feeling weepy

[ann33]

Have recently dropped to 25% now i dont know if the symptoms im feeling are due to reduced kidney function or the meds they are giving me. I feel sick quite alot but arent sick[ thank god]. Tired, weakness, and very dizzy, and now im finding a want to cry at the slightest thing, which is not me i'm normally quite possitive and cheerfull, but i do find at the moment things are getting me down.Is it the meds i'm on.Predisolone 40mg, losartan 50mg, frusimide 5mg ,amlodapine 5mg, lansoprazole 30mg, folic acid 5mg, doxazsoin 4mg, quinine for cramp. Due to start cyclophosmide again next week. Does anyone else feel like this i'm also starting toget forgetful which worries me as my mother started with alziemers when she was 50 i'm 51 or is it the meds making me paranoid. Soorry for the moan

[bigbuzzard]

Sorry to hear that. I've no idea about causes - just that I know that things just sometimes stack up that have made me fell like that too before. And then, something changes - or perhaps nothing physical changes, but something makes it possible to feel much more positive. I was at a wedding yesterday where the best man told a great story about the groom.
Some years ago, he (the best man) had been brokenhearted, and was wallowing in it, not wanting to go out and do anything. His friend (yesterday's groom) would come and see him every hour and try and get him to come out and help him in the garden. Eventually, after about 4 hours, he agreed, and did some work with a lavender bush. That lavender bush did something to him that really helped sort him out. Perhaps there's a lavender bush waiting around the corner for you to come and give it some TLC?

[Thumps]

Someone here did say recently that doxazosin caused them quite extreme depression - how long have you been taking it? Could be worth a medication review with your GP/neph to see if it'll help?

I know what you mean about the decline and forgetting what 'normal' can be. I got to a point where I felt nauseous nearly all the time and cleaning my teeth was likely to make me sick every day. It's like everything is either caused by or impacts on your kidney condition and having it in the forefront of your mind is quite tiring isn't it. Hang in there and don't be afraid to ask for help... you renal dept might have a counsellor/psychologist attached, I know that helped me a while back.

[dkjane]

I think we all feel weepy sometimes.
I do not think the doctors do enough to tell us about drugs sideeffects. I recently took myself off Fosomax( for bones). I was very depressed often. Thought that was strange, as I am trying to live my life with internal peace. I now feel much better. Anytime I get prescibed something for the endocrine symtem, the body reacts to that interference. I do do yardwork, which is part of my anti-strees regiment.
I think I will plant some lavender in spring....lavender has a calming effect Did a lot of reading about aroma-therapy in my pre-kidney failure days.
Good Luck! Jane

[amanda in CA]

To DKJane: Glad you've come off Fosamax. I was at a conference recently and one of the doctors who gave a presentation specialises in bone physiology. He stated that people with kidney failure should not take Fosamax or any of the other medications of this type. I can't really remember why, but I know that he was very categoric about this. Obviously if someone is on this medication, then they should talk to their neph. before stopping taking it.

[ann33]

Hi thanks for the replys they have helped .I have given myself a good talking too,theres always someone worst off. I read on here many people have lower gfr than me and still work or go running so hopefully things will settle down for me I would just love to get up one morning and feel normal. I felt quite well till i started all the meds.Think i need something else to focus on

[cazpi]

I had a phase of feeling like that at about 25%, it's understandable to be scared and tearful when your function drops.

As for the other symptoms - Doxazosin doesn't make me depressed, personally, but it does make me dizzy.
I am also very forgetful now (only 46!) my other half teases me about it. Got to admit I had to laugh when I found myself asking him "What was it that I forgot a minute ago?"

I have had great improvements in dizziness, forgetfulness, tearfulness, and breathlessness since my anaemia got sorted out - being anaemic made me feel really lousy, and I was incapapble of doing anything more than the bare essentials. Have you had your iron levels looked at - anaemia is very common in middle aged women. Quite a few of your symptoms could also be menopausal perhaps - it's easy for us to blame our kidneys and/or the drugs we're taking for stuff that might be caused by other things.

All the best - hope you get to sorted. I thought I was on my last legs for a while, but now I feel great (even with considerably less kidney function). Living proof that things can get better, I'm sure you'll be OK.

