New to dialysis; CKD caused by lithium

[chicagotrekkie]

I started dialysis last August after my kidneys dropped into the Stage 5 range (functioning at less than 10% of normal). I'm 59. Because I'm single and was living by myself, I had few good options but to move into a long-term rehab facility in a nearby suburb that has an on-site hemodialysis clinic.

There was no mystery about the reason for the kidney disease. In 1982, when I was 19, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder during my first few months of college. While hospitalized, I was placed on lithium, having had one major depressive episode and one significant manic episode.

Lithium seemed to work pretty well for me. For example, after the hospital stays I returned to college and graduated four years later summa cum laude. There were a lot of ups and downs over the next 15 years, however, with some occasional episodes despite my medication regimen. Over that time, no doctor ever mentioned the state of my kidneys nor the possible side effects of the lithium. But in 1999 or so, my psychiatrist ran a blood panel and found my serum creatinin was quite high -- about 1.6. He took me off the lithium and put me on Depakote right away.

I saw a nephrologist from time to time over the next two decades for tests. My kidneys were pretty stable for a long time, but slowly got worse and had deteriorated to Stage 4 by last year. Before I expected it, the kidney doctor said I needed to go on dialysis.

I've been on dialysis for 10 months now. The treatment has been fairly uneventful. What's taken a lot of getting used to has been the loss of freedom and independence involved in living in a care facility instead of at home. I miss being able to hang out with my friends frequently, go out to restaurants and stores, explore the city, etc. Lately, I've been trying to make good use of my time using my laptop by doing remote volunteer work and taking online courses through Coursera.

My nephrologist hasn't said a word about my suitability for a transplant. I have a feeling that I'm not a likely candidate, first because I have lived alone and have no family or caretakers who would support me in the recovery period. Second, I've had some other serious health issues that I'm still dealing with (such as recovery from colon cancer surgery).

It would be good to get feedback. I've enjoyed exploring the posts on this site and feeling part of a community, albeit a virtual one.

[Bassetmommer]

Welcome to our forum. You are a true warrior and have overcome a lot. You might find that being a peer mentor yourself is a good outlet. Here is the link kidney.org/peers

[bumblebee_tuna]

I am not sure why you automatically rule out transplant. Talk to your nephrologist, doesn't your dialysis center have a social worker? You need to be your own advocate.

Some transplant centers have a recovery house nearby.

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador]

I have no idea why you would need to move to be on dialysis! There are literally gobs of seniors living alone who continue to live independently in their own homes. Whomever told you to move into such a place as a requirement for dialysis was wrong and has really done you a great disservice (in my opinion). Please engage your social worker, they can help if you want to live on your own again. I assume you are in the US. Free rides to and from dialysis are also available. Blessings

[HipHopQueen]

Hi Chicago... your situation is very similar to mine. Girl has bipolar episode. Girl takes Lithium. Girl's psychiatrist suggests a blood test. Girl has CKD. I hate that you don't have much support. What makes you not ask your nephrologist if you might be a candidate for a transplant. It's possible.