I am 33 years old and I have am now at 18 % kidney function due to hereditary glomuralnephritis.

I am wondering how much longer I should realistically expect my kidneys to last until say about 10% function. The doctor told me 10% is about when I would be needing dialysis.

The symptoms I am experiencing are

fatigue (all the time)

swollen left foot and lower calf

legs cramps at night (or when I sleep only)

frequent urination...about once every hour

frequent thirst

very high blood pressure usually averages about 150 over 100....and that is with medication to lower it.

Also I am somewhat overweight...I am 5'11" and weigh 230 lbs. I am a male.

Anybody have an idea...any doctors here who would know?

I am not a doctor but my creatinine clearance has stayed at around 21 - 25 for the past 2-1/2 years (thankfully). I don't think there's any way to tell how long it could be, although I could be wrong. From what you say, I think it is terribly important to get your BP under control. What medication are you taking (just curious)? I was on Vasotec for years and it did a great job but now I'm on Atacand, only 8 mg. daily. It really controls my BP--I'm even low a lot of the time. I have some fatigue (my husband says now I'm "down" where the normal people are as far as energy goes! :)) and the leg cramps at night, also a lot of general aching all over. Otherwise, I'm feeling good. Do you see a nephrologist on a regular basis?