kidney failure

kidney failure (Full Version)

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LafayetteLady -> kidney failure (5/10/2011 2:00:49 PM)
Over the last two years, I have had blood work every three months due to the diabetes mainly. My last blood work was on about March 4th and was completely normal. Today I am writing this from the emergency room where they have told me my kidneys are failing. The doctor is a bit confused at the quickness with which this has occurred (how nice for her). She als said it the same way I would invite someone out for coffee! She did back up a little when I asked her to, but honestly, I sitting here wondering the hell has just happened to me. I'm being admitted, just had an ekg (or eeg), and chest x-ray (news on that should be great for my pack a day lungs). The nurse talked about people recovering from renal failure, which I don't know about. So here were go... Do any of you know someone in renal failure? what does it mean to them? People getting better from renal failure? Is the likilihood that I will need dialysis and transplant in my future. Yep, I' worried and upset. Not thinking straight and by myself. Hoping some of your will post the things I need to know or better need to ask (as there is no one with me to do it)

Charnegui -> RE: kidney failure (5/10/2011 2:19:48 PM)
I'm giving you a big hug, not knowing anything better to do right now. I'll be there with you in thoughts.

hausboy -> RE: kidney failure (5/10/2011 2:26:31 PM)
LafayetteLady: First, I'm so sorry to hear of what you are going through. So I'll say this right upfront: when you have your next meeting with your physician (esp. before they discharge you), bring a person with you as your patient advocate, who can help you take notes, ask questions and make sure that you heard/understand everything correctly. Write down your questions and the answers/instructions, because in your state, it's hard to absorb everything. Kidney failure is extremely serious-- and you should make sure that you have a thorough and not rushed Q & A period with your treatment team. Each patient is unique--and there are so many different situations with renal disease that although you may find great support online, take advice ONLY from your medical team. I've seen lots and lots of bad and wrong/harmful medical advice given on this forum. Kidney disease/renal failure is not the time to try home remedies or experiment with what some anonymous poster tells you to do. (including me) That said: If you don't feel satisfied with the answers you get at the ED--get a specialist asap who can address all of your questions and concerns. Renal disease/kidney failure does NOT automatically mean dialysis and transplant/removal. These are options for many patients who require them, but a diagnosis of kidney failure does not automatically equal those two things. Again, questions for your doctor. It all depends on your specifics--when your doc is listening to your lungs, it's not so much the wheezing he or she is concerned about from smoking (although that certainly isn't a good thing for you)--kidney failure can lead to fluid retention and abnormal lung sounds (called rales....or "crackles and pops" when you breath, indicative of fluid presence) They may be also listening for heart murmurs or other abnormalities. When your kidneys stop doing their job, fluid and waste (cell "waste", not waste as in poop) no longer leave the body as they normally do, and this can have a profound effect on lots of different functions/processes in your body. Kidneys are the blood filters--when they stop, your whole body can feel it systemically. In some cases, you pee a whole lot (usually nocturnally)--other cases, you may stop peeing completely. Your electrolytes can get thrown out of whack (potassium is the big one that the doctors are probably watching carefully--as that can affect your heart). Exact WHAT is happening all depends on the cause of the failure, so I certainly can't tell you that (and FYI, neither can ANYONE on this board) Only your physician can tell you what's really going inside, and that's why they've likely run an assortment of labs on your blood and urine...and probably an MRI too. So hopefully your physician can get your kidneys back up and running soon. Be sure you understand your doctor's explanation/instructions--if you don't, ask him or her to explain in a way that you do. And bring someone with you to help "translate"/advocate. Treatment of renal disease/kidney failure varies by patient and by diagnosis. What is important is to take the medications according to their instructions, make sure your doctor knows about all other medications (including vitamins and supplements) that you take, and watch for side effects or other key symptoms. Lastly--if you are at home and you realize that you are in trouble--call 911. Don't drive yourself, don't have a family or friend drive you--go by ambulance. There are some key interventions that can be started pre-hospital on the way there that can save your life. good luck--and I hope you're feeling better soon edited for typos

