Update on new kidney disease
About 3 months ago I wrote and told everyone that I had been diagnosed with kidney disease - a result of 14 years of Fibromyalgia medications. I have had Fibro for over 24 years, but had no insurance and at that point there was no specific meds for Fibro.
Anyway... last week I went to see my primary doctor for the 3 month blood work to track how the kidneys were doing. For your info, KD is tracked in stages: 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 4 and 5. Once you hit the 3 stage, you will never go back to a non-KD life. Stage 5 is dialysis, transplant or death.
I'm at 3A.
One of my dance friends is a medical research scientist ( through dancing I've met the most brilliant people!). She had been researching KD because one of her cats developed the disease. In her research she came across a lot about the condition in humans too.
It was suggested I look into an OTC probiotic called RENYDAL. Basically is takes some of the strain off the kidneys and allows them to process slower.
I did enough reading to decided to try it; this is not inexpensive - at least for me. $70 for a 1-month supply taken 2x a day with your meal. Also a 3 bottle offering for about $15 less per bottle.
Diligently took it for the past month before seeing my doctor. Got the blood results in and - holy hell! The kidney function IMPROVED by 5 points! That's insane. Also the other two component tests decreased slightly (that's good).
The ONLY thing I did different during this time period was take the Renydal. I already live a kidney-friendly diet/life because hubby had been a renal transplant patient and you NEVER forget that routine.
While I will have to stay vigilant of course, this gives me hope (and some extra years too). The biggest issue currently is the increase exhaustion levels - I didn't think that could get any worse either, surprise! Still I will figure out a way to make it work.
Considering how absolutely horrendous this year has been, good news like this keeps me going.
Cheers!