Cognitive impairment and ESRD

[Borg_Implants]

I’m 20 years in and doing quite well...now.

I would like to read feedback from anyone who may have suffered from CI before and after their transplant. Thanks.

[OperationKidney]

I feel like my kidney disease contributed to undiagnosed cognitive impairments like memory loss that might be long-term. I used to have a fantastic memory and vocabulary but the older I got and the more my kidneys declined in function the worse my memory has become and my vocabulary has gotten simpler as well. I only have anecdotal evidence for this so I don't know if this is actually the case or what, but given how much kidney failure impacts the rest of the body systems I wouldn't be shocked if it had something to do with memory loss and other cognitive issues.

[Borg_Implants in reply to OperationKidney]

I wonder how common CI is to ESRD patients. It’s been a long road back but it still haunts me. The best I can do is use that pain to keep getting healthier. Tell me, do you pursue any kind of brain health program?

[OperationKidney in reply to Borg_Implants]

I haven't done anything g formally but I do find that word games and the like really help bring back some of the brain cells I seem to have lost.

[Hidden]

Yes. I think so. Now, more then before. My creatinine is fluctuating and my memory is terrible. My vocabulary is less on point and I feel kind of dopey sometimes. I have to double check everything and write stuff down. When I fill my pill box, my husband goes behind me to make sure all is correct. I feel like I am on too much medication then a few years ago and need to have nephrology take a look at the abundance of meds and see what can be cut down. Also, get rid of Doctors that aren't necessary, instead of going to a specialist and then having to see that doctor forever. I was diagnosed with a Bakers cyst behind my knee. I was put on Lyrica and now have to see this guy forever. This one can go and take his Lyrica with him.

[Match62017]

I’ve always had an excellent memory, however during my last six to eight months pre transplant I was struggling to remember basic things from both short and long term memory. I blamed it on stress, but I knew it was the toxins. My mind was almost immediately clear just a few days post transplant then I started having troubles with concentration post transplant. I notice It was at its worst during my higher doses of medications. Although I still don’t feel I can concern or focus as well as I once did I’ve accepted this as all I will achieve.

[LisaSnow in reply to Match62017]

I agree 100%. The prednisone and tac are equally bad. I feel much better after the dose reduction, that is until I had to take gabapentin for shingles.... life just keeps on throwing challenges at you.