Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Can The Kidneys Self Heal When Diagnosed With Chronic Kidney Disease?
Question: I have CKD. My creatinine level hovers between 310 and 480. My BP ranges from 195/90 pulse 60 down to 160/65 pulse 43. The readings seem to vary dependent on when I am due for my next clonidine. I take 0.1 mg clonidine every 8 hrs. I take 2.5 mg of bisoprolol every 24 hours. The medications, on an empty stomach make me very nauseaus. I recognize that there are symptoms related to the high creatinine but everything seems vague. I used to be on Olmetec which worked more consistently to keep the BP down to 160/80 but the nephrologists I have been seeing prefer that I do not take Olmetec as it operates on the kidneys. The Olmetec materials I found in some cases indicates that olmetec can help the kidneys but what am I to believe.
I have high protein leak. I have been trying traditional Chinese herbal medicines for 6+ weeks and they have made some changes. I pee less frequently during the night; I seem to have a little less foaming action when I pee. I take furosemide as required to reduce water retention. Some materials say furosemide is bad for the kidneys while some articles say it is overall good for the kidneys.
I would like to believe that there are ways to help the kidneys self-heal to a certain extent; maybe not back to full health, but to get better.
Comments on the above?
I have high protein leak. I have been trying traditional Chinese herbal medicines for 6+ weeks and they have made some changes. I pee less frequently during the night; I seem to have a little less foaming action when I pee. I take furosemide as required to reduce water retention. Some materials say furosemide is bad for the kidneys while some articles say it is overall good for the kidneys.
I would like to believe that there are ways to help the kidneys self-heal to a certain extent; maybe not back to full health, but to get better.
Comments on the above?
Brief Answer:
Comments below
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to HCM
The management of CKD is dependent to some extent on its etiology.
ARB like Olmetec is good for diabetic nephropathy. It may decrease the proteinuria. There may be slight increase in serum creatinine. It can also increase the blood potassium and that would require to be monitored. Have you had a Doppler study of the renal arteries? ARB is contraindicated if there is renal artery stenosis one of the causes for hypertension.
Lasix has to be used if there is fluid overload. Its use can be decreased with restriction of salt and fluids.
Which Chinese medicine are you using? Some of my patients are benefited by Ginkgobiloba. Omega 3 fatty acids may also help in proteinuria. If you have not done a 24 hr urine protein, that may be done to quantify your proteinuria and this may be repeated after 3 months to know the progress. Don't go by the symptoms only as it would vary. A decreased urine output can mean worsening of Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and does not always mean a decrease in proteinuria.
Using a PPI like Pantoprazole may help with the nausea.
For vitamin D3, 1 alpha D3 would work better as D3 has to be activated in the kidneys to work.
If you let me know your latest biochemical parameters, I can comment on them.
Wish you a good day
Comments below
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to HCM
The management of CKD is dependent to some extent on its etiology.
ARB like Olmetec is good for diabetic nephropathy. It may decrease the proteinuria. There may be slight increase in serum creatinine. It can also increase the blood potassium and that would require to be monitored. Have you had a Doppler study of the renal arteries? ARB is contraindicated if there is renal artery stenosis one of the causes for hypertension.
Lasix has to be used if there is fluid overload. Its use can be decreased with restriction of salt and fluids.
Which Chinese medicine are you using? Some of my patients are benefited by Ginkgobiloba. Omega 3 fatty acids may also help in proteinuria. If you have not done a 24 hr urine protein, that may be done to quantify your proteinuria and this may be repeated after 3 months to know the progress. Don't go by the symptoms only as it would vary. A decreased urine output can mean worsening of Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and does not always mean a decrease in proteinuria.
Using a PPI like Pantoprazole may help with the nausea.
For vitamin D3, 1 alpha D3 would work better as D3 has to be activated in the kidneys to work.
If you let me know your latest biochemical parameters, I can comment on them.
Wish you a good day
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
