Kidney Diease

[Tami24601]

I was just told by my GP that I have stage 3 kidney disease after a routine blood test. the eGFR was 57. creatinine is 1.04. and the bun is 22 He ordered a sonogram of my kidneys and a 24 hr. urine test. It hit me pretty had as I was not expecting anything like this. I went because I am having a blood pressure issue. I just started Liprinol<sp> and hdro something. I have so many questions? But I was wondering what your thoughts are on keeping with a GP or finding a Kidney Dr. He said he may have to refer me to one, Is there a chance that these blood tests could have come out wrong? I have had kidney stones in the past.
Thank You for any help.
Tami
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[suzycat]

Hi, Tami-- I can understand your anxiety, as I went thru acute renal failure a year ago. (Do NOT let them give you Fleets for a prep if you ever have a colonoscopy and are taking lisinopril!) Anyway, I didn't recover and now have late stage 3 CKD. Your creatinine is above normal for females (high normal is 1.2). I wouldn't worry too much about the eGFR of 57 at this time-- my nephrologist says that the estimated GFR formula underestimates kidney functioning in healthy people and overestimates it in sick people. The real measure is the 24 hr creatinine clearance test, so that's great your primary care doc is ordering that. If your 24 hr test indicates a problem, I would definitely start seeing a nephrologist. They will tell you if you need to be on the renal diet. The renal diet is difficult and can be frustrating, but it IS do-able. The biggest factor in preventing or slowing CKD is maintaining tight blood pressure control. Lisinopril is considered the best medication for this, as it is very kidney gentle. Your doctor may also put you on a cholesterol medication if your cholesterol is at all high, because kidney disease raises the likelihood of cardiac disease. If your 24 hr test shows that your kidneys are compromised, you will be getting routine blood work. This will not only look at your level of kidney functioning, but will also assess whether you are anemic. A significant percentage of CKD pts (I'm one of them) also have low red blood cell count, because the disease causes the kidneys to shut down production of epoitein, necessary for the production of red blood cells. If that's the case, then you get injections which stimulates production of red blood cells. If you do have CKD, please be reassured that you can live many years without feeling ill. At your level, you may not even need to be on the renal diet as long as you avoid salt. (There is controversy among kidney docs as to when the diet needs to be implemented.) I remember how overwhelming it was when I began this road, but a good nephrologist not only can preserve your health, but can also be very reassuring. Hang in there, and please keep us informed of any developments. People on this board are very supportive and interested in each other's situation.

[idunno]

Hi Suzycat and Tami,
I am also lost as to what to do. In the past twelve months I have developed burning neuropathy in my feet and legs ,constant itching,my blood pressure is barely under control even with the max dose of plendil and tritace. I have constant back pain. I have had a 24 hr urine test two weeks ago. My gp said that I should not be losing more than 150 mg of protein a day. According to my test I am losing over 2000 mg a day. My gp has referred me to a nephrologist but I can't get an appointment for three mos. I don't think I should wait that long. I feel ill most days . I was put through a sleep test last year because I was waking at night unable to breathe.
Suzy I am also a survivor of stage 3 colon cancer ,for the past eleven years I have been having colonoscopies(9 of them) with fleet prep.
I have asked the gp to try and get me in earlier but he seems so complacent. His referral said I had significant protein loss but my renal function seems ok. That seems a total contradiction of terms. I don't know what to do.

[MaryAnn]

Hi Suzycat,

I take lisinopril so I am interested in hearing more information on taking fleets before a colonoscopy. Is that what caused your kidney problems?

[suzycat]

Hi, MaryAnn--
Yes, it was the Fleets interacting with the lisinopril that caused my kidney disease. Granted, it's a rare reaction, but I'm Exhibit A that it does happen. Type in " Fleets-renal failure" on the internet and you'll be amazed at what pops up. There is an FDA warning and a "dear Dr" letter from the drug company warning docs about this but many gastroenterologists ignore it "because it's so rare." Of course, that doesn't exactly help me! The thing is, it's so easy to prevent-- either go off the lisinopril for a few days prior to the procedure or take Go-lightly or Half-lightly as the prep for the colonoscopy. Don't be afraid to take lisinopril for your kidney disease-- it's actually the kindest to kidneys. It's taking the Fleets on top of it that's the problem. If you have existing kidney disease they won't give you Fleets, but the point was, my kidneys were fine until they gave me the Fleets on top of the lisinopril. (I had a physical one month before the routine colonoscopy and everything was spot-on perfect.) My nephrologist was very clear that it was giving me the Fleets when I was on lisinopril that caused the problem. So, pass the word to your friends that are about to have colonoscopies: if they are also on ACE inhibitors for hypertension, be extremely cautious about what prep they are given.