DomKen -> RE: kidney failure (5/10/2011 2:29:17 PM)
My kidneys have failed and am on dialysis and on the transplant waiting list. You need to talk to a phrenologist (kidney specialist) and get a diagnosis, you may need an ultrasound or a biopsy. People do go into renal failure sometimes as a result of some other condition and those people (lucky bastards) do sometimes recover from the renal failure. I have no idea how common this is. If you're going to need dialysis immediately they'll want to put in a catheter (a tube into the major vein in your chest). If you'll need dialysis long term they'll want to create a fistula in your arm by surgically connecting an artery to a vein. If you will be on dialysis until you get a transplant get the fistula ASAP as it is far less disruptive to your life than the catheter. Please feel free to contact me on the other side for more info. Edit: Forgot one detail, your kidneys make a hormone essential to making red blood cells. If you are in kidney failure insist on getting your red blood count on a regular basis and make the doctor treat any anemia that occurs. Before I went on dialysis my first doctor completely ignored the anemia and it was the worst part of the experience.

Rule -> RE: kidney failure (5/10/2011 2:30:59 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: LafayetteLady Over the last two years, I have had blood work every three months due to the diabetes mainly. My last blood work was on about March 4th and was completely normal. Today I am writing this from the emergency room where they have told me my kidneys are failing. The doctor is a bit confused at the quickness with which this has occurred (how nice for her). She als said it the same way I would invite someone out for coffee! She did back up a little when I asked her to, but honestly, I sitting here wondering the hell has just happened to me. I'm being admitted, just had an ekg (or eeg), and chest x-ray (news on that should be great for my pack a day lungs). The nurse talked about people recovering from renal failure, which I don't know about. So here were go... Do any of you know someone in renal failure? what does it mean to them? People getting better from renal failure? Is the likilihood that I will need dialysis and transplant in my future. Yep, I' worried and upset. Not thinking straight and by myself. Hoping some of your will post the things I need to know or better need to ask (as there is no one with me to do it) Get dialysis now this instant! It may save your kidneys. I know someone with diabetes who had complete renal failure. He has been sleeping for years now three nights per week in the hospital to have dialysis. I have no knowledge about the cause of kidney failure (in diabetics), so I cannot advise you better than my intuition to have dialysis before your kidneys give out entirely.

sunshinemiss -> RE: kidney failure (5/10/2011 2:31:23 PM)
Hello Lafayette - What an experience to be going through alone! I found this article in the New York Times that might be a support to you. And I 100% echo what hausboy has said about having someone go with you. That is more valuable than you can possibly imagine. Best wishes to you and yours, sunshine http://www.nytimes.com/ref/health/healthguide/esn-kidney-disease-questions.html

mummyman321 -> RE: kidney failure (5/10/2011 2:36:13 PM)
quote: renal failure LafayetteLady, First I want to offer my sympathy. My heart goes out to you. Below is some information. I am not a doctor so I do recommend talking with a Urological specialist, one the specializes in Kidney failure. The real key for you will be find out if the Kidney failure is due the diabetes or is there another underlying cause? The doctor will need to do tests to determine this. The #1 cause of Kidney failure is diabetes. The statistics show that 44% of kidney failures are due to diabetes. The 2nd largest cause of Kidney failure is high blood pressure at 27%. That being said, the course of Kidney failure can be slowed down with drugs. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are 2 drug effective in slowing the progression of Kidney disease. If the Kidney disease cannot be stopped at some point Dialysis will be needed. If you have diabetes and Kidney failure you may also need to modify your diet to limit you intake for protien. Excessive protien can also harm the Kidney that is already damage. Your Kidney specialist should be able to direct you to a dietacian if needed.

