Stage 4 Kidney disease caused by lithium

[eveebear]

I am now at 25 gfr. I am leaking protein and have been told this condition was caused by Lithium prescribed to me 20 years ago. This drug also destroyed my thyroid function. I am on Ramipril 2.5 mg per day to try and stop the protein leak. This leak apparently is causing high cholesterol of 8.4. I have been told never to take a statin again as they caused my muscles to break down and pain. Another consultant is trying to get me to take them again, which I am resisting. She tells me that diet and exercise will not help. Any advice welcome

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Stick to your guns on the use of statins. Diet and exercise WILL help. I have dropped my numbers significantly just with losing 30 pounds. Try changing what you eat first, adding more movement in your day and then see what happens. If nothing, then maybe revisit the drugs. Many doctors use drugs as a first line of defense because it is what they know. Can't blame them. But tell your doctor you want to try to change naturally first and then see what happens. Look at cutting down meat, fat and no fried foods. i still eat cheese in moderation and have eggs (whites). Switching to a kidney friendly diet is best if you are at stage four.

[eveebear in reply to Bassetmommer]

Hi Thanks for advice. I am walking 4 miles a day and try to eat healthy but sometimes get tempted by cream cakes lol. I will stick to my guns on statins. The consultant who advised me never to take them again told me that people are never informed about their bad side affects. My husband had shoulder pain for 3 years whilst on them and regularly need cortisone injections. Once he stopped the statins, all pain was gone in 3 weeks.