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Joining forum seems a milestone.

Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2016 8:58 am
by Michael-A
Hello all (first post),

I must admit, I'll somewhat scared at posting and also reading/discovering about kidney problems. Joining the forum seems to be a psychological milestone, so my apologies for any apparent nervousness.

So far I know very little about the disease/remedies other than my GP has given me my analysis results, which are usually done 6 monthly due to diabetes, and says that I now need testing in 3 months time due to kidney problems.

Can I ask the forum if there is anything I should consider doing myself, such as taking sodium bicarbonate which seems to be talked about on the internet or indeed anything else I might do to possibly help myself.

Thank you for any info.

Re: Joining forum seems a milestone.

Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2016 9:23 am
by DeanH
Very good control of your sugar levels and blood pressure are very important, asking your doctor for advice around this also would be a good idea if you haven't already asked. I'm sure you will get more replies with some more helpful advice but try not to let it all get to you too much as there can be a lot to take in but the fact that you are being monitored is a good thing.

I am about 15 months post kidney/pancreas transplant and my kidney failure came about due to long term type 1 diabetes.

Re: Joining forum seems a milestone.

Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2016 10:04 am
by Michael-A
Thank you Dean,

I never realised that diabetes had an effect on kidneys (I do now). I have had type 2 (insulin dep) for around 6 years and it usually seems well controlled, blood pressure I have more difficulty in keeping regularly low.

I live in Spain and could not fault the health service, but my understanding of the doctors is not as good as it could be (my failing), they point at the analysis results telling me this figure is causing this, another figure is causing that and I am not much wiser. As you say, it seems a lot to take in.

It may be a silly question, but do 'both' kidneys fail together.

Re: Joining forum seems a milestone.

Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2016 4:11 pm
by wagolynn
Hi Michael-A,

Last question first, in most cases, I would say both kidneys will fail together.

If Bicarbonate of soda would help it would be prescribed. You will find lots of unreliable stuff on the internet.

Blood results, this site may be of help to you - http://www.edren.org/pages/edreninfo/bl ... isease.php
Also if you start at the edren home page you will find lots of accurate information.

Doctors, the only way is, if it is not clear to you, ask. It is important that you understand, if only for your peace of mind.

Best wishes.

Re: Joining forum seems a milestone.

Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2016 5:58 am
by Michael-A
Hello wagolynn

Thank you for the info., link and good wishes.

The site you mention looks very good and I am off to study it.

Thanks again.