CKD and Auto-Immune Disease

[Luna5716]

Newly diagnosed CKD Stage 3 female (65yrs). I have multiple health issues (RA, Sjogren's, Fibromyalgia, Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis, Mixed Connective Tissue Disorder, Hypoglycemia, Migraine, Raynaud's, SOD, and much more. My blood pressure is under control with meds. I have a Nephrology appointment coming up soon. I fear my CKD could be caused by my auto-immune issues and certain a biopsy will be done. This was the case with my lung disease (IPF) 16 years ago. Does anyone else have CKD due to Lupus, RA, etc.? What was the treatment plan? How did CKD progress once diagnosed? I feel overwhelmed right now.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

HI Luna,

Yes, my CKD is a direct result of an autoimmune disease know as Psoriatic Arthritis and psoriasis. When you have this disease, it manifests with changing blood levels to become very acid do to high uric acid in the blood. These form crystals and in my case, in my kidneys. I had massive amounts of stones, most of which I passed. But some were so large that they remained in the kidney and did damage. Also I was put on massive doses of Advil for pain until they finally diagnosed me. At lastly, a combination of medications for the PsA caused a sever reaction which really damaged the kidney and gave me medically induced diabetes.

The current treatments for the PsA have helped maintain my kidney function along with better diet and less stress.

Although it is overwhelming, we are here to help.

[Luna5716 in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thank you. The doctor stopped the Celebrex I was taking. Evidently, they said it might have caused CKD. However, after stopping they redid my bloodwork and GFR was even lower. Anxious to get to the Nephrologist.

[caranoelle]

my kidney disease is from an auto immune disease called IgA Nephropathy.

[Luna5716 in reply to caranoelle]

I’m not familiar with that. How are you doing? What do you do to deal with CKD? What stage are you at?

[caranoelle in reply to Luna5716]

i'm at stage 4 ...my egfr is at a 27 .. I'm on fish oil ..4 grams a day prescribed by my nephrologist ..

[Sammi_n_Munk]

Hello Luna. I’m sorry to hear that you’re in so much distress. Although my health issues are not quite the same as yours, (my CKD is a result of the combined efforts of my type 2 diabetes, high uncontrolled blood pressure and an advanced case of sleep apnea).

I’m not sure how much you know regarding the renal diet to slow the progression of CKD, but basically, the renal diet plan should be low in sodium, potassium and phosphorus. If you’re unsure of what food items fall into those categories, perhaps you could do some research online. A popular website that you’ll hear about in this forum is called, DaVita.com. Lowering your protein intake, if possible is also usually recommended.

Exercising whenever possible, even in a sitting position, can be helpful. Weight-lifting is usually not something recommended for people with CKD, but a little cardio everyday can be beneficial. And drinking water is also good. Ask your doctor what the right amount would be for you to consume in a day.

If you currently take any anti-inflammatory medications, including over-the-counter varieties, speak to your doctor as well, about that. I realize you suffer from a number of health issues that involve chronic pain, and probably do take, or have taken some of these pain relievers, but you should know that these can cause further damage to your kidneys. Speak to your nephrologist with regard to anything that you are unsure about. They will steer you in the right direction.

Proper rest and sleep is another element that’s very important. But then, this is true for everyone. Hope I’ve been able to help a little. This forum has some of the best, sound advice I’ve ever received. Many here are very knowledgeable and I myself, have learned so much here.

We’re here to support you, dear. Don’t forget that. I wish you all the best. I keep you in my thoughts and prayers. God bless.🙂🙏

[Luna5716 in reply to Sammi_n_Munk]

Thank you so much for all the info. I started doing research about diet and have made modifications already. No dairy; only plant based. No or low sodium. I haven't had red meat in 2 months and eating less protein. I plan to sit down with a nutritionist soon. I stopped Celebrex and it's been very difficult with the pain someday. I have visited Davita.com and it is very helpful.

Reading your post has been very comforting. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers. I feel I have found a safe and encouraging place to come to when needed. I have found my tribe!

[Sammi_n_Munk in reply to Luna5716]

Hey Luna! Everything you’re doing is right. That sounds great! I know what you mean about pain though. I also have pain issues (chronic gout, osteoarthritis, muscle pain), so I know where you’re coming from.

And it is comforting to have this support system. Sometimes, family and friends (God bless them) just don’t understand what we go through on a daily basis. This is an awesome place to come for support. Corresponding with the others here has helped me tremendously. Glad to know that it’s comforted and helped you as well. All my best to you, dear and God bless. 😊👍