Daily Archives: April 19, 2016

If the recipient can not walk because of a surgery on their back and may have to have more surgeries, will they still be able to have a kidney transplant? I heard that the recipient needs to be self sufficient and able to keep themselves healthy.

Posted on April 19, 2016 by National Kidney Foundation

Prior back surgery is not a common reason to exclude someone from being a kidney transplant recipient.  It is important that the person who receives a kidney transplant, keep healthy and avoid illness that would jeopardize the new kidney.

Posted in Ask the Doctor, Kidney-Related Health Questions, Transplantation | Comments Off on If the recipient can not walk because of a surgery on their back and may have to have more surgeries, will they still be able to have a kidney transplant? I heard that the recipient needs to be self sufficient and able to keep themselves healthy.

My dad has been doing home hemodialysis for 3 years. He is 82 years old and has rarely been sick in his life. His only health issue has been severe rheumatoid arthritis causing much pain for many years. Due to a prescription med for said condition he has suffered the renal failure. For the past few months we have struggled to maintain a sufficient amount of iron. The symptoms of such has been fatigue, joint pain, irritability, low appetite and lately the newest symptom shortness of breath. This week while I performed his dialysis treatments (4 days a week 40 L dialysate). He has had a lower pulse rate than normal and has continues to be short of breath. My dad works everyday as a diesel mechanic and is very frustrated. I’m worried about his heart although it has never been an issue before. He is currently getting weekly iron infusions at the clinic and I have been giving him B12 injections daily for the past week. He states he has no pain or discomfort anywhere, other than arthritic knees, and doesn’t feel sick, just short of breath. The only med he takes is renal vitamins, the B12, Venofer infusions, Cq10 supplement and has gabapentin but never uses it. He was prescribed a medication Midorine 5mg tab to be taken 30 min before treatment to keep BP from falling toward end of treatment. He took this med 2 times and hasn’t again. Can you please inform me of the best option to understand and fix, if possible, his shortness of breath?

Posted on April 19, 2016 by National Kidney Foundation

I cannot provide a specific diagnosis based on the information that you present.  I, also, would be concerned about his heart and lungs.  I suggest that your father see his primary care physician (PCP) for a more complete evaluation of … Continue reading →

Posted in Ask the Doctor, Dialysis, Kidney Failure, Kidney-Related Health Questions, Symptoms and Side Effects | Comments Off on My dad has been doing home hemodialysis for 3 years. He is 82 years old and has rarely been sick in his life. His only health issue has been severe rheumatoid arthritis causing much pain for many years. Due to a prescription med for said condition he has suffered the renal failure. For the past few months we have struggled to maintain a sufficient amount of iron. The symptoms of such has been fatigue, joint pain, irritability, low appetite and lately the newest symptom shortness of breath. This week while I performed his dialysis treatments (4 days a week 40 L dialysate). He has had a lower pulse rate than normal and has continues to be short of breath. My dad works everyday as a diesel mechanic and is very frustrated. I’m worried about his heart although it has never been an issue before. He is currently getting weekly iron infusions at the clinic and I have been giving him B12 injections daily for the past week. He states he has no pain or discomfort anywhere, other than arthritic knees, and doesn’t feel sick, just short of breath. The only med he takes is renal vitamins, the B12, Venofer infusions, Cq10 supplement and has gabapentin but never uses it. He was prescribed a medication Midorine 5mg tab to be taken 30 min before treatment to keep BP from falling toward end of treatment. He took this med 2 times and hasn’t again. Can you please inform me of the best option to understand and fix, if possible, his shortness of breath?

