Rapid Kidney Failure

[Rene70]

I am a 48 Young African American female who has been diagnosed with kidney failure. This has happened all of a sudden within two years. 2 years ago I went to the hospital for high blood pressure and my creatinine levels what's 1.9 they are now 4.9 I am currently seeing a kidney doctor she is very good very detail however this mystery to me is not normal. She has done ultrasounds and lots of blood work the ultrasound came back normal she stated to me that my kidney function is declining by the days. I used to hate going into her office because I feel like it was always a death threat every time I went I am seeking other doctors as we speak I have an appointment tomorrow. I'm scared!

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Hi Rene,

Here's a virtual hug. ((((hug)))). Try not to be scared. The stress is not good on your body and mind.

High blood pressure is a real kidney issue. High blood pressure cause stress on the kidneys which then causes them not to work well which then raises blood pressure. I hope they have gotten your BP under control.

You did not say what stage of kidney disease you are in. Hopefully there are some things you can do if you are in stage three or four.

But even if you are at end stage, it is not a death sentence. Yes, you will be facing some big changes in your life, but there are plenty of people who live on for many years with end stage through dialysis. There are some different ways to do dialysis now including at home.

You also could get a transplant and with some modifications to your lifestyle, you will have a new lease on life.

Of all the diseases in the world, CKD has one of the best chances for survival and being able to continue living a wonderful life.

Fill us in on your stage and conditions and we will offer as much advice as you need.

If nothing else, we are all here for you. You are not alone in this journey.

[Rene70 in reply to Bassetmommer]

She told me I functioning at 17% it went from 23 to 20 to 17 within days are supposed to be seeing another nephrologist tomorrow at St Vincent's I've been the Michigan I've Been Everywhere and the people in Michigan I was very disappointed in them because they went off of her records They didn't even run any blood or any test made me drive 5 hours up there for them to tell me well based on what she said your kidneys has failed I was hot cuz it took me five hours there in 5 hours BAC so I'm a little bit distraught right now thanks for your prayers

[Peggy76 in reply to Rene70]

Hi Rene. So sorry you are having these issues ,I also have ckd it’s 20 at the moment also have a pacemaker & curvature of the spine with horrendous osteoporosis ,but am very fortunate that I live nearby the hospital.. I think your treatment was totally out of order,certainly should have arranged transport for you.And follow up support I’ve had ckd since 2010 & only option for me is dialyses. You may be considered for transplant ,depending on your other health issues if you have any. So be positive &if you ever need someone to talk to I will always be here for you.good night &may God Bless you always.

Love &kind thoughts Peggy ❤️🌹❤️

[barbara55109 in reply to Rene70]

If you have recent labs then a second opinion isn't going to re-run them. I just had a second opinion consult and she basically reviewed what my nephrologist said and the tests he ran and she concurred with this findings. She couldn't suggest anything that he hadn't already done. It is so frustrating to not know why this is happening or how long I have before dialysis, but that's just the way it is. It did give me comfort to have a second opinion tell me that my dr. was doing everything right.

[Rene70 in reply to Bassetmommer]

My blood pressure was 130 / 74on Friday she got me taking 3 blood pressure medicines she stated the ultrasounds all came back looking good but I don't understand why my function in is low she said it's because of the diabetes they even took a biopsy she says because of the diabetes I thought if the kidneys were bad they will look bad

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador in reply to Rene70]

You have had quite a journey. Diabetes is one of the many commodities (other conditions) that can impact the kidney. Are your glucose levels controlled? I am glad you are seeing another nephrologist. Seems strange to me that they just went off the existing labs, but, then I am not them.

My kidneys look fine now on an ultrasound. I did have stones for many years, but they are gone now. I just had a CT scan for something else and they came back totally normal in the image. (yeah, no stones)

Just so you know, I dropped a couple of points in my GFR in a month. But then it did go back up a bit. There are folks here who are living with GFRs of 9 and 10 without dialysis. Mine is 20. When my diabetes was not under control it really raised havoc on my CKD. It was not the original cause but it did not help it either.

