Diabetic with End stage kidney failure having angioplasty? Is that safe?

[Bonnesfriend]

My best friend is 40 year old caucasian female diabetic with stage 5 renal disease, her grafting in her arm is now "dead" so they cannot start dialysis until Sept.
Cardiologists found 2 major arteries 100% blocked and one at 80%. Is it safe for her to have this surgery? What are the success rates. I am not freaking out as I know all about diabetes, but I want to be prepared.

[JDRF-Team-SS]

Samantha,

I am so happy to hear that your friend's surgery went well and she is doing well.  

Best of luck to your friend and to you for "being there" for her:)

SS

[JDRF Team SGG]

We are so glad to hear that your friend made it safely through the surgery and is going home soon. I, like your friend, was diagnosed years ago when glucometers had not been invented, and the insulin treatments that were available did not come close to matching digestive rates for foods. It was HARD back then to maintain any semblance of good control. Even though your friend's kidney failure is a serious complication, dialysis can keep her going, and perhaps she can be a candidate for a kidney transplant (and sometimes people who have kidney transplants can have pancreas transplants, too). My point in bringing this up is to ask you to encourage her to get the best possible control over her glucose levels right now so as to preserve the health of her other major organs. Even though the damage to the kidneys cannot be undone, she CAN and SHOULD take great care to keep those sugar levels as normal as is possible now to protect herself from future damage. That much is in her control, and sometimes we have to put real effort into controlling what we can. I wish her the very best.

[Bonnesfriend]

She did great today and should be coming home tomorrow!! What a relief!!
Thank you all!!
love
Samantha

[JDRF-Team-SS]

Samantha,

I am so sorry for what your friend has had to endure.  

You sound like a VERY caring and invloved friend and it is great that you understand type 1 diabetes, so that you can be support (as you obviously have been) for your friend.

It is evident that 35 years ago, it was much harder to maintain good control of diabetes because of the lack of tools and technology.  (I cannot imagine what it would be like not to have a glucometer!)

I am sorry that she has had to suffer these complications and want you to know that you and your dear friend will be in my thoughts and I look forward to hearing a favorable update, however, even during a stressful situation such as this, feel free to post for support.

Some questions are very hard to answer when we are unfamiliar with these operations, success rates, etc.  I do understand that you are reaching out for support and this is great because sometimes someone who has been in the same or similar situation will comment.  Again, I am sorry that is not the case for today, but do know that all of us volunteers here care and feel for you and your friend.

SS

[Bonnesfriend]

Thanks,I just spoke with her, she was checked into the hospital at 2pm and had dinner and is now having an EKG done. I was just looking for answers to re-assure myself.
She is 40, diagnosed at age 5, been through the ringer lately and well, I am scared.
I am hoping that the surgeon will meet with her tonight (no they never had him meet her and she has surgery at 6am tomorrow)
I appreciate all the support because you have to be the STRONG ONE and deep down i just feel helpless.
love
Samantha

[galzee]

I am also a volunteer with Medhelp, not a medical professional and I agree with SS when she refers you to your friend's physician(s) with your concerns.  We are not qualifed to give medical advice.  Perhaps you could attend her next appointment with her.  

All surgeries have risks and those with diabetes are at a higher risk for developing complications with infection as well as monitoring blood glucose levels before, during and after the procedure.  All of these risks can be lowered with the right healthcare team and a pro-active approach when it comes to diabetes.  Your friend could benefit greatly by maintaining good bg control.  Supporting her during this stressful time in her life is important as stress levels have a direct effect on blood glucose levels.  She is lucky to have you!  Wish her our best and let us know how she makes out.

[JDRF-Team-SS]

Hello Bonnesfriend,

I need you to know that I am a volunteer, but I am not a medical professional.  The experience I have is in caring for my son, dxd at age 3 who is now eleven years old.

Your friend is lucky to have you:)

I honestly cannot give you an answer as far as your friend's sugery goes and the success rates.

I know that you already know this, but I feel that your friend needs to talk to the Cardiologist, as well as her Endocrinologist and ask all of the necessary questions.  

There are other volunteers who will most likely be commenting  and may have more information in regards to your friend's particular situation.

Take care and once again, your friend is lucky to have you for support.

Again, I apologize that I cannot give you an answer and hpe you receive helpful comments.

SS