Is kidney disease becoming an epidemic

Thank you very much for taking your time to let me know of your experience with kidney biopsy, glad you were in good health at the time but still experienced some discomfort. I am not as fortunate with declining health after my husband passed away, with being very fatigue, dizzy and lack of sleep. And a lot of house maintenance and working with so many legal matters. So I am hesitant to get the kidney biopsy. Also learning a lot on this website. I do agree with you that you have to do your own research because my nephrologist did not offer much information.

@poon I have had two kidney biopsies, one in early 2015, another in 2019. There was a bit of discomfort, but nothing debilitating.

Has your doctor given you any information what to expect, at this point, or what he hopes to find out, with the biopsy? As you have no doubt read here, kidney disease can have underlying causes from long-term use of certain medications, high blood pressure, diabetes, and lifestyle, among others. Attached here is the link to what Mayo Clinic has for kidney biopsy education, which is pretty much the same as what I experienced. It is critical that you take care and do not do heavy lifting or straining for about 10 days. I did not stay overnight, but did have someone drive me home same day on my first one. The second one, I opted to stay in a hotel that same night then drove home the next day.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/kidney-biopsy/about/pac-20394494
Ginger

I had a renal biopsy at age 47 to explain why I had hematuria. Finding out I have IgA nephropathy , you can google it, and then I remembered, after the fact, I spent 6 months in bed at age 6 for this disease. The puncture biopsy only hurt when they pulled out the needle. I had to lay in the hospital bed overnight due to some bleeding. I'm very glad I had the biopsy back then, but my nephrologist wants an updated biopsy to which I have declined. At age 77 I hardly think it's needed. I have a cousin who had same disorder, but she had to have a transplant. Water is a good thing ,but my nephrologist told me to increase my vitamin D levels. He said it is one of our best tools. Also rest and walk for exercise, with a thankful attitude. Watching my renal diet helps too! Gods speed cause He really is the one in control. Do the biopsy if you have never had one. Information is the key to proper treatment.

Thank you so much for letting me know of your experience. Since my nephrologist has no clues why I have stage 3b, thus the biopsy. I think it has to do with taking Lunesta for over a year when my husband was homecare, stresses and high blood pressure and had covid in May 2022.
I am getting a second opinion from Stanford nephrology dept.

Thank you so much for your experience with your two kidney biopsies. I told my nephrologist about taking Lunesta for over a year, stresses and death of my husband after being care for at home with two caregivers. He doesn’t think Lunesta can do damage to my kidneys. Because he finds no clues since my blood and urine test are okay except my current creatinine is at 1.5 and GFR at 36 thus a kidney biopsy was ordered. I am getting a second opinion from Stanford nephrology dept before agreeing to one. At 76 and poor health, I want very much to know if it is worth to get kidney biopsy and what possible things they are looking for. It is true that I am told to keep my blood pressure under 135/85 and blood sugar normal. He said diet doesn’t really help.

@poon I am not a fan of unneeded medical procedures. Personally, I feel it is good you are seeking a second opinion before proceeding.

As you mentioned, some medications can cause or increase kidney issues over time. High blood pressure and diabetes are the top two underlying causes of kidney disease. Taking a good look at your labwork over the last two years, and seeing any trends that relate to BUN, eGFR, and creatinine, will go a long way to helping you and your medical team understand what has been developing.

I will be interested to hear from you, what you decide to do, and how the second opinion will play out. Meanwhile, eat healthy, following a diet low in salt, potassium, phosphorous and protein. Get moderate exercise and aim for good blood pressure!
Ginger

I would like to disseminate this comment to other kidney health groups about bottled water content.

We CKD people drink a LOT of water. Where we get it is as important as when and why we get it.
My question is, the water I drink comes from an 8 Liter bottle, roughly half a gallon, not including foods which already contain water, fruits, soups, vegetables. I drink less than half a gallon daily.

This is a photo of the label of the bottled water that I drink . Give your thoughts. Because I have NO PROBLEM drinking distilled water. 100mg is = to 1 gram.

Bicarbonate 137 mg / liter
Calcium 45.8 mg / L
Silicon 10/ L
Magnesium 8.3 mg/ L
Chloride 6.6 mg/L
Sodium 5.6 mg/L

@poon I respectfully disagree with your doctor about diet not playing a part in kidney disease control. In fact, it is acknowledged by many patients and professionals that diet is the most important component!

Lunesta has to clear through your liver and kidneys, and can lead to complications there, as described in this article https://americanaddictioncenters.org/lunesta-treatment/side-effects

Again, I am glad you are getting a second opinion at Stanford!
Ginger

Thank you for your feedback, Ginger. I don’t agree with my Nephrologist thus getting second opinion.

Thank you for your kind message. I have, at last check, calcium oxolate stones. I see a nephrologist on Tuesday, my urologist thinks it may be GI related as opposed to diet. I had gastric bypass surgery in 2000 and it caused malabsorption syndrome. I just had bloodwork and a urine test this morning, so by the time I see the nephrologist my labs will be back. I don’t have high blood pressure or diabetes, so that has ruled out the obvious trouble makers. I do advocate for myself, also have a caseworker who helps me manage my many health issues. I have no problem changing a doctor who ghosts my questions. I’m hoping I finally have the right team of doctors. Reading the posts here made me realize there is more to kidney stones and CKD than I thought. I appreciate your input and the advice I read from others.