CKD caused by overuse of NSAIDS, GFR low again

[Kaz411]

I am a 46 yr old female and was in perfect health for years. I had no idea that I was over-using NSAIDS, I was in a car accident in 2007, and topped with female issues I was taking too much ibuprofen. Routine blood work caught my GFR of 42 years ago, elevated creatine, etc and I saw a nephrologist. He diagnosed me with analgesic nephropathy and no more NSAIDS. I was 36 at the time, no high blood pressure, no diabetes. He said my numbers would rebound a little and this was not life-threatening and not to get too worked up over it. No diet restrictions, nothing either. No longer seeing him but I have been seeing another kidney dr for the past few years, just wants to see me anually. Saw him yesterday and got my lab results. My GFR has fluctuated from the low 50s and now its back down to 47, creatine has been stable at around 1.2, didnt get my other numbers but he is not concerned and he believes I have been stable. I need to add he said there is no protein in my urine and it was clear. Overall I feel good, energetic, I do have some swelling at the end of the day so I wear compression socks and try and drink alot of water. He has approved of the meds I take, and I do take supplements he has OK'd but he said no chinese herbs as they can cause some issues so I stopped those. I can't help but get depressed. I know if I do a 24 hr urine screen my GFR would likely be higher and I may ask about that. Right now I dont know what I am doing to cause my drop in GFR, he says it will gradually lower a bit with age but again, he says my kidneys appear to be functioning well enough and I can live with decreased function etc. What I am so upset over is the fact I did this to myself, unaware of the dangers of NSAIDS. My dad has reduced renal function too he is blaming on some contrasts with dye, and his kidneys are super sensitive. My twin sister has no kidney issues. I know I am a long way off but I cant help but think of needing dialysis or a transplant when I am older and this depresses me, my brain works overtime and I stress about alot of stuff. I am told dialysis is awful and people can die from complications, etc and since my blood is 0neg, kidneys are hard to come by anyhow and the transplant list is long almost everywhere. I also want to adopt, I am single and tried some fertility treatments when I was younger (kidney doc said OK) and I am working hard to accomplish my dream. Sorry to rant. Does anyone else have kidney issues due to overuse of NSAIDS, has your function been stable? Thanks for listening.

[lowraind]

My ckd stage 3 was caused by high blood pressure, and the long term use of Celebrex, which is a NSAID. I was diagnosed at 36.6 and after much research and hard work on my part, my GFR went up to 54.0. I have another blood test coming up in July and will see what happens. Stress and depression will not help you. Do your research and then do all the things you learn about how to protect your kidney. It is not easy, but it sounds like you have so much to look forward to.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

I too damaged my kidneys from OTC but also was on heavy biologicals also. What ever the cause, there is much you can do right now to slow the progression. First, stop perseverating, it doesn't help. This is coming from my own experience. Second, look to your diet. You can help yourself by being educated on what to eat and what not to. The best suggestion is see a renal dietician. They will look at your labs and help you know what you can eat. You would be surprised at what is not good. But there is plenty that is good. Do not spend the time you have right now being fearful of life, you have a lot of good things going on to enjoy.