Gout and Kidney Function

Hello @bhb30602 ,

I'd like to invite @kitmus, @lagrange5 and @gladiator14 who talked about kidney issues (chronic kidney disease) and routine battles with gout in the discussion, "Gout meds to lower uric acid and chronic kidney disease" - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/gout-meds/.

@bhb30602 - you mentioned your kidney function readings did not indicate a need for dialysis, but you are meeting with a nephrologist. Did they mention kidney disease as a possible diagnosis, or you have not reached that stage? How are you doing after being taken off of some of your heart medications?

My nephrologist did not mention kidney disease. As a matter of fact, when I told him I was very concerned about my kidney function he seemed to downplay my concern. Not sure if he was trying to reassure me or buy some time to see if the Allopurinol he prescribed will get my next reading (in 3 months) back in line. He prescribed 100mg of Allopurinol 2x daily and after 4 days, I haven't had another flare-up and am moving w/o pain. I hope to get back on the walking trail on Monday and lose some weight and not be in constant pain.

I missed the question about my status after having been taken off some of my heart meds - there hasn't been any change really. Most days, I'm below 120/80 and my heart rate low 60's mid 70's which is normal for me.
Be safe and well everyone.

@bhb30602 I had my first nasty gout attack July 1, 2013. I recall the day clearly, since it was the "go live" day for a new computer system at my then-medical center. And of course there were major glitches! I have been on 100 mg allopurinol once a day since then. And yes, the allopurinol continues to keep my uric acid to a manageable level, combined with close monitoring of my diet.

Eating to avoid gout flares include no shellfish [I miss shrimp!], very limited pork or processed meat products, very limited purines, avoiding stress as much as possible. I am also an end stage kidney disease patient, on daily dialysis.

It's important for you to understand your kidney function level, and possible causes of a disease process. That your nephrologist is not seeming to be concerned, is a concern for me! What is your eGFR [kidney function] level? Can you share why you are seeing a nephrologist? The two major causes of kidney disease are uncontrolled high blood pressure, and diabetes. Other causes are medication response, life style, or genetic issues.
Ginger

The GFR is 45 and not diabetic but have been on BP meds for years and is controlled. Primary care doc referred me to kidney doc to find out what's going on w my kidneys. Kidney doc feels some of the meds I was taking may be part of the problem. I don't eat much red meat and I seldom eat shrimp.

I’m at stage 3 kidney disease (there are 5 stages). I just was diagnosed in February of this year. My egfr is 53. My primary care, urologist, and nephrologist( I requested to see specialists). They all blew it off like no big deal. My gastrointestinal doc took me off omeprazole and a fluid pill. That was the only change. Then I started my own education using reliable sites like Mayo Clinic. I’m still reading daily and the most significant thing I’ve learned is what a horrible disease kidney disease is! There is so much pain and it is life changing! So tell your doc you want to be pro active in the fight! I’m about 90% plant based now and very low salt. Depending on your bloodwork you may need to limit phosphorus and potassium. Here’s to us in getting on the best path!!