Ask now about a transplant. Get on the list. Be prepared and take any classes you can on kidney disease and or dialysis. Knowledge is power.

Just remember this, you did not do anything wrong. Good people get sick. You have a lot of people to help you here and I am sure your medical team also. Fight for what you need. Ask questions, and then ask more. Become a warrior for yourself.

[Rene70 in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thank you so much for you words of encouragement. I need it! I take care of both of my eighty-year-old elderly parents one with dementia been doing it for 10 years so I know how it feels now. I have no immediate family to look after me or help me I have two sons but they kind of rely on me as well so keep me in your prayers

[Bondj]

Do you take any medicines? My doc was afraid to do a biopsy so he figured my damage was from my type 1 diabetes. It didn't make sense though because that's a gradual decline and I just dropped. Last February my GFR was >60 now it's 28. When I was hospitalized the nephrologist reviewed my medicines and immediately stopped a drug called meloxicam. My last appt. my numbers had improved greatly from 10,000 to 250 (units?) Of protein being spilled. Could it be medicine and not my body hating?! So yes back to you...Are you on any meds especially NSAIDs?

[lowraind]

Have you adjusted your diet? It sounds like you have both diabetes and high blood pressure? Have you educated yourself regarding things you can do to help yourself? I know that you are in a state of panic, but the more you know about ckd the more you can do to help yourself. It will also help you to know what questions to ask your doctors.

National education, support and advocacy organizations:

• DaVita Kidney Disease and Dialysis Forums is well known for their recipes but they also have a forum for patients too.

• Renal Support Network provides many support and advocacy services including a phone support line.

• AAKP is a comprehensive resource focusing on the quality of life for kidney patients through education, advocacy, patient engagement and the fostering of patient communities.

• National Kidney Foundation provides a portal for patients too.

Please keep us informed,

lowraind

[Kbressler NKF Peer Mentor NKF Ambassador]

First of all I am not a physician but have lived with Kidney Disease for forty years and was transplanted 32 years ago. Two years is not a short time for kidney disease. Kidney disease is progressive and dibilitating. It is my hope that your second opinion from a Nephrologist will result in a diagnosis so you can be treated. Some types of kidney disease can only be diagnosed by kidney biopsy and that may be discussed with you. Your numbers do indicate kidney disease, now the question is what type and what are your options. I pray that you will find an answer soon.

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador]

It does sound as though diabetes coupled with high blood pressure may be the culprits to the kidney damage. As stated even with a kidney biopsy there may be no definitive diagnoses as to cause or reason why other that those two which really do negatively impact kidneys. Creatinine of 4.9 and eGFR at 17% certainly shows on those two points that ESRD is active. But, take a deep breath. Write down all your questions, even the ones you're asking us and be sure to ask your doctor. Also request a referral to attend a kidney disease education class. The class may help alleviate some of your concerns. NKF (National Kidney Foundation), kidneyschool.org and others offer wonderful educational materials. Consider taking a gander. I am not a doctor. I have had chronic kidney disease for 40 years on dialysis 17 years. Take a deep breath. You are not alone. Blessings

[Rene70 in reply to KidneyCoach]

Thank you for the information what is a gander

[Beachcomber49 in reply to Rene70]

A "gander" is an informal word for "take a look at"

[Bunkin]

Hopefully you will get more answers from your new doctor. Good for you for staying on top of this! I’m praying you’ll get your answers and for the strength to do what needs to be done😀

[RhenDutchess123]

Prayers for you....you are amoung Friends...

[Rene70 in reply to RhenDutchess123]

Thank you

[carl1969]

Hi rene70, I feel the same, I'm finding I'm getting back pains plus stomach pains am tired my weight has gone up plus I find myself smoking more and am level 4 and my kidney function is going down rapidly and I find myself feeling to just give up all together, I feel your pain!