Has anyone heard of Chronic Kidney Disease?

[pattrose]

Our daughter, Shannon was just diagnosed with it. She's been really sick. Her iron count was 6 instead of 60-140. The doctor said she really could use a transfusion, but she's trying the pills first. She has to take iron tablets and vitamin c tablets. She's so sick at night from the pills. This also causes diabetes so they will be watching her closely for that. Her glocose is already getting high. She is stage 2 of four stages. Her red blood and white blood cell counts are way below normal, so here's hoping the iron works. She will need to quit smoking, which thrills me. It's the only good thing about this. She will have to change her eating habits too as this all progresses. I had never heard about it before until I started reading the information the doctor sent home with her. Isn't it odd how you never hear of these things until it happens to your family?

I hope you all have a good week.

Hugs, Patt

Comments

[caarianna.livejournal.com]

Patt, I have chronic kidney disease (resulting from damage from all the meds I have to take for arthritis, diabetes, and high blood pressure and cholesterol. It's scary when it happens out of the blue and in someone fairly young. Do they know why her kidneys are not functioning properly? If they can deal with that, then there may be some improvement. Essentially, chronic kidney disease means the kidneys are performing at less than 50% capacity, but it doesn't tell you if it's one or both kidneys not functioning well. We can all live with one kidney but if both are impacted, eventually -- and I stress that this is a big 'maybe' -- she may need a kidney transplant at some stage. However, more likely, diet and meds will manage the condition once she stabilizes. Acute kidney failure is far more serious in immediate terms than chronic kidney failure.

[pattrose.livejournal.com]

They don't know why it started. No reason at all. She only takes one med and it's not from that. The doctor was certain of that. It does strike people for no apparent reason. This must be her case. She's going to do all that the doctor said to do and pray for the best.

How is yours?

Hugs,Patt

[caarianna.livejournal.com]

Basically, the kidneys seem fine ... I watch and occasionally have cranberry juice if I think they're not functioning as they should. It's been hard this fall ... I've spent five weeks on antibiotics and am on another set for the next two weeks, and they are hard on the kidneys. So, I'm drinking cranberry juice.

Seriously, people manage. I have a friend who has only one kidney that functions at all (as a result of an injury), and she has to pay attention to symptoms and keep up with her doctor, too, but she leads a very active, healthy, normal life.

[pattrose.livejournal.com]

I meant to ask, Marilyn, what stage are you with this disease?
Hugs, Patt

[caarianna.livejournal.com]

I don't know, Patt. All I know is that my kidneys function at less than fifty percent of what they should and, because of the other ailments like diabetes and arthritis, this has put me into the 'seriously at risk' category. Statistically, that means that I probably won't live to a really ripe old age.

But then, I could be hit by a bus tomorrow.... ;)

[pattrose.livejournal.com]

Don't say that. I would be very upset with the bus. But I understand what you're saying. Shannon has less than 50% too. It's scary.
(((((Marilyn)))))
Patt

[caarianna.livejournal.com]

Yes, it is scary, particularly when the cause is currently unknown and she's so young. However, the odds are good that with attention to diet and the right meds, etc, that she'll live a very normal life. Diet and exercise are really important to help stave off the possibility of diabetes. Once they get her iron back up and figure out what's going on that caused that problem, things may get clearer.

Oh, and she should drink LOTS of water ... like at least a liter/quart, preferably two, a day. Most people don't drink nearly enough water to enable their kidneys to work at peak effectiveness.

I hope they have some answers for all of you soon.

::hugs::