Diabetic nephropathy

[Antharyami]

Hi all Iam 54 and diagnosed with diabetic nephropathy 3 years ago my eGfr was around 57 and the Dr said it's border line and not to worry much.

All on a sudden within a year it dropped to 36and stayed for about 6months in the same range .in the meanwhile my BP shot up and my sugar was under control.never had BP prior to this

4 months ago it dropped to 22 and now at 18.5.My doc says that I must be prepared for dialysis very soon but i feel the medicines made it worst.

Not sure if I should consult another nephrologist now

[Hidden]

It never hurts to get a second opinion. When you were at 57 and told you were borderline, I'd question what your doctor meant? You were Stage 3 and close to Stage 2 and if that is what the nephrologist meant, okay. I'm not a doctor but, in my lay opinion, you aren't being served well. The physician seems to unconcerned and remember, it's your health. Has the nephrologist referred you to a renal dietitian to set you up with a kidney-friendly meal plan? Have you been advised as to other ways to slow the progression of CKD? I'm also a bit confused about why at your current GFR you are being told you should be starting dialysis soon. There is still much you can do and unless he hasn't told you something important about your health I would run to find another nephrologist and get a second and hopefully better-informed opinion.

[HealthBuddyMelissa]

What medications are you taking. Research them and see if they are filtered in the kidneys and then ask your doctor if there are any alternatives to try.

[Hidden in reply to HealthBuddyMelissa]

Agree. People with CKD sometimes need a much lower dose of medication especially for those with a long half life.

[Sammi_n_Munk]

Hello Antharyami! I would say yes, do try to see another nephrologist, if for no other reason, than just to get a second opinion. I’m also diabetic (I’m 50) and my kidney issues were also affected by my diabetes. You should try to research the medications you currently take online, and try to find out if they possibly, are impacting your kidney function in a negative way. I know that anti-inflammatory drugs, even over-the-counter meds like Advil, Motrin and Aleve, can be bad for the kidneys. Also, you should try to drink more water to flush your kidneys as much as possible. Don’t overdo it, but try to remain hydrated, as that in itself, can bring your GFR up as well. Look into contacting a renal dietician that can guide you in the right direction with regard to diet. Use the internet to look up foods that are low in potassium, sodium and phosphorous. (DaVita.com is a good one.)

Exercise can also be helpful, just don’t overdo weight-lifting, as that can raise creatinine levels in your blood as well. But above all, as I said before, try to find a doctor, or a medical team, that will work with you, not against you. Express your concerns to your doctors regarding your current medications. Certainly they can find something that will provide more benefits to you than detriments. I wish you all the best. I hope this can help you in some way. Please keep us posted on your progress. Remember, we’re here for you! God bless. 😊👍

[Antharyami]

Thanks all for the replies.Yeah I was given Ace inhibitors initially but was taken from my prescription after my potassium levels increased to 5.8.

I realised that certain diabetic drugs given to me by my endocrinologist were not kidney friendly.Spoke to the Dr and he took them off too..but only after that the drop hastened and now Iam worried that I have dug the grave myself .

Currently Iam on 2 BP medications one diabetic medicine one iron supplementa and a probiotic

Inspite of a no salt low potassium diet and taking meds regularly my BP has now come down.

Dr says there is nothing we could do unless the BP is controlled.What more can we do to control the BP.no solution to that.

Iam at wits end wondering if Iam on track or not. the Dr used to check for edema and I never had any swelling he prescribed Cinod which can cause edema as one of its side effects.When we went again to him showing the contraindications it went down hill.now the swelling hasn't gone down nor the BP is low.

There is also an eczema kind of I fection for the past 14 months.

My WBC has gone to 13000and Iam anemic too

The whole thing is driving me crazy

[Sammi_n_Munk in reply to Antharyami]

Hello again, Antharyami! I’m sorry to hear that you are in such distress. If the Cinod seems to be causing your edema, then your doctor should be switching it to something different, that will not go against your kidneys. Also, if in fact, your rash is eczema, I believe there are medicated creams that can relieve it or help manage it.

Has your doctor told you what stage of CKD you’re in? I ask that, only because I know that people in stage 5 CKD, often suffer from itching issues due to the irritation to the skin from the excessive toxins in the blood. If this is possibly the case with you, your doctor should be addressing this differently.

With regard to your blood pressure and blood sugar issues, I can certainly understand your distress there. I too, suffer from these health issues as well as CKD. I would try to ask your doctor for a review of your medications for these issues, and have her / him make the proper adjustments to any drugs you’re taking that may be contributing to your kidney troubles. If those medications are working against your kidney function, then they are not helping you at all. Also, use over-the-counter medications carefully as well, or not at all, if possible. Many of them can be harmful to those of us with kidney disorders.

I wish you all the best Antharyami. I hold you in my thoughts and prayers, dear. Please continue to keep us posted on your progress. God bless. 😊👍