Bone loss and Kidney Disease - Osteoporosis Message Board

montesflus · 05-05-2008, 08:28 PM

Hi Guys,

Although I usually post on this board about osteoporosis and get advice from you other posters, today I'm posting about my hubby. He's due for a DEXA scan tomorrow. Some years back he had his left kidney removed, because they found a grade 1 tumour on it. Luckily, after the kidney was removed, no further treatment was necessary, as the cancer hadn't spread anywhere else, or done any further damage. He was very lucky that they caught it at such an early stage. Due to the fact that my husband is not young, and his remaining kidney has to do the work of two, he has to be very careful about his diet. Following a renal diet and a diabetic diet is extremely difficult, to say the least. So far, he's holding his own and his kidney function has even improved from what it was a year or so ago.

I don't think that bisphos meds are prescribed for people with renal probs, but it'll be interesting to see what his T-scores are, now that I have learned so much about that stuff from this board. Actually, even if he was to be prescribed a bisphos, I wouldn't let him take it anyway

Perhaps I should be posting this on the kidney board, but I've become
kind of used to the caring people on this board

I was wondering whether anybody else has a family member, or knows somebody who has low bone density, due to renal probs?

When I get the results of his DEXA, I'll post them.

Wishing you all well,

Monte

PikaB · 05-05-2008, 08:59 PM

Not sure if this is relevant. A cousin of mine received a kidney transplant six years ago. Since that time, she has been on Fosamax, along with various other meds. Some of those meds contribute to bone loss, which is why she was prescribed the Fosamax. She has had no problems taking the Fosamax.

montesflus · 05-05-2008, 09:23 PM

Thanks, PikaB. I think you're right. A transplant situation is indeed a different kind of situation, requiring different meds. If I remember correctly, when I've heard those ads on TV for the bisphos meds, there's usually a warning toward the end, that they're not to be used by people with renal probs.

I am very much an ''anti'' bisphos person anyway.

Thanks anyway for your reply,

Monte

DesertBloom · 05-06-2008, 08:36 PM

Hi Monte... So sorry to hear about your husbands problems, but at least his kidney function is *better* now, that's Great!!! You're right, anyone with compromised kidney function or low calcium can not take bisphos's.

I sure hope he continues to do well, and keep us posted. I have some free time so if you want I'll look into kidney disorders and osteo for you, if you don't mind, because now I'm very curious

I don't know if you've mentioned it before, but what was his t-score before the kidney was removed? By any chance did they remove his adrenal gland as well? Just curious... My addiction to research and learning is quite overwhelming, well at least it keeps me busy when I can't do all the exercises I would like to. So I figure at least I'm exercising my brain along with my body which can't hurt.

Tell him he's in our thoughts and we wish him and you

all the luck.

montesflus · 05-06-2008, 09:56 PM

Hi DB,

Thanks for your reply. Healthy kidneys keep phosphorus and calcium in balance. When kidneys don't work well, phosphorus can build up in the blood, causing a drop in calcium. This, in turn, can weaken bones, and may also contribute to heart and circulation probs.

He's never had a DEXA scan done ''before'' the kidney removal, so won't have anything to compare it to. No, they didn't remove his adrenal gland. He was very lucky they caught the tumor at such an early stage. He never had to have radiation, or chemo, for which I'm eternally grateful, and his scans have been fine ever since. What ''is'' very hard is the renal diet, together with a diabetic diet. Always having to watch one's protein intake, as well as potassium, phosphorus, sodium, protein and sugar. Doesn't really leave a lot that one can eat

He had his DEXA scan done today. I'll post when the result comes in. BTW, even though we don't take Strontium Citrate, I asked the technician if she knew about adjustments for people who ''do'' take SC. She had no idea what I was talking about, and had never even heard of SC. Doesn't surprise me. I wasn't honestly expecting to hear anything different

Take care, and I hope your ***** scans, etc. were ok. Were they? How's the pain? did you ever get to see someone who does acupuncture?

Monte