Most of the time members hear bad news or questions of concern or confusion so I thought that I might share some positive news. In May I was hospitalized for over a week as my GFR was rapidly dropping. My baseline for the past couple of years has been in the low 30’s. I went into the hospital by ambulance at 15 with my creatinine well above 3.0 During my stay there my daily blood draw showed no improvement. Much to the dismay of the nephrologist who was treating me, the attending physician discharged me.
The nephrologist who I had been seeing for over ten years told me at my last appointment with him that he expected my numbers to drop because I am only in my early 60’s and at our next meeting we would have to discuss my future options. I was devastated.
The nephrologist treating me in the hospital was in the same practice but had quite the positive attitude. I spoke with her at length during my stay and eventually mentioned that I had suffered a series of UTI’s over the previous 5-6 months She contacted the two pharmacies at which various antibiotics had been sent. (how many doctors would do that?) She came to the conclusion that two of them, Cipro and Keflex, were responsible for my sudden and serious decline and told me to list both as allergies
I began seeing her as my regular nephrologist. Each week my labs showed slight improvement: 18, 20, 24, 26... My dietitian had me eliminate all dairy and reduced the amount of protein (40 mg from the 50-60mg) I should consume, especially from animal sources - and that no more than twice a week.
I am pleased and thrilled to share that this week my GFR was 35, back to the high end of my baseline. So sometimes there’s light at the end of the tunnel - so never give up. If it’s possible, and you’re able to find a doctor who is encouraging and positive, choose her/him.
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Crinkster
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How great that you found someone who really cares and lives up to who a doctor should be! Ask the dietician (make sure it's a renal dietician) for a diet limiting sodium, potassium, phosphorous and protein. I did that and was able to increase GFR and decrease creatinine. Also, check all meds before taking them. Some are not good for those of us with ckd and some interact with other meds to make them harmful as well. Moderate exercise and lots of water.
Nice to hear some good news and to learn of a medical professional who put their patient first and went out of their way to determine the root cause. I think you are very lucky!
That is wonderful news! I am so happy that you found a nephrologist who is really helping you now! You now know how to take control. It isn't always easy and I know I fall off the wagon with my diet every once in a while but I quickly get back on track because I feel that the earlier your start following a low sodium, low protein, low phosphorous, low potassium and drink lots of water the better off you will be. I too get so excited when my eGFR goes up. I started at 38 and now at 48. When I was told by my urologist that it wouldn't improve. Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing your story. It gives everyone hope!
It’s always nice to get a number higher than the previous one. I found that I should not get too excited with slight variations, though. As long as I am within my baseline range, I’m pretty happy. Thanks for your response
Thanks for your reply. The nutritional tweaks were relatively minor. I think the biggest difference was my water intake. It has been exceptionally hot here (Southern Arizona) and despite being very conscious of my need to drink plenty of water, sometimes it just doesn’t seem to be enough. It’s when the temperature starts reaching 100°F, usually in May, that my numbers tend to dip. Add the antibiotics to that and it made for a bad combination.
You are an inspiration to the entire community and never alone as one of us will always reach back and chat.
Your finding a competent nephrologist is a blessing and motivation to all- that there still are caring, competent physicians who look at the whole person and probe to find the best treatment for each patient.
Please keep in touch.
My thoughts and prayers go with you for continued improved health.
Thank you for such a nice reply. It is indeed a blessing for me to have found a Doctor who really cares and will go the extra mile. Many seem to do the former but few the latter.
I love hearing positive news! There truly are good providers out there that care about us! They need to be celebrated. As do you. Also, I'm glad to hear cipro is being discontinued for you. It's bad news!
Thanks. I really felt it was important to share some positive news for a change. I also wanted to let people know that there are many dedicated doctors out there willing to go the extra mile. Once you find one, hold onto them!
So glad things have improved for you. You are right, there are too many stories of hard times with ckd. So, nice to hear a positive story! Now, keep up the good work and let us know how you are doing.
My prayers are with you and your Mom during this difficult time. Dementia and alzheimer's are horrible diseases. My husband is going through the same caregiver journey that you are with his mother.
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