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Doctor is concerned about Kidney GFR numbers: Should I be?

Kidney & Bladder | Last Active: 5 days ago | Replies (26)
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@gingerw

@mrainne Medication side effects can take years to manifest. I don't think doctors set out to place us on the road to long-term kidney concerns, they are trying to help us with the primary problem. I have known several people with the lithium use issue, like you have. My cousin also went through kidney disease due to a cardiac medication many years ago.

Good for you to staying as healthy as possible, and understanding what works best for you in your case! Everyone is different, definitely. We'll be anxious to hear about your nephrologist visit next week.
Ginger

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Replies to "@mrainne Medication side effects can take years to manifest. I don't think doctors set out to..."
mrainne | @mrainne | 5 days ago

Thanks, Ginger. The lithium treatment was a godsend. No regrets, other than the lamotrigine alternative which I'm on now. My bi-polar disease developed in the early 1970s. I was blessed to find a smart psychiatrist who prescribed lithium. I lived a happy normal life, married to a wonderful man for 40 years. I followed the plan religiously, taking follow-up tests every 6 months for all those years. Then, in 2014, the kidneys simply got tired. I'm grateful and fortunate they held up that long. We'll see what comes next. It's all good. I trust my Nephs, one at my local healthcare and one at Mayo.

Yes, even NSAIDs taken over time create the same dilemma. I have a first cousin who took the maximum dosage daily for pain. There is no warning about this. Her eGFR has been floating @ 20 for years after she quit the NSAIDs. No dialysis.

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