Looking for friends in a similar position

[mrs_lovett]

I was recently diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (November 2007) but my GP/Nephrologist are not very forthcoming with answers to any questions. How fast will it deterioarate presently at stage 3 (EGFR 54, with 'bi-lateral cortical scarring??), do I need to do anything about it myself. They have put me on Lisinopril and Simvastatin (despite blood pressure or cholesterol never being high ??) they say it is to try to lessen any further damage but that's as much as they tell me at the moment.   Have since been diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease (hypothyroidism) and as this is caused by antibodies in my blood I wanted to know if it was possible that these are what have caused my kidney disease also - cannot get any answers to link the 2 together - does anyone on here know?
Would just be nice to talk to someone who is in a similar situation - hubby is being an ostrich and just wont accept the facts so no-one to talk to about it. :-(

[vivianwong]

Hi^^ I am not a doctor, but I have got a family history of chronic kidney diseases - both my mother and auntie have it and I am currently being monitored. I totally understand how you feel. Kidney diseases can be secretly developping unnoticed for many years.At least you should be happy for the fact that at least you have caught the problem before it's too late. There isnt a fast cure for most chronic kidney diseases at the moment, so the treatment is mostly supportive - keep the blood pressure low, protect the remaining kidney function, prevent further damage and delay the renal failure. Lisinopril and Simvastatin is the correct direction.

In my opinion, what you need to do is to 1. stick to your medication. 2. Kidney function test every 6 months. 3. Urinalysis and 24 hour urine collection every month. 4. Low salt intake and a nutritious diet. 5, Must try to avoid infection and colds.

As for antibodies in your blood, you didn't give enough details. But antibodies play an important roll in developping kidney diseases. I don't know if you have had a kidney biopsy and exactly what type of renal diseases you have got, eg. IGA?

Whatever you do, please keep positive. You can talk to me if you want. I am not a doctor but I certainly have read and been told a lot about renal diseases due to my family history.

[pcmanic]

Hello, Lisinopril will lower your blood pressure a little more and help protect your kidneys. The Simvastatin will help keep plaque from building up in your kidneys which can cause more damage.When It comes to your health, especially serious problems, a person needs to be pro-active. If you're not comfortable with a particular physician it may be time to change. Try to get references from friends, neighbors etc. Hope you can find some answers!