Possible Kidney Damage

[Shnwttn]

Hi all,

I suffer from mental health issues and have struggled to obtain any real kind of assistance since being diagnosed 5 years ago (this is a long and protracted issue with many factors in play as to why I haven’t been able to).

Owing to the lack of assistance, I have been self medicating with strong painkillers over the past 18-24 months which I purchase wherever possible (internet/pharmacies etc.) For the last year of that I have been taking around 30/40 each day, in order to be able to relax/rest/sleep, otherwise my illnesses mean I am constantly restless, hypervigilant, unable to sleep etc. therefore this is my only way of getting respite from that.

Over the past 6 months I have had quite substantial pain in both sides of my mid back, find my extremities itchy, constantly feel nauseous, severe headaches etc. Having looked online, much of this is linked to Kidney damage or so I have read.

I have tried to stop taking this medication, asked my GP for assistance (but was told to just stop taking the tablets which is impossible owing to how ill I become when I try) and tried to seek assistance elsewhere with none offered. I want to stop this to prevent any further damage to my body but find it impossible.

Any advice or assistance would be greatly appreciated.

[Hidden]

The only recommendation I can make is to schedule appointments with your doctors and follow their advice. Doing it your way has gotten you where you are now. All that is left now is to find a team of doctors, be honest with them, and follow their best medical advice.

[Jayhawker in reply to Hidden]

Agreed

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

HI,

Do you have a case worker? If not, is there someone who can help you advocate for you? Your addiction to the pain medications is very serious, as I am sure you know. It sounds like the doctor is not helping you because they probably feel like YOU need to help yourself first.

We do not diagnose here, but you have serious issues which need to be addressed. Since we are not privy to all of your situation, there is little we can do to help. Try to find a clinic that can help with the pain management. I would suggest if possible to find another doctor. Whoever diagnosed your mental health issues would be the first person I would see and if they are not helping find someone else.

[Sammi_n_Munk]

Hello Shnwttn. Just want to say that I feel for you in your situation. Don’t know where you live, but certainly even an emergency room at a hospital should be able to help you. I realize that ERs can be a little scary but I’m just concerned by the symptoms you’ve listed. It really does not sound good at all. You need medical attention and you must stress that to your family physician. Or, as I say, go to your nearest ER. They would have to help you there and, at the very least, diagnose what’s happening with your kidneys and direct you properly. Please do not wait too long, and if you can, also please stop the meds. I know that they are for pain, but the more you take them, the more pain you’ll be in. The pain you’re feeling is most likely from your kidneys. They’re talking to you through your pain. The meds, even pain meds can do further damage to already suffering kidneys. I know because it was happening to me a couple years back. And if I hadn’t gone to the ER, I never would have guessed. I’m not trying to diagnose here, I’m not a doctor. Please trust us, and go to the ER. Let them take care if you. It’s their job. Please keep us posted, dear. I’ll be praying for you. All the best to you. God bless.

[HealthBuddyMelissa]

Again good advice from the others. You do have to be a little more diligent in dealing with this before the damage gets worse. Addiction is hard and it won't be easy coming off but you really have no other choice if you want to maintain your health. You just have to do it. If your doctor won't help you I am sure there are hotlines or social services that may be able to at least point you in the right direction. If you need to find a new primary care doctor that will work better with you then I suggest you do asap. Best wishes and take care of yourself.

[daxielovinglady]

Hi, suggest finding another Doctor for a 2nd opinion.