless. 🙏🙏😊👍