hausboy -> RE: kidney failure (5/10/2011 2:38:43 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Rule quote: ORIGINAL: LafayetteLady Over the last two years, I have had blood work every three months due to the diabetes mainly. My last blood work was on about March 4th and was completely normal. Today I am writing this from the emergency room where they have told me my kidneys are failing. The doctor is a bit confused at the quickness with which this has occurred (how nice for her). She als said it the same way I would invite someone out for coffee! She did back up a little when I asked her to, but honestly, I sitting here wondering the hell has just happened to me. I'm being admitted, just had an ekg (or eeg), and chest x-ray (news on that should be great for my pack a day lungs). The nurse talked about people recovering from renal failure, which I don't know about. So here were go... Do any of you know someone in renal failure? what does it mean to them? People getting better from renal failure? Is the likilihood that I will need dialysis and transplant in my future. Yep, I' worried and upset. Not thinking straight and by myself. Hoping some of your will post the things I need to know or better need to ask (as there is no one with me to do it) Get dialysis now this instant! It may save your kidneys. I know someone with diabetes who had complete renal failure. He has been sleeping for years now three nights per week in the hospital to have dialysis. I have no knowledge about the cause of kidney failure (in diabetics), so I cannot advise you better than my intuition to have dialysis before your kidneys give out entirely. Rule-- Not all patients with kidney failure require dialysis. Many do, but certainly not all. Her treatment team will determine the best of course of action for her after examining and evaluating the results from her tests. If she does not feel comfortable with the course of action desired, she will hopefully get a second (or third) opinion, and as DomKen pointed out, this clearly is cause to see and work with a specialist. And by the way, your post does not exactly instill calm and confidence. She's already likely concerned, upset and scared-- what you posted.... Not helping....

Rule -> RE: kidney failure (5/10/2011 2:48:34 PM)
I have read up a tiny bit on it now. Apparently the condition is gradually worsening, so before it becomes detectable it has already been active for a long time. High blood pressure appears to be a factor. If so, it might help to temporarily have medication against high blood pressure. Auto-immune reactions may be a factor. There is not much that can be done about that. If so, Cortison steroids will lame your immune system, but simultaneously you will be vulnerable to all kinds of virusses and bacteria and fungus, especially the virus that I do not doubt caused your diabetes. If you can opt for that, then is perhaps is best to use it for brief periods only, just to give your kidneys a bit of time to recover. I do not have much of a hope that this will work, though. Immediate dialysis and medication for high blood pressure appears to me to be the best bet. ETA: Um, how about interferon alpha? If that causes the immune system to attack any virus in your body, the cause of high blood pressure - if present - might be reduced.

snappykappy -> RE: kidney failure (5/10/2011 2:49:29 PM)
just saw ur message in the discussion group about your kidney failure i have a sister in law who is finally able to be put on the transplant list and is now eligible for a kidney transplant she is on dyalisis and has been on the wait list for about 7.5 years and she lives in canada now the kicker to this is if one lives in one province and there is a kidney available and a match in another province you are not eligible have you tried or i should say has anyone offered to do a live donation to you which can be done also if you want to talk about more of this i am at [Mod edit- email address removed, Rho] and will be more than happy to give you some info on it also got to ask you this did you ever serve in the military about 18 mos ago at about 118 am in the morning i recieved a right lung transplant and they mentioned to my cartaker that i had 1-2 weeks to live and lungs are the most fragile organ in the body and can only last 6 hours after they are harvested and have to be transplanted by then or they are of no use anymore i have sarcoidosis it does not have me i will kick its ass i refuse to lose thomas michael kappler

hausboy -> RE: kidney failure (5/10/2011 3:34:07 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Rule I have read up a tiny bit on it now. Apparently the condition is gradually worsening, so before it becomes detectable it has already been active for a long time. High blood pressure appears to be a factor. If so, it might help to temporarily have medication against high blood pressure. Auto-immune reactions may be a factor. There is not much that can be done about that. If so, Cortison steroids will lame your immune system, but simultaneously you will be vulnerable to all kinds of virusses and bacteria and fungus, especially the virus that I do not doubt caused your diabetes. If you can opt for that, then is perhaps is best to use it for brief periods only, just to give your kidneys a bit of time to recover. I do not have much of a hope that this will work, though. Immediate dialysis and medication for high blood pressure appears to me to be the best bet. ETA: Um, how about interferon alpha? If that causes the immune system to attack any virus in your body, the cause of high blood pressure - if present - might be reduced. Again, only her physician and treatment should be dispensing medical advice on what meds she needs. Telling someone they need dialysis and HTN meds when you: A. Have ZERO medical knowledge other than what you've just googled and B. Are giving out some seriously dangerous advice is not helpful. There is actually a difference between Acute Renal Failure and Chronic Renal Failure. The treatment options, causes and in some cases, signs and symptoms, differ. AGAIN.....There are MANY causes for renal failure. Do not get tunnel vision that just because someone is diabetic, that it is automatically the cause. Same thing with hypertension. Sometimes it's the cause....sometimes it's the symptom. And FYI--diabetes is not caused by a virus. Is diabetes the cause here? It's certainly a strong possibility-- (high index of suspicion in this case) but not a sure thing. That's why the poster is in a healthcare facility--where they have people with the knowledge, instruments and lab testing to find out what's going on and the best way to stabilize the patient. Acute renal failure can be triggered by a wide variety of disorders--it may or may not lead to chronic kidney disease. For anyone here to speculate is irresponsible. The folks who have experienced this (or are living with it now) are doing the best thing they can--offer the OP support. They live with it and know the unique challenges that kidney disease poses. There are also support groups specifically for kidney disease--the hospital staff can provide those listings upon discharge, or a local health department may be able to assist. If you don't have something supportive to say....or medical background, knowledge or first-hand experience as a patient, then exercise some common sense here. I have full faith that the OP is smart enough to not listen to anything you've posted.

