back pains, left side and I am close to level 3 kidney disease,

Posted by hope12 @hope12, May 18, 2018

I have had type one diabetes for over 40 years and was not in best of control for over 25 years, my latest blood work and foamy urine have me a bit concerned, but what bugs me the most if back pains, I do drink black coffee and wonder should I quit and is there a safer alternative which tastes like coffee??
Thanks much

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Kidney & Bladder Support Group.

Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator | @kanaazpereira | May 22, 2018

Hi @hope12,

I'm tagging @joan47 @cehunt57 @sheeb, and of course, @rosemarya to see if they may have more information for you. You can also view their messages in these discussion:
– Possible low kidney function https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/possible-low-kidney-function/
– Common signs of ckd https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/common-signs-of-ckd/

I'd like to introduce you to other members who also live with diabetes, like @gailb @retiredteacher @coloradogirl and @vanin11. Here's a great article about "Coffee and Kidney Disease: Is it Safe?" from the National Kidney Foundation:
https://www.kidney.org/newsletter/coffee-and-kidney-disease
@hope12, caffeine affects every person differently; if you have diabetes, the impact of caffeine on insulin action may be associated with higher or lower blood sugar levels. Have you taken your concerns to your doctor?

joan47 | @joan47 | May 23, 2018

I am very careful about my diet and have not knowingly consumed anything containing caffeine for many decades. All of my research and my own personal experience is that caffeine has many negative health side effects and I have chosen to forgo any other pleasureable benefits from consuming it in favor of better health.

Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | May 23, 2018

@hope12, I, also, become concerned when my labs or other observable signs are out of the ordinary. Being aware of any changes on our bodies is extremely important because we know our bodies better than anyone. I am not an expert by any stretch of the imagination, but one thing that I have experienced is UTI's, and a kidney stone. One of the symptoms that my caregivers ask me when seeking treatment is if I have any back pain. Apparently it is a symptom that means something to them. I have not had the back pain, however,

I am a liver/kidney recipient and I never take a chance or second guess anything about my health. I encourage you to get in touch with whoever ordered those labs that are concerning to you. This would be a good time to include your concern about the back pain. How does this sound to you? Will you let me know what you find out?
Rosemary

Cheryl, Volunteer Mentor | @cehunt57 | May 25, 2018

@hope12 I’ve had type 1 diabetes since 1975 (brittle). In 2005 I had a pancreas transplant. At that time I was told I did not need a kidney transplant. My goal was to save my vision and kidney function. Thank God, so far so good. For the past 2 years I’ve been bouncing between stage 3 & 4 CKD with GFR between 14 - 30.

I’m a hard core coffee drinker (as it has no carbs, salt or fat in it). The caffeine doesn’t seem to bother me and it doesn’t seem to have any effect on my blood sugar. If you are looking for an alternative, have you tried decaf? Another option was Postem. It is a very old product invented and made by Mormons I think. I haven’t been able to find any in a long time.

As far as back pain goes, thankfully I’ve never had much of that. The only times I can remember were associated with menstrual issues a long time ago, UTI’s or overdoing some physical activity like yard work.

If you have a nutritionist, you could ask about the coffee. You should ask your Dr. about the back pain. Pain should not be ignored.