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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 7/25/2011 11:01 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all,

I have been reading but not posting as things have been pretty good with me.  Last week I went to my MD for my regular blood testing (thyroid, cholesterol, sugar, etc).  Today I get a call saying I have low hemoglobin, 10.2 and my hemocrit is low too.  Also my kidney function was high, producing protein in my urine.  Turns out I have to now go tomorrow for more blood tests like B12 and iron def test, get a huge jug to pee in for the next 24 hours and get the poo cards too!  I have been feeling really well for about 3 weeks, my BMs are more formed, I don't see any blood. 

I did call my GI office and the nurse there said my Apriso could be affecting my kidneys.  They have never done a test since I went on it a year ago to check my levels, so I am hoping this can be taken care of.  My niece who is a nurse says it only makes sense that the UC and the constant pooping could produce the low blood count ( I was bleeding about a month ago), but of course I am a nervous wreck.

On the upside my cholesterol was 158, go me! 

Any ideas or has anyone else become anemic because of UC?  Has Apriso affected anyone else?

Posted 7/26/2011 1:11 AM (GMT 0)
I guess you were blindsided huh? I've had anemia plenty of times over the years due to Uc, however, it was always accompanied with visible blood.

I can't comment on Apriso since I can't take it but I was on Asacol for 12 years, but never had an issue with it affecting my kidneys.

I hope everything turns out okay!
Posted 7/26/2011 4:58 AM (GMT 0)
Sheesh, that sucks when you're feeling good and all.

It's good you're having more testing done..all of which you mentioned.


Yes, 5ASA meds can cause changes in kidney function...I believe Beth is one who had serious kidney issues from 5ASA.

I'm checked twice a year for kidney enzymes.
I've taken 5ASA for over 22 years, hopefully that can continue without any problems.

I've never had anemia from any of the bleeding, which was weird considering it (to me) was a heck of a LOT!

Keep us posted as to the results...

q
Posted 7/26/2011 5:25 PM (GMT 0)
the whole year i was flaring (bleeding) I needed iron tablets daily to maintain an acceptable level of iron. easy enough problem to take care of it that is all it is. when I'm stable... iron level is good. some of us ladies (in particular) just done enough iron rich foods to cover the monthly losses...

good luck with the rest of the tests
Posted 7/26/2011 9:12 PM (GMT 0)
Update* My Dr. said no more Apriso. Ran lots of tests today, including a 24 hour urine and stool cards. Informed GI about the increased protein levels and she said if I suffer colitis symtoms I will have to go on Remicade. Aren't there other drugs I could try before that? Dr. just called and I also have a UTI, never had one in my life. She is putting me on CIPRO. I am not sure this is a good thing either with colitis, but have read it helps some here. I didnt even know I had a UTI, wonder if that could be part of the reason for the protein in my urine??
Posted 7/27/2011 9:25 AM (GMT 0)
Yes the protein in your urine could be caused by the infection.
They should be looking at the urea(BUN) and creatinine concentrations in your blood to check out your baseline renal function. It depends on how raised these are - and what your GFR(glomerular filtration rate) calculates to that will show if your kidneys have been affected. You could try asking about Aza or 6MP as maintenance drugs because as a pancolitis it may be difficult to hold onto remission without some form of medication/supplement/diet control. Especially if you are going onto an antibiotic you might want to think about getting onto a probiotic.
Sue
Posted 7/27/2011 1:09 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Sue, I will check into that!
Posted 7/27/2011 3:54 PM (GMT 0)
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/conditions/proteinuria/

This might help in the way of why protein is in the urine, not to asy this is what it is....and other tests you might ask the doc about.  As well....search on that site, it explains things well.

q

Posted 7/27/2011 5:52 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Q, This morning I returned the "jug" and the stool cards and I gave about a quart of blood yesterday. I am also on Cipro for a urinary tract infection, my first ever. I was told that it could be the culprit too. I am somewhat concerned that the Cipro may induce a flare, even though I have read where it has actually helped also. We shall see. Wish me luck!

:)
Posted 7/28/2011 8:49 AM (GMT 0)
I hope you get answers and that the Cipro helps. I would suggest you make sure you take probiotics.

Keep us posted.

q
Posted 7/31/2011 1:42 PM (GMT 0)
Hey from the hosptial :(

Update..... after having many many labs and tests this week I have landed myself in the hospital to figure out why my creatnine levels got so high. They called in a kidney specialist who says so far all tests indicate it's a reaction to Apriso. They are putting me on IV fluids to flush the kidneys and also a semi-steroid. As of this morning my levels are slowly coming down. Hopefully this is the problem.

As for others on Apriso make sure you get your levels checked regularly as my GI never did in a year on Apriso.

Hoping to break out of here tomorrow!

Belley
Posted 7/31/2011 3:52 PM (GMT 0)
Oh no...but it's better you're there to find out for sure what's going on.

If it's the Apriso, it'll also be the Rowasa.

I agree regarding getting creatine levels checked..
q
Posted 7/31/2011 5:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hope you feel better soon.
Posted 7/31/2011 5:59 PM (GMT 0)
Yes and I loved Rowasa! I am being released today due to the fluids I have been getting and the prednisone in my IV has lowered my levels. They are still high but controllable at home. I will be going to a new GI but thankfully the prednisone really makes me feel good so I am ok with it short term. She said this time will be really short term and I feel ok GI wise right now.

I just want to warn anyone on Apriso to make sure they are having their kidney function checked regularly. The kidney Dr said she sees it alot with this drug. It helped my UC but almost destroyed my kidneys!

Woo Wooo I am going home:)

Thanks to all you wonderful UC sharers out there, its a horrible disease but you all make more bearable !
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