CalifChick -> RE: kidney failure (5/10/2011 3:59:45 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: hausboy If you don't have something supportive to say....or medical background, knowledge or first-hand experience as a patient, then exercise some common sense here. I have full faith that the OP is smart enough to not listen to anything you've posted. QFT. And I absolutely agree with having someone with you to write things down. Make a list of questions now, if you can, and make sure all of your questions get answered before you leave. Cali

angelikaJ -> RE: kidney failure (5/10/2011 4:06:59 PM)
(((hugs))) and I am keeping you in good thoughts.

Rule -> RE: kidney failure (5/10/2011 4:23:13 PM)
hausboy is going a bit ballistic on me. Let me firstly state that I respect his medical knowledge. I have seen him before giving sound medical advice, and true to form he does so here as well. Before I made my first post, I read the earlier posts, including this one: quote: ORIGINAL: hausboy So I'll say this right upfront: when you have your next meeting with your physician (esp. before they discharge you), bring a person with you as your patient advocate, who can help you take notes, ask questions and make sure that you heard/understand everything correctly. Write down your questions and the answers/instructions, because in your state, it's hard to absorb everything. Kidney failure is extremely serious-- and you should make sure that you have a thorough and not rushed Q & A period with your treatment team. Each patient is unique--and there are so many different situations with renal disease that although you may find great support online, take advice ONLY from your medical team. I've seen lots and lots of bad and wrong/harmful medical advice given on this forum. Kidney disease/renal failure is not the time to try home remedies or experiment with what some anonymous poster tells you to do. That warning being given, there was no need for me to repeat it. I made a constructive - and therefore supporting - first and second post with plenty of indications that I did not truly know what I was talking about. I am sure LafayetteLady must have picked up on that. I do hope that she talks about my suggestions with her physician and specialists. I apologize if I caused any panic in her, but in my opinion it is better to try to staunch the bullet wound than to tell the shot person that it is all-right and that he is simply falling asleep.

LafayetteLady -> RE: kidney failure (5/10/2011 4:24:49 PM)
Thanks for all the warm thoughts everyone, it truly means a lot. Of course, how many sit and look to their kinky message board health section while they are still in the Emergency Room with the IV in their arm? Hausboy, could you come hold my hand?[sm=couple.gif] I need someone like you who stays logical all the time without getting me upset. anjelikaj - we don't talk often, but my heart and prayers are always with you. Rule - you couldn't have raised my panic if you tried, it was already through the roof and had thought of every worse case scenario there is, including leaving the hospital and being dead in 2 days. So no worries. Found your "rush for dialysis" kind of funny, so no worries.

DomKen -> RE: kidney failure (5/10/2011 4:29:57 PM)
Almost forgot, here's a treasure trove of info on the disease and a major advocate for people with CKD. http://kidney.org/

LadyPact -> RE: kidney failure (5/10/2011 4:29:59 PM)
Well, you've got the phone. What else are you going to do? Lay there and worry your head off? I'm sorry that I don't have advice. I'm not in the position to give it. I'll just say listen to the folks who have worked with the situation and the medical team. Definitely do write your questions down so your mind doesn't go blank later when you have the opportunity to get answers. We're not always as clear headed when worried. Please be well. We'll be thinking of you.

hausboy -> RE: kidney failure (5/10/2011 4:30:46 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Rule hausboy is going a bit ballistic on me. Let me firstly state that I respect his medical knowledge. I have seen him before giving sound medical advice, and true to form he does so here as well. Before I made my first post, I read the earlier posts, including this one: quote: ORIGINAL: hausboy So I'll say this right upfront: when you have your next meeting with your physician (esp. before they discharge you), bring a person with you as your patient advocate, who can help you take notes, ask questions and make sure that you heard/understand everything correctly. Write down your questions and the answers/instructions, because in your state, it's hard to absorb everything. Kidney failure is extremely serious-- and you should make sure that you have a thorough and not rushed Q & A period with your treatment team. Each patient is unique--and there are so many different situations with renal disease that although you may find great support online, take advice ONLY from your medical team. I've seen lots and lots of bad and wrong/harmful medical advice given on this forum. Kidney disease/renal failure is not the time to try home remedies or experiment with what some anonymous poster tells you to do. That warning being given, there was no need for me to repeat it. I made a constructive - and therefore supporting - first and second post with plenty of indications that I did not truly know what I was talking about. I am sure LafayetteLady must have picked up on that. I do hope that she talks about my suggestions with her physician and specialists. I apologize if I caused any panic in her, but in my opinion it is better to try to staunch the bullet wound than to tell the shot person that it is all-right and that he is simply falling asleep. and my apologies to Rule--didn't mean to get personal about it.

bemyslut -> RE: kidney failure (5/10/2011 11:35:14 PM)
Lafayette Before jumping on the dialysis/transplant wagon, learn more about your renal disease. There have been some pretty ignorant posts thus far regarding Renal failure..."Immediate dialysis or ACE inhibitors" will save you clearly displays depth of knowledge (yes, internet forums are replete with individuals who graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Wikipedia or got Magna Cum Laude from Google U.) You can't just walk into a dialysis center and demand dialysis--it requires a prescription from a physician--just like ACE inhibitors. An A-V graft can not be immediately used for dialysis. It can take several weeks to months for the venous side of the fistula to mature. Secondly, you need to discern if this is Chronic Renal Failure, Acute Renal Failure or acute on chronic. Using Creatinine as an index of renal function has fallen by the wayside; GFR is the new standard. People do not require dialysis until GFR falls below (15-20)...meaning: you can have renal failure and still live a very fulfilling life without the need for trips to the dialysis center. When you speak with your physician (NOT the Emergency Room Physician) (hopefully he will have requested a consult with a Nephrologist--a kidney specialist), ask him how far advanced the disease has progressed, if there is chances of reversing it or at least slowing its progression and what your options are in the interim. Hausboy said it valiantly: DO NOT RELY ON THIS FORUM TO STEER YOUR TREATMENT COURSE--from the quality of the posts thus far, it is evident there are numerous graduates from the University of Wikipedia and Google University!

tazzygirl -> RE: kidney failure (5/11/2011 12:20:17 AM)
Lafayette, I worked dialysis as an RN for a few years. I am in no way an expert in the field. You spoke to an ER physician, who, based upon your lab work, has made an initial diagnosis. I have no doubt the proper referals have already been made. quote: Do any of you know someone in renal failure? what does it mean to them? People getting better from renal failure? Is the likilihood that I will need dialysis and transplant in my future. Obviously I knew many who were in renal failure for a variety of reasons. Stop, take a deep breath, and dont borrow trouble. The nurse who spoke to you knows her stuff. Some people need dialysis for a lifetime. Others need it for a moment or two to allow their bodies to heal. I had one patient who dialyzed once a week for 90 minutes. She could pee, her kidneys just didn't filter all that well. You will be talking with many people who all have your best interests at heart. Dont be afraid to ask questions... make a list... and keep adding to it. Honestly, I know this is frightening. I also know that no one here can answer your questions any better than the Drs and nurses who will be taking care of you. Ken, hausboy, myself and hopefully others will be around to answer any questions you may have after you talk to the attending. There are drastic changes in your future, including but not limited to dietary and fluid intake restrictions, medications, and potentially dialysis. If you ever need an ear, or you have questions you dont wish to lay out here, feel free at any time to slide me a note on the other side.

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