Connect
Will radiation from medical procedures affect my kidneys?
My current eGFR is 25. I question any medical procedure involving radiation if not necessary. My reasoning is: that I've been getting mammograms for 30+ years. I was treated for breast cancer in 2011 with a mastectomy. Since then, my kidney function because of long-term lithium use has deteriorated. I don't want to get mammograms anymore. I've been healthy otherwise, and cancer-free. I try to avoid antibiotics and most medicines because of kidney disease. I follow a kidney-friendly diet. Any opinions on this?
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Kidney & Bladder Support Group.
Connect
Yes my brother is receiving daptomycin for a prosthetic knee infection Vancomycin pretty much
I will be delicate with my wording but he had healthy kindles until way too much vancomycin.
I keep asking drs. why are they giving him yet another strong drug? Just mute answers. we had him removed from this hospital due to now Kindly damage . I would appreciate any thoughts or comments.
thank you
@mrainne I would check with your nephrologist and get their thoughts. I know that medical procedures that include contrast materials can be something to watch, with kidney disease.
Was your mastectomy a double or single? Have you spoken to your oncologist about their opinion of continuing mammograms? Lithium use can indeed be a cause of lowered kidney function.
Ginger
I had a single mastectomy, no radiation or chemo. I've followed all medical advice since 2011. Took tamoxifen for 5 years. Had blood tests every 6 months for the first 5 years past the surgery. Now, the only follow-up is yearly mammograms. Mayo Clinic verified my kidney decline is from lithium use. There is no treatment. I want to take every precaution to protect my kidney function for as long as I can. There are many things I should not do b/c of the eGFR 25. Low salt, low potassium, less protein, no NSAIDS, and many antibiotics are not advised, CT scan dye, certain sports, etc.
I do not believe I would be able to treat BC if I had it. Chemo, radiation, and even surgery would overwhelm my kidneys. Any kind of fungal or bacterial infection would probably destroy them. I realize an emergency treatment would be necessary, but I don't want to create one to be preventative to something I do not have.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsOpinion of a nonprofessional... Radiation can affect our bodies, typically blood levels etc. The contrast mechanism in CTs and MRIs can affect the kidneys. I choose to balance the need for accurate scans with some occasional other options , when deemed safe to do so, and mitigate other tools to reduce stress on my kidneys
1) if having contrast I go in yo the appt well hydrated
2) after the scan , I flush my system throughly, including increase in water and even drinking green tea for a day or two
3) we alternate scans with and with out contrast
4) I alternate MRIs, Pet scans and CTs
5) we utilize x-rays and ultrasounds as well as an option
Note I say "we". I discuss my concerns my primary care, my oncologist, nephrologist and urologist. I listen to their input and suggestions, and if they seem concerned I consider their experience and knowledge as valuable input. It's my responsibility to keep an eye on the big picture, remind them of how much radiation I've had, work with all of them so one scan serves everyone's needs... and I heed their input
Hoping this helps you
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction