Kidney Patient Guide

Hi everyone

Not going to lie I've had a few ( and I do feel bad for doing it ). I've seen the specialist today and my Potassium is 6.2. My consultant wants me to stop enalipril which helps my blood pressure to counter act the effects and of course stick to a rigorous diet. I'm not to sure. to top it off I can feel a gout attack coming on in my big toe. I guess that's just life. My specialist wants to get my potassium level under control before my catheters fitted which will happen in the next few weeks. I will get my blood pressure measured on Friday to see if anything happens. But I just find it so bizarre I've not been offered any counselling or help regarding financial assistance. I just feel there's no support I have to follow every thing up and book my own appointments and blood tests etc. Sorry for the moan guys x

Hi StephenPeachey,

I gather you have a kidney condition, I am sorry to read that but it is the way life deals the cards.

I am afraid the rules are deadly simple, follow the rules, and you have a good chance of survival, ignore them, and you will end up very ill or dead. I am sorry to be so brutal but as I see it, these are the bare facts.

The best way forward is to gather as much information as you can about your condition and treatment, so you understand what is going on, your medical team will help in this, this website has some good basic information, just look for the home page.

As to financial help, a look through the benefits section of the governments website should sort that out.

As you will see if you have a look through the forum, we can try to help with specific questions, based on our experiences.

Best wishes.

Hi Stephen. Quick tip - try drinking a whole squeezed lemon followed by a glass of water (to prevent tooth erosion) for the treatment of gout.

Lemons are strongly acidic however they actually alkalize the blood, making it very effective at breaking down gout. The first time I tried it my urine was quite cloudy as it really flushed my body out well, but since then it's worked wonders. Hope it works for you too.

Cherry juice is much more palataible and very effective