I feel so blessed that I found a forum where I can pour my heart and anxieties into and receive so much grace back. This road for me as a partner to a spouse battling IGA had not been easy but this place gives me solice and peace. Today we have another blood draw to hopefully see if the heavy proteinuria my husband was experiencing has gone down. I’m not sure what to think every time it’s draw day I have a sense of gloom. My husband has IGA nephropathy with a gfr at his last draw of 39. He is 33 years old. Has anyone else experienced something similar to these symptoms and if so was anything given if the protein does not go down? My husband is already on losartan50mg twice a day, nimfedipine, metropol,atrovastatin,sodium bicarbonate, and aspirin. I sit here biting my fingers thinking of this journey. I dread thinking of the worst but sometimes I cannot help myself. Any advice and positivity is welcomed. I did stop feeding him too much protein, and basically cut out meat. Maybe next step is talking to a renal dietician if this gets worse? I’m a bit lost.
Blood Draw Day Yet Again: I feel so blessed... - Kidney Disease
Blood Draw Day Yet Again
I would highly suggest talking to a renal dietician. It was the best thing I ever did. At the stage he is at,, a real understanding of a renal diet can prolong him having to take the next step. There is more to protein than just stopping red meat. It is in everything. Also ask your doctor about some of the new drugs out there that have proven to lower protein for CKD patients. I did not see any of them listed.
rere,
I can understand your feelings of fear and anxiety as just the words IGA is a fright.
Unlike CKD, IGA is an autoimmune glomerular disease which affects the filtering units of your kidneys, where the glomeruli allows protein to leak out into the urine.
It's a journey and a process. Getting this to stabilize takes time.
I agree with Bassetmommer that seeing a Renal Dietician will be incredibly helpful.
A Renal Dietician opened my eyes to a healthier lifestyle and foods which don't cause inflammation and are better for the kidneys. I have no regret as I know that I'm doing everything possible to help myself.
As far as medication, every person is different and reacts to medications differently.
List your fears, concerns and questions and present them to your husband's nephrologist at your next visit.
Ask about diet,exercise, water, sugar, salt consumption and what medications in addition to BP medication are available and possible choices for your husband.
According to research there are new medications available but again, bear in mind that not every medication is right and best for every patient.
healthcentral.com/drugs/gui...?
I can't stress enough how important it is to communicate with your husband's medical team.
Although I know that you feel fearful, try to stay positive and know that this all takes time.
You are not alone. We are here for you.
Thanks for sharing and your good information and suggestions. Also thanks for the links.
Thanks for all of your good words.
You are such a joy I feel so refreshed when I read a reply for you. I am praying for the best and happy to have support from others like you thank you!
Thanks so much for your kind words. I'm glad that I'm able to help. None of this is easy; think of it as step up on a ladder; one at a time.
Fear and worry are very normal with any medical condition; especially those that are unsettled.
Think of it this way, besides being a journey; outcomes could be possible but not probable.
What you can do is to learn about what is necessary to keep your husband as healthy as possible and try to prevent progression.
Keep in mind that until the doctor tells you it's so, it isn't so.
In the meantime one of the greatest gifts that you can give to both your husband and yourself is to take care of yourself first; it's like putting an air mask on during a flight. This will give you more energy and strength to take steps to work with both medical conditions.
Remember that you and your husband are partners in this journey, if you are rested and caring for yourself than it is much easier to provide extra love and support to your husband.
Look into a Renal Dietician, make sure that your husband's cardiologist, nephrologist and primary care doctor are all communicating with and consulting with each other, so that one treatment doesn't counteract the other.
Love each other and stay positive.
And know that you have friends here. Always...
B.
I may have missed something, but why are you taking aspirin? I've been told not to take aspirin or other anti-inflammatories.
my husband was prescribed aspirin after he had a minor heart attack 2 years ago. I know 30 years old and a heart attack but those were the cards, he’s been taking it ever since
One of the basic instructions given to most kidney patients is "NO Nsaids" which includes aspirin, of course. However, since your husband's doctor must know about it. I guess it's alright. Still, it would be best to ask the doctor about this. Good luck.
My husband also took baby aspirin, a blood thinner, throughout his CKD journey for cardiac health and his nephs were fine with it. Your husband also has IGA - which produces inflammation which can take out the kidneys. Aspirin has both anti-inflammatory as well as pain relieving properties. However, Tylenol is only a pain reliever and won't stop the inflammation. Hence I can see an additional reason why your husband is taking aspirin. CKD is an an umbrella term for many types of underlying causes - diabetic kidney disease, polycystic disease, IGA, etc. And they are all handled quite differently from each other. Although you may want to double-check, your husband's protocol may well be okay.
Undiagnosed kidney struggles
Results : Dietary and lifestyle changes impacting blood and urine parameters 
Kidney Doctor
Diet & CKD
eGFR > 60. Time to say goodbye
