This discussion is mainly about the use of Jardiance / Empagliflozin for diabetes &/or CKD (because unfortunately one often leads to the other.)
Many members here have shared tips about their health plans, drug coverage, pharmacies, drug costs …..etc. because that is what we do. We try to provide helpful information from our own health journeys.
@stuartbell it sounds like you have had a tough time the past 10 years. I self referred to a nephrologist in 2008. It was a doctor who had cared for my father-in-law during his end stage renal disease, dialysis and living kidney donor transplant. I had a long heart to heart conversation with this Dr. on my views regarding, diabetes, CKD, dialysis, transplant. We came to an understanding that I expect him to help me keep my kidneys functioning as best as they can for as long as they can. I am hoping to find a living kidney donor when that becomes necessary and will only succumb to dialysis as a temporary bridge to keep me going until the transplant can be accomplished.
All of my grand plans are preempted by “Lord willing” because I am a person of Christian belief/faith. It is hard to relinquish The Plan to God when I tend to be such a control freak! That said, things are going fairly well for me and I feel blessed.
My CKD is due mainly to me being diabetic and having some high blood pressure (the two most common causes of kidney problems.) My endocrinologist and nephrologist are in the same healthcare system so it makes sharing my records, labs, medication history, treatment plan…..etc. easier so we know that we are all on the same page. I got a referral to a renal dietician who is diabetic herself and knows where I’m coming from. My nephrologist prescribes medication to control blood my pressure. He pointed me to resources to learn about different kinds of dialysis so that I’m prepared when (“when, not if”) that becomes necessary and he is affiliated with the transplant center that I will use when that time comes. Since that time my eGFR has bounced between 14 - 42. It is currently in the low 30’s and supposedly stable.
My hope and prayer for you is that you can find the medical providers that you trust, can build a rapport with and can come to an agreement on a treatment plan that is in your best interests and meets your needs. Please keep us posted on how you are coming along?