Bouncing back

[Crinkster]

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.

[SN23]

This is such an uplifting story. Thanks so much for sharing🙏🌸

[Crinkster in reply to SN23]

Thank you for your response.

[Lynndeb]

That's such excellent news, you must feel elated. How fortunate that you should talk with that nephrologist. Thank you for sharing your story.

[Crinkster in reply to Lynndeb]

Thank you so much.

[lowraind]

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.

lowraind

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to lowraind]

Hi Lowraind: I too am on renal diet that limits sodium, phosphorus and potassium. While it is a challenge, my numbers have improved also.

[Crinkster in reply to lowraind]

Thanks. I have ticked off all of those boxes!

[rabbit01]

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!

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador in reply to rabbit01]

Agreed!

[Crinkster in reply to rabbit01]

Thank you. I feel so fortunate to have found this new nephrologist. And almost anything, a positive attitude goes a long way

[Bunkin]

Great news. Keep up the good work! With God, all things are possible😀

[Crinkster in reply to Bunkin]

Thanks so much!

[jeanswood]

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!

[Crinkster in reply to jeanswood]

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

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Thank you for sharing your positive story. It gives many of us hope. And it is proof that simply changing what you eat can improve the kidneys.

[Crinkster in reply to Bassetmommer]

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.

[Zazzel]

So happy for you!

[Crinkster in reply to Zazzel]

Thank you so much it means a lot

[Sdtagoo]

Wonderful news! Thank you for sharing about the meds. It can only help the rest of us. You can never have too much knowledge.

[Crinkster in reply to Sdtagoo]

Absolutely. Knowledge is power. We all have to remember that. Thanks for your reply

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador]

Crinkster,

So delighted to hear your news!

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.

Bet 🙏🙏👍😊

[Crinkster in reply to Bet117]

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.

[cmaxwell78 NKF Ambassador]

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!

[Crinkster in reply to cmaxwell78]

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!

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador in reply to Crinkster]

True!

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

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.

[Kidney_Problems]

Thank you very much for sharing. Best of luck and may you have continued success.