Increased Creatinine -

[Tashikat]

I have a kidney transplant since 2009. I have had 4 ablations on my heart for afib since 2019. It has affected my creatinine adversely at times. I just changed from Flecanide to Propafenone for afib, & we are hoping this will lower my creatinine, which has slowly been increasing since starting the Flecanide Jan 2022. It is now at 2.91. My nephrologist is not convinced of the cause of the drop in my kidney function …& says it could be the afib med, or the Tacrilomus, as it can lower kidney function. Soon my doc has ordered a kidney biopsy & has me preparing for a 2nd transplant. This is concerning, as I really want to know the cause of the creatinine increase. So many medication side affects. Any folks with similar history out there? Thanx so much

[LisaSnow]

You have had the transplant for 15 years. The average survival of a transplanted kidney in the USA is about 15 years. I think the increase of creatinine is multi-factorial, natural aging of the transplant and several drugs' adverse effects on it all contribute to its inevitable decline. It is never a single cause and unfortunately it isn't possible to really know all of them or the relative impacts they have had in your case. I am sorry you are facing to have another transplant, and hope your second one will be even longer lasting and bring you great health.

[Tashikat in reply to LisaSnow]

Thanx for your response. My transplant was from a living person & UCSF where I had my transplant said in their paperwork that a transplant average is 18-20 years. Tacrilomus can play a role in kidney failure. All in all, I do believe you are correct, that medications play a big part in the kidney failing. Thanx for your input.

[Nanatotwo]

I have been fortunate to have had a transplant for 30yrs but now that is failing and have AF and heart failure too. Very difficult to manage with new drugs plus the immunosuppression. I had to stop Entresto as it made my creatinine go really high so it does seem like a difficult path.

You are fortunate if offered a new transplant so all the best with that.

[sugabear]

Have you considered a second opinion regarding the AFib?

[Tashikat in reply to sugabear]

I have been to the Cleveland Clinic for 2 of my 4 heart ablations. Between there & my electrophysiologist at home, they have no answers besides meds. I have started taking a liquid magnesium supplement to hopefully reduce my afib. Thanx so much