Colds, granchildren, eGFR

[whats]

I've had a cold, non-covid, for a month (I take prednisone which makes them last longer) and my eGFR went from 55 to 44. It seems to move around by at least 10 with every test, from 23 to 55, once in the 30s, once in the 40s. I haven't been able to exercise, sleep badly because of cough, and have taken various OTC cough medicines. Lupus doc says infection, not flare. Now my 3 young grandchildren, who I love, have moved in with me and they all have colds. Their mom has enough troubles and noplace else to go at the moment, so I want them here. Stories of how eGFR does or doesn't bounce back after an infection would be of interest.

[nascar4433]

I'm sorry I don't have any suggestions, as I haven't had a cold for years, and not since being diagnosed with CKD. Hopefully someone else from this terrific community will provide some helpful info. Hope you feel better soon.

[Jayhawker]

I, too, have been battling a non-COVID cold for about a month. It’s exhausting. I am not sleeping well. That causes all sorts of issues including interrupting my regular exercising.

I focus on staying hydrated, taking my meds, and eating basic meals while sick. (I live alone so cooking for myself can be a challenge.) I’ve been setting my alarm so I continue to take my meds on time.

My renal panel data will likely be lower until I get past this although if I do a good job staying hydrated it may not change much. It will most likely rebound once I’m finally past the cold.

I’ve been using Vic’s to help my sinuses stay curated especially when I’m trying to sleep. I’m also allowed to use regular Mucinex. Other than that a humidifier and a Nettie pot with saline solution are what I use.

But staying hydrated is critical for me.

Jayhawker

[OKShakespeare in reply to Jayhawker]

It is not likely to be a cold that lasts that long. I find that I get a runny nose pretty often and not really other symptoms which leads me to believe there is more going on than a cold virus.

[Jayhawker in reply to OKShakespeare]

In my case it is supposedly a cold that keeps coming back. That’s according to my PCP.

Jayhawker

[Sophiebun11 in reply to Jayhawker]

Do you and Izzy stay in your matching jammies while you're under the weather? Does she have her own little closet for her ensembles? A doggie armoire?

[Jayhawker in reply to Sophiebun11]

Actually it’s kind of funny. All her clothes are in a drawer in my nightstand. She sits in front of it whining when she wants me to get her clothes out. She seems to like dressing up. She especially likes going for walks while dressed up. She literally struts around. It’s hilarious.

Jasyhawker

[Sophiebun11 in reply to Jayhawker]

I am so glad they stopped showing that disgusting Snot Monster Mucinex commercial on TV. I hated it. I do think of it every time I hear the word so their ads did the job.

I hope you're feeling better soon. Stay warm and hydrated.

[nascar4433 in reply to Sophiebun11]

Oh, I totally agree! Absolutely disgusting. I feel the same about the red bear family and their dirty underwear, wagging their unclean butts, and using less tissue than they probably should! ICK!

[drmind]

Please wear a mask indoors all the time especially around young kids with colds. If masks can stop covid, I'm sure it can stop colds. Careful as to what cold meds you're taking and make sure they're not trouble to your kidneys. I cant give you a medical diagnosis about how long infections last, but from my own personal experience, mine seem to have lasted longer than normal. I had a strep throat infection several months ago (first one ever) and it look many weeks to go away. It was the infection from hell because it effected everything in my head: throat, ears, sinuses, eyes and persistent pain. It went on for weeks in spite of 2 rounds of strong antibiotics. I dont know if I could blame CKD but it sure was unusual.

I always use saline nasal spray only to help congestion as well as Vicks as I was told by my primary doctor that nasal sprays with steroids can make things worst. Hoping you get better soon because you have to help taking care of those little ones. Bless you for being there for them.

[OKShakespeare]

Masks do not stop Covid or colds because both are viruses and viruses are so small they penetrate woven masks. Maybe if you get an N95 it could offer some protection.

[Green306]

Have you talked to your doctor about ways to help your immune system that would not affect your kidneys? If not, I would talk to your doctor. A mask could make you sicker.

[Sophiebun11]

I think the stress people moving in can affect any health issue. As you know I have Scleroderma which is similar to your Lupus.

I went from EGFR of 28 up to 50 after restarting Pred. So the suppression of Pred. really helps my kidney inflammation which is solely from my Sclero. I have no other factors for CKD.

I recently had a lung infection about a month ago which hung on and started as a minor cold. Dr. was sure I had Covid but the test was neg.

I didn't get my eGFR tested during or right after the infection so I can't say. I'll be getting tested again in 2 weeks which will be about a month after, so I can let you know then. I'm hoping it stays above Stage 4.

I would think a flare up would be harder than a virus on your autoimmune disease than on your eGFR but that's just IMHO.

It would be interesting to be tested and see. There is probably a study on PubMed.com

Best of luck settling in your family and in feeling better.

❄️🐇❄️

[Chimama]

Oh my you do have a handful . Hopefully they are old enough to do regular hand washing and Lysol wipes but I don’t know about hand sanitizer for little ones . I do know I tried Microban sanitizer spray and nearly killed my little Chihuahua . You are a good mom and granny to be in this position with your illness. I know I haven’t got to spend hardly anytime with my six year old grandson who’s supposed to be with me for Bew Years Eve he has a cough just finished antibiotics for upper respiratory infection so I hope and pray all goes well. I wish you thee were best and will pray for you and your family bless you 🙏

[RoxanneKidney]

Stress is a major killer. I had my biggest health issues when my stress level with my family was the highest. It is not worth it. At the very least, get your daughter to get her kids on a schedule. Early to bed, naps, and up early and to the park or play outside. Sounds like they are stressed too, if sick all the time.