Has anyone had kidney problems after having COVID or the vaccine?

@stacynottable I also want to welcome you to Mayo Clinic Connect. You sure have a lot going on physically /medically. When that is the case, it is hard to know if, what and how things are related! You can’t undo the past (like your vaccines and COVID), but you need to move forward. I would suggest setting your priorities and starting with that. IMHO that would be your kidney situation because that is a big deal! Then you can move on to treatment for your gynecological situation. Do you have trusted medical providers that can help you develop the treatment plans that you need?

I had Covid in Nov/Dec of 2020, seemed healthy up until that time. Was admitted to the hospital in October 2023, Creatinine level was over 6...most of my blood tests were abnormal, blood pressure was elevated. Thinking back, it does seem there was a decline taking place after recovering from Covid, but it was gradual. More joint pain, headaches, itching, nausea. In follow-ups, January 2024, it was determined I had CKD Stage 3B/4 - borderline. I never did get a Covid vaccine, still don't plan to. At the time I contracted Covid, the vaccine was not available.

I believe Covid and the vaccine create inflammation and an immune response that cause kidney function to decline. It happened to me three times. Twice with the vaccine and once when I got Covid. But my kidneys recovered, somewhat. My eGFR went to 19 but recovered back to 25. In between they fluctuated to 20, 21 then back to 25. Could the vaccine or Covid cause PKD to erupt if it is in your genes? I would consult a specialist. I went to Mayo in Rochester to see a PKD specialist, Dr. Neera Dahl. Thinking I had PKD for 6 years b/c a local nephrologist diagnosed me in 2017. Dr. Dahl did a simple genetic test and verified it was not in my genes. I was angry to say the least at the local nephrologist. Thinking you have that disease and you don't...well infuriating. And I'm so sorry the vaccine or Covid infection created PKD. Diseases hiding in the genes ignited by a virus is scary to say the least.
I don't think I will get any more Covid vaccines. I brought the possibility up with my PCP, she said it's safer to get the vaccine than Covid. Not so sure! They both create an immune response.

I am skeptical of the vaccine. I've seen people that do fine with it, but have also seen some negatives. Can I prove it was the vaccine? No, I can't. It also cannot be proven the vaccine is safe and effective.

@gwladj76 welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I’m so sorry to hear about your COVID and your hospitalization in 10/23. Who can say if they are/were related? I’ve always felt if one part of the body or system is ailing, the whole is affected. Whether to get a COVID vaccine or not is still a controversial issue. But it is a personal decision. The important thing is how are you feeling now? Are you getting treatment / support for your CKD Stage 3B/4?

I am being monitored for my condition...semi-annual check-ins with a nephrologist. They check to see if I'm stable or declining, but really have not offered any advice. That frustration seems to be shared by many CKD patients, you really have to do your own investigation on how to change your diet, maybe lifestyle (exercise, reduce stress, avoid NSAIDs). I do feel normal most days, but do too much physical work (cooking, hobbies, etc.) and the fatigue sets in for a couple days. I think the food industry could do a much better job to help everyone avoid chronic illnesses. There's too much salt (sodium) in almost everything. Added Phosphates in the ingredients of many foods that are called healthy. And, it's difficult to get straight answers about foods. Is Canola oil good or bad? Corn oil? Palm oil? New studies suggest they are not. Olive oil and Avocado oil seem to be the safest. The most common thing you'll read is....more study needs to take place to reach any definitive conclusions. My guess is, in 20 years, we still won't have an answer. For now, I'm fighting hard to make the right choices and trying to stay healthy. Thanks for your reply!

I am interested in knowing more about the IgA gene. I did have some protein in my urine. However, I agree it might have speeded it up.

It troubles me to say this, but this is the American diet. We have close relatives in Italy and visit often. Food in Italy is nothing like here. Some additives are banned in Italy. There's fresh food offered in the season they are available. We get food any time of the year, shipped from other countries or from California to the east coast. Our processed food is what is causing so many diseases, I believe. Added sugar, salt, flavorings, colors, don't even get into the chemicals. I have a very low eGFR and eat fresh. Very little meat, lots of beans, vegetables, nuts/seeds, healthy pasta (not Kraft macaroni), fruits. I'm trying to hang on to the kidney function I have. It will not get better.

@leindabedford1 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Have you been diagnosed with an IgA issue? What has your doctor said about protein in your urine? Here is what Wikipedia has to say about this gene: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immunoglobulin_A
Ginger

Yes, I've heard this from several others that frequently travel to Europe. I've been told many of the chemicals added to our food are there to prevent spoilage, simply because the country is so large and shipping takes a lot of time. My diet has changed, very closely matching what you listed. Someone posted on another site...if you can eat kidney friendly 80% of the time, it will reduce the strain on your kidneys greatly. It's important not to lose focus and be tempted by the way we've dined for most of our lives.