Early Jan 2016, I noticed that I had a swollen painless ankle. A week later, I stated having muscle cramps. If I want to stand after sitting for few hours, I will find it difficult. I will stagger for some time before I will stand properly. I went to the hospital the doctor recommended an EU & CR test which I did, but everything came out normal ( sodium 134mmol/L, chloride 102mmol/L, potassium 3.9mmol/L, bicarbonate 21.0mmol/L, urea 50.0mg/dl, creatinine 0.9mg/dl and total protein 7.2g/dl. I also carried out abdominal SCAN and everything came out OK. The Doctor said it might be stress which he recommended some drugs for me. After taking the drugs, I felt OK inside but still noticed that if I sit down in my office for some time say 2-3hours, I noticed that my legs from my ankle will be swollen. But 2 months later, I noticed that I was putting on much weight that I can’t trace where it coming from. My body starting itching me. I started feeling uneasy inside my stoke and I feel pain exactly at my right kidney. Also I had constant back pain both lower and upper back pain. I also noticed that my left eye was swollen. I went back to the hospital again they ran some test and abdominal scan again but I have not seen the result yet. The doctor recommended Melocap (NASID) to help reduce the pain I am feeling. Please I want your advice. Is this drug safe for some one experience such symptoms. Also do you think I could have a kidney infection or disease. What would you advise me to do next?

Posted on April 19, 2016 by National Kidney Foundation

I do not identify a kidney disease based on the information that you present.  I suggest that you continue to work with our physician and see if further testing is indicated.  It sounds like you have had extensive testing for … Continue reading →

Posted in Ask the Doctor, Symptoms and Side Effects | Comments Off on Early Jan 2016, I noticed that I had a swollen painless ankle. A week later, I stated having muscle cramps. If I want to stand after sitting for few hours, I will find it difficult. I will stagger for some time before I will stand properly. I went to the hospital the doctor recommended an EU & CR test which I did, but everything came out normal ( sodium 134mmol/L, chloride 102mmol/L, potassium 3.9mmol/L, bicarbonate 21.0mmol/L, urea 50.0mg/dl, creatinine 0.9mg/dl and total protein 7.2g/dl. I also carried out abdominal SCAN and everything came out OK. The Doctor said it might be stress which he recommended some drugs for me. After taking the drugs, I felt OK inside but still noticed that if I sit down in my office for some time say 2-3hours, I noticed that my legs from my ankle will be swollen. But 2 months later, I noticed that I was putting on much weight that I can’t trace where it coming from. My body starting itching me. I started feeling uneasy inside my stoke and I feel pain exactly at my right kidney. Also I had constant back pain both lower and upper back pain. I also noticed that my left eye was swollen. I went back to the hospital again they ran some test and abdominal scan again but I have not seen the result yet. The doctor recommended Melocap (NASID) to help reduce the pain I am feeling. Please I want your advice. Is this drug safe for some one experience such symptoms. Also do you think I could have a kidney infection or disease. What would you advise me to do next?

I am 71 years old and have been diagnosed with stage 3b CKD with eGFR of 28. I am experiencing weakness in both legs and cannot climb steps without holding on to something for fear of falling. I am not having any knee or leg pain. I did have leg cramps awhile ago but none at present. I had double knee replacement 14 years ago. Would the leg weakness be caused by the CKD?

Posted on April 19, 2016 by National Kidney Foundation

It is possible for leg weakness that is due to abnormal blood chemistries that are part of chronic kidney disease (CKD).  I suggest that you consult with your physician to have further testing.

Posted in Ask the Doctor, Chronic Kidney Disease, Kidney-Related Health Questions, Symptoms and Side Effects | Comments Off on I am 71 years old and have been diagnosed with stage 3b CKD with eGFR of 28. I am experiencing weakness in both legs and cannot climb steps without holding on to something for fear of falling. I am not having any knee or leg pain. I did have leg cramps awhile ago but none at present. I had double knee replacement 14 years ago. Would the leg weakness be caused by the CKD?

Hello, I am a type 2 diabetic with high blood pressure for which I take medication. I have always had a high amount of proteins in my urine which has not ever really been resolved. I have a few of the mentioned symptoms and was wondering if feeling cold on the inside is also a symptom? I am not usually a person to get cold or chills but this has been happening for a few weeks now…and my energy is also low.

Posted on April 19, 2016 by National Kidney Foundation

Intolerance of cold is a common symptom of kidney disease.  I cannot make a specific diagnosis based on the information that you provide.  I suggest that you ask for an examination and further testing by your physician.

