So true. Can't tell you how many times over the years a PCP has referred a patient to us for dialysis evaluation only to find out there was something structural like a blocked ureter or long time exposure to a nephrotoxic med like Bactrim or Mobic. Glad you were ok Rusty Scupper!
Hang in there. You will have answers soon. And as far as Prilosec goes, the nephrologists I work with are underwhelmed with the study on PPIs and kidney disease. They feel the study and its conclusions are of questionable validity. If anything the study has made many people stop a med they truly need.They JUST sent the referral on Thursday. I found out that today when I called them. I asked for the number of the doctor so I could call and schedule, and the number they gave me just went to the main operator at UF Shands, our large University hospital and doctors offices where all the specialists are. I just hung up because I had no name and wasn't even sure the official name of the specialist. If they don't call me in the next couple of days to schedule, I will call back (to PCP) and insist on a name. I'm annoyed that it took them an entire month to send the referral at all.
The fact that my PCP told me I would probably be on dialysis in within a couple of months, at the rate my kidneys failed, is also bothering me. I don't think she was correct, after talking to so many others, including here. I believe it's more likely something that can fixed in another way. I did start taking Priosec again today, despite knowing it's a kidney killer. Two weeks without it and I was ready to die. The more kidney friendly GERD meds were not helping and I was taking half dozen per day. I decided I couldn't take the pain anymore and one Priolosec a day can't be worse than 6 of the others. I'm comfortable tonight for the first time in weeks.
I've also been sticking to the National Kidney Foundation diet, with under 1000 mg sodium, 800 mg Phosphorus, 2000 mg Potassium and limited calcium and protein. I feel so confused because the two times I've been in the hospital, I've had potassium deficiencies and been put on IVs of it. I've also been prescribed Calcium tablets due to early osteoporosis in my spine and one hip. I feel like I'm damned if I do, damned if I don't. I have no idea what I'm supposed to be doing, really.
They JUST sent the referral on Thursday. I found out that today when I called them. I asked for the number of the doctor so I could call and schedule, and the number they gave me just went to the main operator at UF Shands, our large University hospital and doctors offices where all the specialists are. I just hung up because I had no name and wasn't even sure the official name of the specialist. If they don't call me in the next couple of days to schedule, I will call back (to PCP) and insist on a name. I'm annoyed that it took them an entire month to send the referral at all.
The fact that my PCP told me I would probably be on dialysis in within a couple of months, at the rate my kidneys failed, is also bothering me. I don't think she was correct, after talking to so many others, including here. I believe it's more likely something that can fixed in another way. I did start taking Priosec again today, despite knowing it's a kidney killer. Two weeks without it and I was ready to die. The more kidney friendly GERD meds were not helping and I was taking half dozen per day. I decided I couldn't take the pain anymore and one Priolosec a day can't be worse than 6 of the others. I'm comfortable tonight for the first time in weeks.
I've also been sticking to the National Kidney Foundation diet, with under 1000 mg sodium, 800 mg Phosphorus, 2000 mg Potassium and limited calcium and protein. I feel so confused because the two times I've been in the hospital, I've had potassium deficiencies and been put on IVs of it. I've also been prescribed Calcium tablets due to early osteoporosis in my spine and one hip. I feel like I'm damned if I do, damned if I don't. I have no idea what I'm supposed to be doing, really.
I wondered when you mentioned the MRI on your knees. We see so many patients who have been taking Celebrex, Mobic or excessive naproxen who end up terrified in our office, having been told dialysis is eminent by their PCP. The humor I find in it is that the PCP usually prescribed the NSAID to begin with. I am SOOO glad you got good news, I am just so sorry you had to go through all this mental anguish. Honestly, I would be looking into a new PCP. From the dialysis hysteria to the lack of knowledge about basic kidney care to the poor follow through with the referral. Not ok.I just had to check in on this thread and let everyone know the outcome!
As of yesterday, my nephrologist has declared me to have kidneys functioning not only perfectly, but at a better than average level for my age.
After extensive testing, it turned out to be caused by NSAIDS. I was taking high doses of ibuprofen and rx arthritis drugs for my knees. Thirty days off those and my kids are kicking butt. It's very ironic because I thought I was doing my health a favor by getting off narcotic pain killers after taking them for many years. All the negative press over them scared me into stopping them. And in nearly did me in. Can't trust the media ...
Currently, I have gotten cortisone shots in my knees, which helps some. And taking Tylenol (sparingly as I don't want to kill my liver now!)
I just want to thank everyone on this forum who responded to my thread. I literally feared for my life, especially because I have a disabled adult son who needs me. The folks on this Disney forum were more helpful than health forums. And, not only did the members here give me the best advice, but you were CORRECT. Even my doctor had me very scared. You guys called it, and pulled me out of my depression when I needed it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
