Cher2005
08-25-2006, 11:17 PM
I am a diabetic who was diagnosed two years ago. I have eye problems from the diabetes but it is under control now with excellent fasting nimbers (low 80's) and aic of 5.2.
Regardless my eyes continue to worsen and now I find my kidney function is compromised. The doctor found a level of +3 fpr protein and +2 for blood in my urine.o
My bloodwork showed a high bun (38) and 1.5 creatinine. My hemogloblin was 9.5 which makes me anemic. I have been referred to a kidney specialist whom I will see on Thursday.
Are my numbers terrible? I am so scared that I have gone into kidney failure or something awful. Is there a treatment? I have read up on it but find no treatment other than trying to stabilize with blood pressure pills. My diastolic pressure is always around 70 or lower but the systolic fluctuates wildly. One day it can be 130 and then a few days later, 185. Today it was 160 and then 150 an hour later. My ankles are tending to swell and I found I was nasuas lunch last week. I take a mild diuretic and walk every day which helps the swelling.
I know the blood pressure is a poor sign for my kidneys. Wonder why the diastolic is always so low?
I would like to know what the kidney specialist is likely to do when he sees me. Please any help would be so appreciated.
In the meantime should I drink lots of water, can I have iced tea and continue my low dose aspirin regimen?
I looked up last years bloodwork and my bun was 20. I don;t know what has happened.
Regardless my eyes continue to worsen and now I find my kidney function is compromised. The doctor found a level of +3 fpr protein and +2 for blood in my urine.o
My bloodwork showed a high bun (38) and 1.5 creatinine. My hemogloblin was 9.5 which makes me anemic. I have been referred to a kidney specialist whom I will see on Thursday.
Are my numbers terrible? I am so scared that I have gone into kidney failure or something awful. Is there a treatment? I have read up on it but find no treatment other than trying to stabilize with blood pressure pills. My diastolic pressure is always around 70 or lower but the systolic fluctuates wildly. One day it can be 130 and then a few days later, 185. Today it was 160 and then 150 an hour later. My ankles are tending to swell and I found I was nasuas lunch last week. I take a mild diuretic and walk every day which helps the swelling.
I know the blood pressure is a poor sign for my kidneys. Wonder why the diastolic is always so low?
I would like to know what the kidney specialist is likely to do when he sees me. Please any help would be so appreciated.
In the meantime should I drink lots of water, can I have iced tea and continue my low dose aspirin regimen?
I looked up last years bloodwork and my bun was 20. I don;t know what has happened.
Sponsor
Cher2005
08-26-2006, 01:49 PM
I've been checking back and no answer yet. Can someone please let me know what my numbers mean? Is the 38 so high I will need dialysis? Is there a way to get these numbers in better shape?
Isis498
08-27-2006, 01:02 AM
I'm sorry no one has answered you, and I know you are worried. It does sound like you have a lot of health issues going on, but hopefully a good Dr. can sort them out and get you on the right track.
Honestly, I'm no expert, but yes, your numbers sound pretty high. The Creatinine for sure. The BUN as well. Your kidney function is compromised at this point, but I wouldn't jump the gun and say you are in kidney failure.
The fact that your blood pressure is high is not helping matters. But I'm sure one of the first things the Dr. will do is a lot of more detailed testing of your kidney function, lots of lab work, maybe an ultrasound, and I'm sure get you on meds to get your BP under control. There are several kinds of steps the Dr. can take to get your condition under control.
And drinking lots of water until then certainly won't hurt. The iced tea should be ok, just not a huge amount. :) Keeping your glucose under tight control is imperative, and cutting way down on salt is a definite plus. I would stay on any treatments your current Dr. has you on already.
Your new Dr. can work with you and get you back on track and point you in the right direction to get you in the best health he/she can. Try not to worry too much until then.
Please come back and let us know what your Dr. says.
Good luck to you. Keeping my fingers crossed for you. :)
Honestly, I'm no expert, but yes, your numbers sound pretty high. The Creatinine for sure. The BUN as well. Your kidney function is compromised at this point, but I wouldn't jump the gun and say you are in kidney failure.
The fact that your blood pressure is high is not helping matters. But I'm sure one of the first things the Dr. will do is a lot of more detailed testing of your kidney function, lots of lab work, maybe an ultrasound, and I'm sure get you on meds to get your BP under control. There are several kinds of steps the Dr. can take to get your condition under control.