Posted in Ask the Doctor, Kidney-Related Health Questions, Symptoms and Side Effects | Comments Off on Hello, I am a type 2 diabetic with high blood pressure for which I take medication. I have always had a high amount of proteins in my urine which has not ever really been resolved. I have a few of the mentioned symptoms and was wondering if feeling cold on the inside is also a symptom? I am not usually a person to get cold or chills but this has been happening for a few weeks now…and my energy is also low.

Gfr Has not dropped from 65 to 38 in past 3 months. Cannot get a doctor’s appt. until May 17th. Should I try to get in sooner?

Posted on April 19, 2016 by National Kidney Foundation

I suggest that you have repeat testing when you see your doctor.  This seems to be a significant fall in your kidney function but it could be just temporary.  I suggest asking your physician to be retested

Posted in Ask the Doctor, Blood/Urine Testing For Kidney Disease, GFR, Kidney-Related Health Questions | Comments Off on Gfr Has not dropped from 65 to 38 in past 3 months. Cannot get a doctor’s appt. until May 17th. Should I try to get in sooner?

My protein dump is 9.2. My skin is itching to the point I take benedryl to sleep. Does this protein affect other internal organs besides just dumping protein in my urine?

Posted on April 19, 2016 by National Kidney Foundation

I am unable to make a specific diagnosis based on the information that you present.  I can’t tell if this is normal or abnormal protein in the urine.  I suggest that you ask this question of your physician.

Posted in Ask the Doctor, Kidney-Related Health Questions, Proteinuria | Comments Off on My protein dump is 9.2. My skin is itching to the point I take benedryl to sleep. Does this protein affect other internal organs besides just dumping protein in my urine?

What does eGFR >60 mean? And what does calculation of blood test results 69.8570103645 mean?

Posted on April 19, 2016 by National Kidney Foundation

A normal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is greater than 60 milliliters per minute per 1.73 meters squared.  Hence, the eGFR that you mention is normal.

Posted in Ask the Doctor, GFR | Comments Off on What does eGFR >60 mean? And what does calculation of blood test results 69.8570103645 mean?

I am 58 years and live in ME. I discovered 2 years ago that I have a Polycystic kidney disease. Creatinine was 1.84, other kidney functions was in normal. Now my creatinine is becoming 2.9. Other kidney functions are normal. I am taking Omega-3, Calsimax 600 and treatment for blood pressure. I understand from my doctor that till now there is no treatment for ADPKD. I need to know am I now in last stage or there is a way to reduce this level from creatinine or at least to keep in this level and is this now close to start dialysis? I start to feel some pain in my back. Need your advice and your feeling about my case and if there is a hope for new treatment for ADPKD?

Posted on April 19, 2016 by National Kidney Foundation

Polycystic kidney disease is a progressive kidney disease that has no cure.  Once kidney function is lost, it cannot be recovered.  It is best that you continue to consult with your nephrologist and determine your best course to slow the … Continue reading →

Posted in Ask the Doctor, Chronic Kidney Disease, Kidney-Related Health Questions, Polycystic Kidney Disease | Comments Off on I am 58 years and live in ME. I discovered 2 years ago that I have a Polycystic kidney disease. Creatinine was 1.84, other kidney functions was in normal. Now my creatinine is becoming 2.9. Other kidney functions are normal. I am taking Omega-3, Calsimax 600 and treatment for blood pressure. I understand from my doctor that till now there is no treatment for ADPKD. I need to know am I now in last stage or there is a way to reduce this level from creatinine or at least to keep in this level and is this now close to start dialysis? I start to feel some pain in my back. Need your advice and your feeling about my case and if there is a hope for new treatment for ADPKD?

How does 24 hr urine urea clearance and 24 hour urea nitrogen in urine correlate with urine creatinine clearance and serum eGFR?

Posted on April 19, 2016 by National Kidney Foundation

There is some correlation of urea clearance with creatinine clearance, but we generally use urea clearance to be a function of protein intake and not a good measure of kidney function.  A urea clearance generally underestimates the true glomerular filtration … Continue reading →

Posted in Ask the Doctor, Blood/Urine Testing For Kidney Disease, Kidney-Related Health Questions | Comments Off on How does 24 hr urine urea clearance and 24 hour urea nitrogen in urine correlate with urine creatinine clearance and serum eGFR?