Just had an episode of Acute Renal Fai... - British Liver Trust

British Liver Trust

38,062 members18,661 posts

Just had an episode of Acute Renal Failure and feeling quite distressed

RosaRugosa profile image
7 Replies

Hello, all!

I joined here recently. For the past 12 years, I have had cirrhosis that developed from Type 2 Diabetes and NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.) I also have a number of other health problems.

I spent last week in the hospital with an episode of Acute Renal Failure. My physicians think it was caused by a combination of the cirrhosis, side effects of my diuretic medications, and dehydration. They think my kidneys will probably recover well, but it's "wait and see."

As for why I became dehydrated, I tend to lose my appetite when I'm worried. And, I have lots to worry about -- my husband has been having heart trouble, and we are in substantial financial problems from our medical bills. (I live in the US.) My husband was in the hospital for his heart problems, and came home Friday, Jan. 10 to find me semi-conscious. He called an ambulance and I was immediately admitted, with a risk of a fatal heart arrhythmia from electrolyte imbalance.

I really had no idea how dehydrated I was getting. I did not feel thirsty at all. In fact, I felt no worse than usual, or even a little better -- extremely exhausted, but not nauseous. Also, I had none of my common pain from swelling in my legs and I was not short of breath -- I now realize those were signs of dehydration. They made me feel *healthier* when in fact my life was in danger.

On Monday, Jan. 13, my husband returned to work and was told his company was doing poorly and could no longer afford to pay him. So, now on top of it all, he has no job. We want to sell our house and move someplace smaller and cheaper, but getting our house spruced up and getting rid of possessions will be difficult, with us both so ill.

I am taking all this very hard emotionally. I feel that no matter what I do, my health is very poor for my age and constantly falls further and further behind people my age.I wonder if I have much time left. I am 57, and have been sick since I was a child. I feel my whole Iife has been taken up by one treatment attempt after another. I have never been well enough to have children or a full-time career. Increasingly, I am bedridden.

What upsets me the most is the constant attitude I run into, that my health problems are caused by poor eating habits and a lack of exercise. Until I became disabled, I was very active. I love hiking, gardening, canoeing, swimming, aerobics, camping, etc. I did plenty of those things until my liver gave out when I was around 45 -- since then, I can't do any of them. I have tried to be active slowly, then work my way up, but it does not help. I always relapse -- or worse, get sick from overexertion. At one point, a simple one-block walk caused my varices to rupture and nearly kill me. Another time, a little no-impact aerobics resulted in a fractured leg. (I have bad osteoporosis from my hormonal problems.) No matter what attempts I make to become healithier, I spend more and more time bedridden.

As for nutrition, I was raised in a very health-conscious family, with a mother (and grandmother) who had been health food fanatics since the 1940s. But unlike the rest of my family, I was very heavy and had asthma and other illnesses.

I have been a vegetarian since age 18 -- first following a low-fat diet on my doctor's orders, then, after about 25 years, switching to the opposite diet : reduced carb (again, on doctor's orders.) I find no diet works in the long run -- I just get hungrier and hungrier, and the weight creeps back no matter how hard I try to fight it. No one seems to believe me, though. They think I must stuff myself all day.

My latest approach has been to eat as little as needed to get rid of hunger pangs -- but that approach is a big part of why I landed in the hospital with renal failure. When I got anxious, I wasn't hungry, and believed I should eat unless I ws truly hungry. Normally, I'd be drinking yogurt smoothies, eating low-sodium homemade soup, eating lots of low-carb veggies.Without that, I wasn't getting enough water. (I was still drinking water will my pills.)

So, "eat as little as I can stand" isn't a good approach, either. I am really at a loss for what to do.

Written by
RosaRugosa profile image
RosaRugosa
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
7 Replies
RENN20 profile image
RENN20

Hi, I'm sorry you are having such a bad time with everything. I know the financial part can be hard and take your focus off of your health which needs to come first. Just know you are not alone in this juggling of issues that come with these diagnoses. I also believe you when you say you are doing everything to lose weight but it's not working. I too have followed strick regimens to only find frustration when I get on the scale. I'm gld your husband came home when he did and that you are doing better. Wishing you continued improvement.

Hi

I'm so sorry you are struggling so much, the financial side must be so hard, I'm here if you need me. Sending love and hugs to you and your husband. Lynne xxxx

RosaRugosa profile image
RosaRugosa

Renn20 and Oldham12, thank you very much! It's really helpful to talk about these problems. Thanks for your kind words!

Shyandretiring profile image
Shyandretiring

I admire your spirit Rosa.

Best wishes

Pete x

mattymoo33 profile image
mattymoo33

Oh Rosa I'm so sorry you and your hubby are struggling so much. Do you have family, friends and neighbours to give you some help with your house spruce up?

Don't skip meals or fluids, just a healthy, balanced low salt diet, with a treat every now and then.

We're all here for you with hugs 🤗🤗 and we care. Keep us updated honey xxx

GrannyDoll61 profile image
GrannyDoll61

Rosa would you have to pay for a dietician ?

We are so sorry to read of the struggles you are going through. My experience is with the NHS so I cannot advise about the US health system.

I would echo GrannyDolls61 and ask if you could get some access to supportive diet advice and a registered dietitian? They will be able to support you regarding diet.

Sending you all our good wishes, we hope you find the forum a supportive place to visit

Trust1

Here is the link to our info on cirrhosis for you

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Mum sudden death due to renal failure and nald

My beloved mum passed away 2 days ago due to non alcoholic liver disease alongside renal failure...
kss1573 profile image

Bleeding is increasing

Hello my dear Forum friends. Quick summary - started with diagnosis of type 2 diabetes in 2002...
Splodge60 profile image

Possibly ascites but no other signs of liver problems. Drank quite a bit for years. Blood tests and ultrasound fine. What’s going on????

Hi. Yes a Yankee from New Jersey. To answer the first questions 1. Exit 2. 2 No. I’m not in the...

ALT 56 should I worry

I'm 44 non-drinker no drugs, bloodwork was normal except my ALT was 56 (5-46 is normal) I just...

Worried and concerned

I am new to this very helpful site and have a few questions . Whilst checking my liver in 2015 a...
Lindy65 profile image

Moderation team

See all

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.