HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Treatment For Kidney Damage In An Elderly Person

default
Posted on Mon, 20 Apr 2015
Question: hi. my doctor recently ttold me that my kidneys are wilting or have wilted some. i am 71 yrs young, and am doing good & feeling good otherwise. i have not been drinking much water, but now am trying to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, & cutting back on salt intake. I also take thyroid tablets- 250 mcgs a day- levothyroxide. However, I recently went without them for alittle while-partly my fault & partly the doctors office fault.( my doctor was on vacation). I know you're not supposed to go without because the thyroid glands do so much. i recently heard that the kidneys can shut down if the thyroid pills are not taken....I didn't know this. I just had a blood test & am now taking my thyroid pills again...same strength. Did my kidneys wilt some because I didn't take my thyroid pills for too long? & will the kidneys get back okay or will they stay that way? plus i'm drinking alot more water. Will they be okay now? Is there anything else natural I can eat or drink that would help? I know beets are good for the kidneys, would real lemonade help, too? Im praying my kidneys won't keep wilting since i'm taking my thyroid pills again & drinking more water. thank you very much.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ralf Von Seckendorff (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Kidney function will decrease very SLOW in age usually, no worries

Detailed Answer:
Dear Patient,

it would help if you can give me your creatinine figure from blood test so i can see how bad it really is.

Generally it it is so: in your 71 young years age, it is normal that the kidneys are not fully working anymore to some extend. Normally the kidneys have a very long lasting reserve though and this is a very slow process. So usually you don't need to worry about yout kidneys completely failing very soon.

If you didn't take your thyriod medication temporarily that also should't have a significantly damaging effect on kidney function, but it is good that you're taking it again.

Acorrding to the food and fluid intake:
Any fluid is good to support the kidneys as long as you take in enough of it. 2- 2,5 liters per days is advisable in early kidney decrease.
A well-balanced meal plan contains the right amount of calories, protein, carbohydrates, fat and sodium, that is the same in early stage kidney disease as for everyone. Depending on your stage of kidney disease, you may also need to limit your potassium and phosphorus, but that is only for late stages. Other than that so far there is no special kidney diet necessary if your stage is still early.

Hope this is helping you , if you have any clarificatons you can get back to me, if this was helpful please kindly rate my answer. Best regards
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems and comprehensive renal care, talk to a Nephrologist. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ralf Von Seckendorff

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 535 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Treatment For Kidney Damage In An Elderly Person

Brief Answer: Kidney function will decrease very SLOW in age usually, no worries Detailed Answer: Dear Patient, it would help if you can give me your creatinine figure from blood test so i can see how bad it really is. Generally it it is so: in your 71 young years age, it is normal that the kidneys are not fully working anymore to some extend. Normally the kidneys have a very long lasting reserve though and this is a very slow process. So usually you don't need to worry about yout kidneys completely failing very soon. If you didn't take your thyriod medication temporarily that also should't have a significantly damaging effect on kidney function, but it is good that you're taking it again. Acorrding to the food and fluid intake: Any fluid is good to support the kidneys as long as you take in enough of it. 2- 2,5 liters per days is advisable in early kidney decrease. A well-balanced meal plan contains the right amount of calories, protein, carbohydrates, fat and sodium, that is the same in early stage kidney disease as for everyone. Depending on your stage of kidney disease, you may also need to limit your potassium and phosphorus, but that is only for late stages. Other than that so far there is no special kidney diet necessary if your stage is still early. Hope this is helping you , if you have any clarificatons you can get back to me, if this was helpful please kindly rate my answer. Best regards