Weakening bones/joints on dialysis

[ashok5085]

Hi

I am on dialysis for 4 yrs after my first transplant failed. My bones and joints are weakening day by day. I do take calcium+vit d3 and cinacalcet for high PTH. What else is required to avoid weak bones and joints? Any advice?

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Exercise is needed to keep joints and bones strong. You may think you are too tired to do anything, but it will make a difference. I hate exercise but I found something I like and so it is easier to stick with. Find out from your doctor what they say you can do as far as limits. Something to suggest is resistance band exercises. You can do them in your home anytime. Walking is also good.

[drmind]

I think you have to get the PTH under control. You seem to be on meds to do it, but is your kidney doctor managing them? Two years ago, I had high PTH and new kidney doctor put me on Vit D2 and calcitriol (?spelling) and titrated the dosages until PTH got into normal range which took about a year. Still taking VitD2 but not the calcitriol. Took calcitriol 5 x a week, then 3 times a week, them once a week and now none.

Hope thus helps. Best of luck with your problem

[RhenDutchess123]

When my PTH went nuts I had a Parathyoidectomy...Best thing I ever did

[Pte82]

ahokas5085, calcium needs magnesium for balance and to prevent calcium from going to soft tissue and instead going to the bones. Magnesium is also a cofactor of all the enzymes needed to activate vitamin D in addition to vitamin B1. Reducing sugar and carbohydrates improves magnesium calcium and vitamin D absorption. Consult your health care professional before using any supplement.

[Starrstruck]

Do you have any problems with your teeth or jaw ? My gfr is 22 and I'm not on dyalisis yet,but my bones ache and my jaw hurts and my teeth are getting infected and never have bothered me before.I'm afraid I have CKD-MBD(mineral bone disease) I get another bone scan next week

[ashok5085 in reply to Starrstruck]

No issues with teeth.

[Darlenia]

I'm so sorry you're experiencing bone and joint issues. Are you perhaps still on immunosuppressants for your transplant? If so, I wouldn't wait and immediately request a follow up appointment with your transplant center for their opinion and guidance. Unfortunately, immunosuppressants are often the underlying cause for both the deterioration of bone mass and bone quality. In some cases, people can be weaned off those medications to some extent after a transplant failure. (I've watched a friend with a liver transplant who also struggles with this.) I truly hope that you'll be given a reason and a way to prevent this from going any further. After all you've been through, you deserve the best life possible.

[ashok5085]

I stopped immunosuppressants 3 yr back.

[Darlenia in reply to ashok5085]

Wonderful! I sure hope good solution for your situation comes your way.