And drinking lots of water until then certainly won't hurt. The iced tea should be ok, just not a huge amount. :) Keeping your glucose under tight control is imperative, and cutting way down on salt is a definite plus. I would stay on any treatments your current Dr. has you on already.
Your new Dr. can work with you and get you back on track and point you in the right direction to get you in the best health he/she can. Try not to worry too much until then.
Please come back and let us know what your Dr. says.
Good luck to you. Keeping my fingers crossed for you. :)
Cher2005
08-27-2006, 02:07 PM
Thanks so much for your reply! I am trying to remain calm, but you know how the mind works sometimes!
As far as my blood pressure goes, I am already on two medications, diovan and netaprolol. Also a diuretic added to the diovan. I have been reading about medications that aren't too good with kidney problems and diovan and vytorin (which I also take) are listed. U don't know what can be done about that though, because the vytorin is essential in keeping my cholestorol in check.
I guess the doctor wull have to adjusr my bp medicine as the systolic is always a problejm. The diastolic is fine at all times.
Well I guess I can worry till Thursday or try to get my mind on something else, so probably the latter is a better idea because I can't do much about any of it!
My glucose couldn't be better at 5.1 A1c. That;s why this is such a surprise.
Thanks
As far as my blood pressure goes, I am already on two medications, diovan and netaprolol. Also a diuretic added to the diovan. I have been reading about medications that aren't too good with kidney problems and diovan and vytorin (which I also take) are listed. U don't know what can be done about that though, because the vytorin is essential in keeping my cholestorol in check.
I guess the doctor wull have to adjusr my bp medicine as the systolic is always a problejm. The diastolic is fine at all times.
Well I guess I can worry till Thursday or try to get my mind on something else, so probably the latter is a better idea because I can't do much about any of it!
My glucose couldn't be better at 5.1 A1c. That;s why this is such a surprise.
Thanks
Coravh
08-27-2006, 05:45 PM
Hi and sorry it took some time for me to answer this post. It is quite probably that what you have is diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage due to diabetes). Given your lab values, you are obviously in the early stages. The creatinine of 1.5 really isn't that bad. I was at 7 before I went on dialysis.
I'm sorry to say that at this point the damage that has been done between the diabetes and the hypertension probably cannot be undone. Because of the diabetes the kidney problems will probably progress. Here's the kicker. Your nephrologist may give you a time frame, but there is no way to predict how fast things will progress. It took over 20 years for me to get from mild protein in the urine to dialysis.
The better you take care of yourself the longer your kidneys will last. It is a good thing that you are seeing a nephrologist now. The earlier people see one, the better they typically do. Make sure that you get something done about your anemia. You will feel loads better.
Good luck and let us know what the doc says.
Cora
I'm sorry to say that at this point the damage that has been done between the diabetes and the hypertension probably cannot be undone. Because of the diabetes the kidney problems will probably progress. Here's the kicker. Your nephrologist may give you a time frame, but there is no way to predict how fast things will progress. It took over 20 years for me to get from mild protein in the urine to dialysis.
The better you take care of yourself the longer your kidneys will last. It is a good thing that you are seeing a nephrologist now. The earlier people see one, the better they typically do. Make sure that you get something done about your anemia. You will feel loads better.
Good luck and let us know what the doc says.
Cora
Coravh
08-27-2006, 05:45 PM
Hi and sorry it took some time for me to answer this post. It is quite probably that what you have is diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage due to diabetes). Given your lab values, you are obviously in the early stages. The creatinine of 1.5 really isn't that bad. I was at 7 before I went on dialysis.
I'm sorry to say that at this point the damage that has been done between the diabetes and the hypertension probably cannot be undone. Because of the diabetes the kidney problems will probably progress. Here's the kicker. Your nephrologist may give you a time frame, but there is no way to predict how fast things will progress. It took over 20 years for me to get from mild protein in the urine to dialysis.
The better you take care of yourself the longer your kidneys will last. It is a good thing that you are seeing a nephrologist now. The earlier people see one, the better they typically do. Make sure that you get something done about your anemia. You will feel loads better.
Good luck and let us know what the doc says.
