Reduced Kidney Function

Thank you for the reply Richard.    I am already taking a Beta Blocker like your Bisoprolol,  but Ramipril is an ACE inhibitor and the opinion in hospital was that I should not take these as my kidney function was too poor and they could cause damage to my remaining kidney.  I had been taking a similar ACE inhibitor before my kidney was removed and it did control my BP well as you say. So I am looking for something safer. KenR

I understand, i'm just borderline for Ramipril due to my kidney disease. I'm sure they can address this with alternative medicine.

Hi Richard,

that is what I am hoping.  I find it best to go in fully informed and say what you think might work best.  I am not a believer in 'doctor knows best'; with the internet you can be more up to date than they are!

KenR

Hi, that is very helpful.  Monoxidine looks like a candidate!  I was taken off Bendroflumethiazide by the consultants in hospital when my kidney was removed.  I do not fancy the possible side effects of Losartan, as I have only 1 poorly functioning kidney.

KenR

Lynn, Moxonidine was going to be the next line of attack for me alongside the Losartan that I take but my renal consultant yesterday decided that my body/sole kidney is so sensitive to medications that he is leaving me wher I am on the Losartan alone. I think his decision was also swayed by the fact that all the readings during a couple of days in hospital recently(apart from the one immediately on emergency admission) were within normal guidelines whereas they are usually off the screen at the surgery and the hospital. Likewise when I take them at home. It seems like the answer for me is to be lounging about being waited on all day!

At what level of CKD and eGFR are you, Lynn? Lucky you being able to take three BP meds without problems.

Hi,  maybe we are having crossed lines here!  I was thinking that Moxonidine would suit me.  I am at level 4 CKD, and 28% eGFR.  When and if I get there I will post what I am having,

KenR

Hello MrsO,

My GFR is 22%.  I'm OK except thet my kidneys have stopped making the hormone that stimulates the bone marrow to make red blood cells.  Also I now have an aborption problem with moral  iron. Therefore I'm on intravenpous iron plus EPO ( the artificial version of the hormone my kidneys no longer make, I think I tolerate all the BP meds I take reasonably well apart from having to take a protein pump inhibitor with them to protecy my gut.  I feel lucky as so many pople have problems with BP meds.

Lynn, it 's good to hear how well you are feeling. As far as the PPIs are concerned, I couldn't take those either when prescribed a few years ago alongside steroids. Instead, I ate a 'live' yoghurt each day before taking the steroids and my stomach/digestive system remained fine throughout my years on the steroids.

Keep being lucky and keep well Lynn.

Hi,  I take atenolol and amlodipine without problems but I need to reduce a bit from 150/90 as prior to kidney removal I was at 130/75.  So  with eGFR of 28% kidney friendly is my aim and avoiding side effects!

KenR

Ken, was your nephrectomy done very recently? If so, I just wonder whether your blood pressure might further improve as your remaining kidney adapts. Having said that reduced kidney function and high blood pressure can go hand-in-hand as they each can be the cause of the other! Is there perhaps something else you can do that might help in lowering your BP, such as taking more exercise, cutting out salt, reducing weight if needed, avoiding coffee and other caffeinated drinks, drinking more water. Also, as you are just into CKD4, could referral to a renal dietitian help?

Hi, the nephrectomy was recent but the eGFR was reducing each time it was measured.  I think they booted me out of hospital before the figures looked too uncomfortable, and simply advised no ACE inhibitor or diuretic, but to sort out something with my GP!

KenR

That is appalling - to think that when I had my nephrectomy all those years ago I was in hospital for 6 weeks! Not surprised though - I've recently spent a couple of days in hospital with a suspected serious infection, according to the Dr in A&E as a direct result of a GP leaving me on a risky antibiotic too long! I was admitted but to compound things, the following day a consultant discharged me all ok, only to receive a phone call from the hospital 3 hours later saying I needed to return and collect a prescription as results were now in and I needed to isolate myself at home for 4 days whilst medicating for 7 days! Hope at least you have a good GP, Ken.

Hi,

Yes I have a good GP, but he admits quite freely that he he does not know much about renal cancer as it is quite rare.  So self help groups are very useful!

KenR

Ken, in case you aren't already aware, I thought you might be interested to know that Macmillan has an online support group for kidney cancer patients?  https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/kidney-cancer/

Ken, I've just posted a link to you but, as expected, it has gone to the moderators so could be a while before it appears.  The link is to a Macmillan forum for people with kidney cancer, so you might just be able to look up Macmillan and search until you find their forum details....that is if you aren't already aware of it!  

That was very thoughtful of you.  I wll find it somehow!

KenR