[dkjane]

To Amanda.
Yes, do not stop taking any medication prescriped by your MD.
My case..I have been on it for 2 years.
TX nephr. knows it's going to cause problems one day. However, they know my creatinine has been stable.
After 2 years my bone health has improved and med. should be stopped on my next appt..
I just found myself sooo depressed and was ready to make an appt. to see a therapist.
After I stopped, I just got happy again !!!!
Yes, there has been cases of kidney failure in healthy persons due to Fosomax and warnings has been mailed to MDs.
BTW, I stays in the systems for a long time after it's discontonued.( docguide.com)
Jane

[Chrisdialysis]

1- You're not a moan
2- it does get better, it just takes time.
i hope that everything comes right for you soon

[crowes]

I've been there. I understand how hard it is when you want to be happy, but instead you cry. I think it's part of the process. Sometimes it takes awhile for your body to adjust to the medication. If you stop suddenly, then your symptoms will be far worse. Is your doctor supportive and empathetic of your emotional state? If he/she is, then he/she might be able to offer advice on how long it will last or if other brands of the medication might work better for you. If your doctor isn't sympathetic, then you can always look for a new one a site like Yelp or LocateADoc.

[rheaybou]

Ann

nobody will ever accuse you of having a moan on here. we are all in the same.boat and support/help/advice on these pages are priceless as they come people who know how you feel/what you are having to deal with. so you have a little weep once in a while, i do and it always makes me feel better. talk to family and friends.

[sporti]

Hi Ann

From my own experiences of the drugs you are on I can say that Doxazosin and Prednisolone can most definitely make you feel down. With a 25% function I think you should be feeling just fine so I think your doctors should help you by looking at your list of medication and maybe taper down on some of them. Amlodipine made me feel very dizzy due to it doing its job and bringing my bp right down but it made it too low! Have you checked your blood pressure regularly? Hope this helps. x

[dkjane]

I am now starting this again! My PTH is still high 5 y. post my transplant




WCN: Fosamax (Alendronate) Prevents Bone Mineral Loss After Kidney Transplant

By Lynn Haley
Special to DG News

SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- October 17, 2001 -- Five milligrams of Fosamax (alendronate) following kidney transplantation prevents initial bone loss in these patients.

This study finding was presented by Canadian researchers from the Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, University of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, at the premier World Congress of Nephrology, co-hosted by the American Society of Nephrology and the International Society of Nephrology, held from October 10th - 17th.

Osteoporosis and osteopenia are frequent complications found in patients who have undergone a kidney transplant (KTR). Research has demonstrated the role of bisphosphonates in the prevention and treatment of corticoid-induced osteoporosis, but few studies have been done in bone mineral loss following KTR.

Researchers studied 45 patients. Patients less than 18 years of age were excluded, as were those who had undergone more than one kidney transplant, had severe hyperparathyroidism, or had osteoporosis.

Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed at the time of the transplant, and again at six-month intervals for two years. Patients were randomised to either the control group, which received vitamin D and calcium, or the treatment group, which received vitamin D, calcium, and a daily 5 mg dose of alendronate.

Researchers presented preliminary data on 20 patients at one year who had undergone BMD measurement. Body mass index was assessed using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). In both groups, the immunosuppressive regimen, co-morbid conditions and renal function were the same.

Results of the effect of alendronate on BMD showed that at six months, there was no significant difference between the control group and the alendronate group (-1.3 versus -1.8 respectively). From six-12 months, a change between the two groups was observed (-1.3, control group, versus +3.1, Aldendronate group, p=<0.05). By the one-year mark, the alendronate group again showed better BMD results than the control group (+1.4 versus -2.7 respectively, p=0.06).

Researchers say the alendronate was well tolerated. One patient dropped out of the study. There was no associated decreased graft function, and no fractures were suffered during the course of the study.

The investigators concluded that 5 mg of alendronate daily can prevent the initial bone loss that frequently occurs following a kidney transplant. This dosage is associated with an increase of 2 percent of BMD following 12 months of treatment.


Related Link: Fosamax (alendronate).

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[Chris Wright]

Ann,

See this:

http://www.medicinescomplete.com/mc/bnf ... 130065.htm

I have been taking prednisolone for 31 years, i have also been to the World Transplant Games 3 or 4 times.

My experience and observations over these years have lead me to believe that prednisolone does affect emotions both in making recipients both feel low and euphoric.

At some point i will start a thread to ask about peoples experience of corticosteroids.

Chris

[Thumps]

Chris - BNF pages require a login, could you paste any relevant content here instead?