Cora
I'm sorry to say that at this point the damage that has been done between the diabetes and the hypertension probably cannot be undone. Because of the diabetes the kidney problems will probably progress. Here's the kicker. Your nephrologist may give you a time frame, but there is no way to predict how fast things will progress. It took over 20 years for me to get from mild protein in the urine to dialysis.
The better you take care of yourself the longer your kidneys will last. It is a good thing that you are seeing a nephrologist now. The earlier people see one, the better they typically do. Make sure that you get something done about your anemia. You will feel loads better.
Good luck and let us know what the doc says.
Cora
Cher2005
08-27-2006, 09:57 PM
Thanks for taking trhe time to try and help me. I suppose what you mean is that even though my diabetes is under such tight control, it marches on anyway. That is what my retina specialist says. My eyes continue to worsen even with intensive treatment. That is really depressing. But perhaps the renal problem is not helping any either.
I only hope I can get a handle on the kidney disease. Is it possible to improve the numbers once the damage has been done? My numbers, though on the high side were in the normal range in February. My urine protein was plus one for awhile but my internist didn't think it was a problem because my BUN level was only 11. I wish she had been more aggressive.
Anyway, hopefully I can get the numbers better by lowering the bP to normal and changing some of the medications. I don't think I should be taking Vytorin with kidney damage.
We'll see.....
I only hope I can get a handle on the kidney disease. Is it possible to improve the numbers once the damage has been done? My numbers, though on the high side were in the normal range in February. My urine protein was plus one for awhile but my internist didn't think it was a problem because my BUN level was only 11. I wish she had been more aggressive.
Anyway, hopefully I can get the numbers better by lowering the bP to normal and changing some of the medications. I don't think I should be taking Vytorin with kidney damage.
We'll see.....
stick2013
08-28-2006, 06:43 PM
Try and stay calm... I know it's a tough thing to do when you are so worried, but it will help your BP. I'm sorry that you are having a tough time with things, and I really don't know much except what my Nephrologist told me to do... Eat healthy, excersice, and DRINK, DRINK, and then DRINK some more water.... He said that keeping hydrated ALL day long is the most important thing to do. So I do. My numbers have gone back into the normal range. So try and relax, pour yourself a tall glass of water, draw a bubble bath, light some candles, and slip into the peace zone. Treat yourself to something nice... Take care.
Sid
Sid
Cher2005
08-29-2006, 09:56 PM
Thank you Stick! Can I ask another question? Did you also have anemia? I do and I've read that it's also a sign of kidney problems.
stick2013
08-30-2006, 07:55 PM
No I have never been anemic. Actually my kidney problem was discovered when my Rhuemotologist did blood work for my arthritis. He did a full kidney screen because he was going to put me on Mobic(perscription NSAID) for pain management. Mobic is not a good drug for people with kidney problems, needless to say I wasn't allowed to take it then.
My Dr's were worried because my numbers were at the LOWEST possible, and then 8 months later when Rhuemy did blood work the were over normal. They continued to go up slightly for another month. I changed eating habits, stopped coffee, I eat fruits,and veggies by the truckload, and drink enough water during the day to float a small ship. I excersice daily, get plenty of sleep, and I learned that I can't change what is. I can only try to stay healthy. I do get frustratrd with my health at times too. It seems like it's just ONE thing after ANOTHER. But hang in there......... Keep us posted on what's going on.
Take care
My Dr's were worried because my numbers were at the LOWEST possible, and then 8 months later when Rhuemy did blood work the were over normal. They continued to go up slightly for another month. I changed eating habits, stopped coffee, I eat fruits,and veggies by the truckload, and drink enough water during the day to float a small ship. I excersice daily, get plenty of sleep, and I learned that I can't change what is. I can only try to stay healthy. I do get frustratrd with my health at times too. It seems like it's just ONE thing after ANOTHER. But hang in there......... Keep us posted on what's going on.
Take care
Coravh
08-30-2006, 08:34 PM
Hey Cher.
Yes, anemia is a common symptom of kidney disease. You kidney does a lot more than just take fluid out of your system. It is responsible, in part, for the production of red blood cells. The good news is that there is medication you can take (sorry, injection only) that will replace the hormone that your kidney no longer produces. Your nephrologist may recommend on of these drugs: epo, aranesp, procrit. There are a lot of these types of things and you may have even seen them advertised for cancer patients on TV. They have found that patients of any sort do better when they are not anemic. Make sure you mention it to the nephrologist.
