Is there safe (natural) pain relief for kidney pain?

Hi minthom,

A few things.  First, according to my own research, Rockstar energy drink *does* contain high fructose corn syrup.  Check it out.  Oh, and it also contains potassium sorbate so it will elevate your potassium levels - your GFR is 49 so this is "ok" for now, but the lower your GFR the higher the chances you can overload your system with potassium (b/c your kidneys won't be able to keep up with it) and induce a sudden heart attack.  No kidding.

Now, I'm assuming you are drinking this because of the caffeine "jolt" it provides.  I understand that you are a recovering alcoholic and you don't want to eliminate all of life's pleasures, but the problem with sugary drinks is that they elevate your chances of becoming diabetic - and you don't want that on top of your kidney problems.  My advice:  why don't you replace it with something else like coffee?  That way you can get your caffeine "kick" and yet precisely control how much sugar you add into it.  It also becomes easy to decrease the amount of sugar you add over time and "wean" yourself down to something reasonable.

Btw, caffeine itself is processed in the liver, so no complications there in terms of CKD.  I checked.  And I drink one coffee every day m'self.

In terms of diagnosis:  as far as I know (and I could be wrong), there are certain types of CKD that can only be conclusively diagnosed via biopsy.  I recall years ago when I was undergoing testing, and an ultrasound revealed normal-sized ("non-swollen" kidneys.  They had to perform an actual biopsy, which involved a hospital visit where they stuck a very long needle into my kidney through my back (yes, all the way in) all the while anaesthetizing each layer of tissue along the way (I was conscious during the whole thing).  Unpleasant, but it did allow them to extract and biopsy a few kidney cells & come to a conclusive diagnosis.  I don't know what kind of CKD you may (or may not) have, but this may be the only way to know for sure.  Given that amount of pain and discomfort you are experiencing, it sounds like your condition is different from mine.

Finally, in terms of GPs:  not to split hairs, but it's not a matter of being patient, it's a matter of being realistic, that's all.  You're doing the right things by questioning the results and aggressively following-up on things.  You have to.  The only reason I talk about GPs is so that you will know to be cautious about any medication prescribed by a GP and run it past a specialist first.  It's not that GPs are "sloppy" (altho' some are) - it's that they generally don't understand that certain types of medications suddenly become unsafe depending upon kidney function.

'Nuff said.  Best wishes for a positive result,

Hi minthom,

The only thing I know about water vs. CKD is, don't allow yourself to become overly dehydrated because in severe cases it could lead to more kidney damage.  That's about it. I haven't heard anyone expressing concern about the opposite (drinking too much water) so I don't know if it's possible.  However, I suppose common sense prevails, hence, all things in moderation.

Hi,

Like the others have said its a deffinate no.  Cant believe a GP has prescribed it.  Paracetamol is the only safe thing or one co codamol and one paracetamol if just paacetamol alone don't help.  Be careful of some antibiotics also as there are certain ones that are not to be taken at different points with GFR.  I have a GFR of 7% on dialysis and due a transplant in 6 weeks can't wait (I know this sounds odd but I am only young and want my life back).  I would complain to the practice manager too as they will be well aware of your issues and should be extra careful with you.  It makes me so mad.