kidney failure and treatments

[nanann]

My husband is 57 and a type 1 diabetic since he was 3.  Suddenly his creatine levels are alomost five, he has terrible fatigue etc.  What alternative treatments are available besides dialysis and kidney transplant?

[JDRF-VOL-SG]

I would suggest that you do some Google searching about treatment for high creatine levels. From what I have read, your husband's levels are high, but not high enough for dialysis yet. Recent studies and research improvements have shown that putting diabetic patients on blood pressure medication can dramatically improve kidney function and can slow down kidney failure, too. There are other medications that can be used to help improve his kidney health, too. If I were in your situation, I would go immediately to my doctor and ask to see a specialist in kidney treatment. From what I have read, doctors look at several creatine tests in a row to see if numbers stay elevated or whether they are a one-time thing. A specialist will also look at any other medications he may be taking and may opt to change some if they are known to damage kidneys. Meanwhile, certain treatments may be started to try to preserve the health of his kidneys BEFORE they are damaged enough to require dialysis. He needs to go as soon as possible to his endocrinologist and get to a specialist. Things can be done before dialysis is needed, and the health of kidneys can be preserved or at least prevented from getting worse. As for specifics, folks on this forum are NOT medical specialists and can't give specific treatments, for that can only be done by a doctor after extensive evaluation of his health, medications, and symptoms. Hopefully his kidneys can be protected before he needs to think about dialysis and transplants. But the key is getting to a doctor quickly before damage is extensive. We wish him the very best.