Lyme and kidneys

running wild said...
At this point, I could write a book about the kidneys and Lyme Disease.

My GFR has been in between 50-59 for about 5-6 years, at least. Rather than go into a lot, posts I put up about the concerns can be found in the search area "Lyme kidneys, GFR." The doctors think blood pressure over the years has caused the problem, but I didn't have high blood pressure when the GFR was at 59 about 6 years ago, or had not hand it long.

The nephrologist, who is 81 and seen it all, says not much has changed over that time, except I have some protein in urine now, which only shows up on a 24 hour urine test. Random tests are negative for it. Also "borderline mild" change in kidneys.

This not to put fear or paranoia in anyone, but to stress it is important to see what is going on, what is causing any off numbers and to closely monitor GFR and creatinine , as Girle is doing. For years, doctors just told me it's not uncommon with Lyme Disease. Looking back, I should have had the presence of mind to ask "Why?"

Know cutting back on protein, especially animal protein, is important, which is tough because we already are restricted with Lyme diet. Same with potassium, as also mentioned by Girlie. Same for phosphorus and a number of other items that come with food.

Most people do not find out they have kidney problems or potential ones, until their GFR is below 30. It's good to know earlier, find out the cause and do what needs to be done to be safe with it. This doesn't mean anyone with a low GFR and high creatinine has chronic kidney disease. But it provides the opportunity to find out what is causing it and what can be done.

It's been my experience doctors don't take early indicators as important. The earlier you get answers, the better. Again, not to scare anyone, but to be safe. Jb94 - you are smart to look into it. And water retention can have a number of causes - not just kidneys. Some meds can even cause it. Knowing will help your mind.

running wild said...
I was fine, mentally, until I found out about stages and potential problems. As mentioned, my creatinine and GFR have remained in the basic, same range for about 5 years now. The stages got into my head, but at least I had a better understanding of what needs to be done to keep kidneys working without dropping of function.

Am taking an ACE inhibitor for blood pressure. It is first one I can tolerate. I have had back pain and am trying to figure if the medicine is playing a role in that. But also do, as Mind Body Spirit mentioned, baking soda, but every other day.

As we all have, I've learned to take the responsibility of my health and path into my own hands and search for doctors who work at getting you well, or as well as possible

Girlie - hope your sepsis situation has gotten better. Nothing to mess with.

running wild said...
Dmitry - Thanks for posting the study. I came across the one when the nephrologist put me on Trandolopril, which is the ACE Inhibitor. On the last 24 hour urine test I did last week, the protein was down to high normal. I struggle with meds and am hoping to stay on Trandolopril. Been having back pain since taking it. Cannot tolerate high doses of it, but the dose I am taking seems to have helped.

That and changing diet, which is not easy. Would love to have nachos and cheese, as Girlie mentioned. She must have done that to torture. Problem is with both Lyme and kidney concerns as they are, diet is even more limited. Cheese is high in phosphorus and, I never knew this until all this happened, sodium. Both are limited with kidneys. It surprised me how many food items are high in sodium, like pancakes.

The ARBs are kidney protective, which is great. That, mixed with diet changes, can help. Just trying to find balance.

running wild said...
I'm slow, So, you did the three drugs for three days then took 5 days off before test? And just glad to hear the test results.