Symptoms I should be concerned about

[Zeena109]

Hi my hubby gfr dropped rapidly it was 27 in nov 19 and 21 jan 20 and 3 weeks ago was 17 started preparing him with timeline for dialysis in future is ver last week he has been sleeping more than he is awake (no structure to it) and twitching much more than before breathless is considerably worse : due for iron infusion weds if still able to sue to this Coronavirus restrictions appetite last two days has dropped and I feel he is urinating less : do I need to be concerned things moving quickly or is this normal decline to stage 5 cjd still trying to get our heads around all information

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

HI Zeena,

Frist of all, it is hard to read your post without punctuation. GFR will fluctuate depending on many thing, including being dehydrated at the time of the lab draw. HIs other symptoms should be shared with his doctor. Is he doing anything about his diet? What medications is he on? What other comorbidities does he have like diabetes or high blood pressure and are they in control. All things factor in.

[Zeena109 in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thank you : we attended his anaemia appointment today as planned, he has been admitted today to hospital, his body is now retaining fluid hence the breathing difficulties and gfr is now 13. Possible dialysis will start next day or two as gfr dropping quickly. Also tests for emphasmia (wrong spelling).

[Sammi_n_Munk]

Hello Zeena109. You need to do a few things. There are some things that may be going on, that he’s doing or not doing, that could be worsening his situation. Dehydration can be a big one. One’s GFR can be directly affected in a negative way if they are not drinking enough water.

1. Is he taking any prescribed medications for blood pressure or other health issues, or antibiotics that may be contributing to this? Even over-the-counter anti-inflammatory meds meant to relieve pain, such as Advil, Motrin or Aleve, can cause kidney downfall in those with CKD. It can speed up the deterioration. Some meds can hurt the kidneys. If his liver is basically healthy and he has no allergies to it, then Tylenol for pain relief would be a better option. But keep him away from anti-inflammatory drugs. Also, steroids can be bad, as some of them can accelerate chronic health conditions.

2. You need to speak to his medical team to determine why this is happening so suddenly. Has he been drinking enough water? In the recent past was he consuming foods and beverages that are high in sodium, potassium or phosphorus? These are also not good. Visit DaVita.com for some ideas on healthy kidney-kind options as far as foods and beverages for people with kidney disease. It can be very helpful.

3. If his doctors know for a fact that his hemoglobin is low, which can happen in those with CKD, they will need to get him on iron supplements immediately (remember too, when taking iron supplements, one needs to take them with some beverage that contains high vitamin C, such as cranberry or orange juice. This helps the body absorb the iron better. If you don’t do this, the iron supplements may not work as well, or as fast).

4. Could he also be low in anything else such as vitamin D, B or others? His doctors need to address all of this.

Truthfully, his doctors should be tending to this instead of just shoving him off to dialysis. That quick of a decline is quite alarming. Try to keep him hydrated with water to the best if your ability. Have his doctors discontinue any prescribed medications he may be on that could possibly be contributing to this issue, and switch them to something that is more kidney-friendly.

I hope this helps you. I will keep your husband in my prayers, dear. All of my best to you, and God bless. 🙏🙂

[Zeena109 in reply to Sammi_n_Munk]

Thank you : we attended his anaemia appointment today as planned, he has been admitted today to hospital, his body is now retaining fluid hence the breathing difficulties and gfr is now 13. Possible dialysis will start next day or two as gfr dropping quickly. Also tests for emphasmia (wrong spelling).

[Sammi_n_Munk in reply to Zeena109]

Hi again Zeena109. I’m sorry to hear that he’s feeling so poorly. Is dialysis the only option for him at this point? Are there not any other changes that they can make to his regular routine that may help his situation? I feel so bad for him. This is an awful time for him, I’m sure. Please do continue to keep us posted on his progress. I will continue my prayers for him. You take care of yourself as well. We’re always here for you. God bless. 🙏🙂