Good luck and don't be afraid to ask more questions. Sorry, but I forgot to mention a couple of important things. You will, on occasion, not feel so hot. The good news is that there will still be days that you do feel well, and you can have a life. While I was predialysis I still travelled a lot and when I was on dialysis I ended up going to Disneyworld with my cousin who gave me a kidney the following month.
I adopted the mantra "this too shall pass". Sure, I had bad days, but I also had a lot of good ones.
Take care.
Cora
Yes, anemia is a common symptom of kidney disease. You kidney does a lot more than just take fluid out of your system. It is responsible, in part, for the production of red blood cells. The good news is that there is medication you can take (sorry, injection only) that will replace the hormone that your kidney no longer produces. Your nephrologist may recommend on of these drugs: epo, aranesp, procrit. There are a lot of these types of things and you may have even seen them advertised for cancer patients on TV. They have found that patients of any sort do better when they are not anemic. Make sure you mention it to the nephrologist.
Good luck and don't be afraid to ask more questions. Sorry, but I forgot to mention a couple of important things. You will, on occasion, not feel so hot. The good news is that there will still be days that you do feel well, and you can have a life. While I was predialysis I still travelled a lot and when I was on dialysis I ended up going to Disneyworld with my cousin who gave me a kidney the following month.
I adopted the mantra "this too shall pass". Sure, I had bad days, but I also had a lot of good ones.
Take care.
Cora
Isis498
08-31-2006, 03:40 PM
No I have never been anemic. Actually my kidney problem was discovered when my Rhuemotologist did blood work for my arthritis. He did a full kidney screen because he was going to put me on Mobic(perscription NSAID) for pain management. Mobic is not a good drug for people with kidney problems, needless to say I wasn't allowed to take it then.
My Dr's were worried because my numbers were at the LOWEST possible, and then 8 months later when Rhuemy did blood work the were over normal. They continued to go up slightly for another month. I changed eating habits, stopped coffee, I eat fruits,and veggies by the truckload, and drink enough water during the day to float a small ship. I excersice daily, get plenty of sleep, and I learned that I can't change what is. I can only try to stay healthy. I do get frustratrd with my health at times too. It seems like it's just ONE thing after ANOTHER. But hang in there......... Keep us posted on what's going on.
Take care
Sid, do you by chance have any kind of autoimmune issues going on? I saw a Rheumy before because of a high ANA to check for Lupus, Sjorgen's, RA, etc., but nothing showed up, but that was 5 years ago. I do wonder if my issues are related to the ANA thing. As far as I know, mine is still high.
My Dr's were worried because my numbers were at the LOWEST possible, and then 8 months later when Rhuemy did blood work the were over normal. They continued to go up slightly for another month. I changed eating habits, stopped coffee, I eat fruits,and veggies by the truckload, and drink enough water during the day to float a small ship. I excersice daily, get plenty of sleep, and I learned that I can't change what is. I can only try to stay healthy. I do get frustratrd with my health at times too. It seems like it's just ONE thing after ANOTHER. But hang in there......... Keep us posted on what's going on.
Take care
Sid, do you by chance have any kind of autoimmune issues going on? I saw a Rheumy before because of a high ANA to check for Lupus, Sjorgen's, RA, etc., but nothing showed up, but that was 5 years ago. I do wonder if my issues are related to the ANA thing. As far as I know, mine is still high.
stick2013
08-31-2006, 05:35 PM
Sid, do you by chance have any kind of autoimmune issues going on? I saw a Rheumy before because of a high ANA to check for Lupus, Sjorgen's, RA, etc., but nothing showed up, but that was 5 years ago. I do wonder if my issues are related to the ANA thing. As far as I know, mine is still high.
Yes I do have an autoimmune disorder.... Fibromyalgia is. How high was your ANA? Mine was 320 the last I knew. I was actually told that ANA is also used sort of like a marker for pain also. The higher your ANA the higher pain level can be. Don't know if it's true or not. But at the time i was in moderate pain.:blob_fire
Sid
Yes I do have an autoimmune disorder.... Fibromyalgia is. How high was your ANA? Mine was 320 the last I knew. I was actually told that ANA is also used sort of like a marker for pain also. The higher your ANA the higher pain level can be. Don't know if it's true or not. But at the time i was in moderate pain.:blob_fire
Sid