Just diagnosed with Kidney disease, advice needed
Posted , 6 users are following.
Hi all,
I am a 30 year old male who has always been relatively healthy but a recent routine blood/urine test showed I have stage 2 kidney disease.
My eGFR is ~ 80, blood creatinine levels at 107 and proteinuria of 0.7g per day.
Whilst I understand this is still at a relatively early stage, I am really worried. I have just got married and we are hoping to start a family but this has raised a lot of questions in my mind.
I have had a consultation with a doctor who suggested it could be IGA Nephropathy, though this is yet to be confirmed. My BP was slightly elevated though he said this could have been due to the "white coat effect".
How worried should I be and what are my chances of preserving kidney function long term?
Would love to hear from people who have had similar experiences.
Thank you all.
0 likes, 6 replies
LynQ james2444
Posted
Hi James,
I think a lot of people have reduced kidney function. Yours is only mildly reduced at the moment. Things you can do to preserve kidney function are to keep your blood pressure below 130/80 and to watch your haemoglobin levels. Also do not take Ibuprofen or other NSAID painkillers and keep well hydrated. At your age my kidney function was much the same. I am 74 now and at Stage 4 but so far am symptomless apart from having anaemia that is fixed by injecting with EPO. My GFR is 25%. Very many people don't get any worse.
james2444 LynQ
Posted
Hi Lyn,
thank you so much for your reply. It is reassuring to hear of your experience and that you are still doing well.
My doctor has suggested taking ACE inhibitors to ensure blood pressure stays low and said they can also help with the proteinuria so I guess that's the next step.
I will speak to him about haemoglobin levels as well. Thanks
LynQ james2444
Posted
Hi James,
It is usually only much later that your Hb drops. It is not clear why this is and they usually treat it with iron pills, folic acid pills and Vitamin B injections every 3 months. However as kidneys fail, they do not make enough erithropoeitin which stimulates your bone marrow to make red blood cells so even if your iron store is adequate, Hb falls. Then you get treated with EPo which is what cyclist and other athletes take. i'm at that stage now and waiting to see if the EPo has worked. Hb is worth keeping an eye on though. Good luck!
Jan1253 james2444
Posted
Hi James. Try not to worry as indeed many people have lower than preferred GFR. I was diagnosed during routine bloods 20 years ago and I'm still ok today. In fact my GFR has gone from stage 3b to 3a again. It fell following taking statins and I'm off those now. I see a Homeopath and take liver and kidney support tabs from her and my GFR HAS improved last six months. Don't take aspirin or iboprofen and don't drink too much alcohol. You'll be fine. I'm 63 now and feeling happy. Xx
james2444 Jan1253
Posted
natalie69446 james2444
Posted
Really sorry to hear this. I was diagnosed with kidney disease in May last year caused by IGA nephropathy. The only way they can tell this is by doing a kidney biopsy not sure if you have had this yet? My kidney function was 32% when I was diagnosed. They decided to try me on a high steroid dose along with mycophenelate this has been ongoing since June last year (the steroid dose has been lowered but still on them) and my kidney function has bounced around & up & down from 30% to 45%. Only problem is the steroids make you feel terrible. I have had so many side effects but have remained positive hoping my kidneys will keep up towards the higher function! other big factor is blood pressure just make sure they keep an eye on this
Hope this helps