proteinuria

[AENEASavc]

I have been diagnosed with proteinuria. I am female, age 79, and 23 months post transplant from a deceased donor. My creatinine level runs consistently around 2.2. I get blood tests every two weeks. I’ve had many problems (ongoing diarrhea, low white count, etc) but I stay positive and persevereI. I receive outstanding care from my nephrologist and transplant team. I would appreciate hearing about your experiences.

[Tashikat]

hi…Congrads on getting a kidney transplant. I am sorry for your challenges. Are you avoiding foods high in potassium & magnesium? Diet is so important for kidney health. Take good care.

[AENEASavc in reply to Tashikat]

thank you for responding. I am going to follow up with my doctor and Dietician.

[AENEASavc in reply to Tashikat]

I consulted with a renal dietician yesterday. She was very helpful.

[Eyak1971]

Sounds like you are experiencing many symptoms of the medication you are taking. Many of us have gone through the same. As mentioned before, diet is important and sometimes supplements, but check with your doctor first. Some found that a probiotic or fiber supplement helped. Now comes the hard part- worrying. As an older transplant like me, it is sometimes difficult to find distractions to keep from worrying, particularly if you are no longer working. Try to get in a routine including exercise and social interaction. But realize it is ok to worry but too much is unhealthy physically and mentally. If as you say you have a good doctor, let the doctor do his job and give you the answers you need. They have a clearer picture of what needs to be done. We have all had our ups and downs. I ended up with AVN and gout. I had to change my diet and have hip surgery. Now I am on a gluten and dairy free diet. Lost 10 pounds and my stomach has calmed down. I try to limit sugar. I do take a probiotic because the doctor has me on Bactrim to be cautious. I also take a kidney supplement pill that contains vitamin c and etc. I also take vitamin d. But talk to your doctor and do what is best for you.

[AENEASavc in reply to Eyak1971]

thank you for sharing your experience. You have been a big help to me.

[Leekee]

Hello,Thanks for sharing your story! I received my 2nd Kidney Transplant 2 years ago.

I have discovered having a really good therapist, along with a wonderful medical team, is a must.

Especially during difficult times. The other thing that helps me is volunteering whenever I am able.

[AENEASavc in reply to Leekee]

thank you for your useful tips. I like your idea about volunteering. That is always uplifting. Since I retired, I am happy to pursue some of my interests that I had to put aside. I’m into genealogy, and I am happy to visit with my deceased ancestors.

[LisaSnow]

Proteinuria could result from medications (immunosuppressive, blood pressure med...Etc) or some issues with the graft. It is best to work with your nephrologist to rule out issues with the transplant first before making adjustment to the medication. If your GFR are creatinine have been stable with no change you shouldn't have too much to worry about.

[AENEASavc in reply to LisaSnow]

thank you for caring. I will follow up on your useful tips.

[Darlenia]

My hubby, age 73, also received a deceased donor kidney two years ago. In his case, the transplant was an "average" match - so it wasn't perfect and came with a few issues. Thankfully, his creatinine numbers, while a bit high, remain stable. My hubby, a diabetic, has high proteinuria numbers like you apparently also have. Our center told him that it's likely due to his blood pressure, which has slowly crept upward over the months, and also from "debris" from low-level utis that his immunosuppressants and his diabetes produces. The center adjusted his blood pressure meds and my hubby has redoubled efforts to keep his blood sugars within range. At our age, it's very easy to worry so we're trying to schedule more things into our day - getting out and enjoying life with the gift he's been given. I'm trusting that both you and my hubby will be given many more wonderful years to experience, relatively trouble-free, this beautiful thing called life.