I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: Transplant Discussion => Topic started by: Laurie on March 06, 2010, 01:45:37 PM

Title: BK Virus
Post by: Laurie on March 06, 2010, 01:45:37 PM

I had a biopsy on Wednesday because my creatinine has been fluctuating. It was determined that I have the BK Virus. My doctor is still trying to figure out how he wants to treat it. One thing he is considering is to have me stop Cellcept and let my immune system try to fight off the virus on it's own, but that increases my risk for rejection. I'm just curious if anyone has been treated for it and what was done.

Title: Re: BK Virus
Post by: kellyt on March 06, 2010, 02:05:57 PM

I haven't had the BK virus, but I was taken off Cellcept from about August 09 until just a few weeks ago due to that lymphocele problem I had.  I did fine.  I hope you get it all worked out.   :cuddle;

Title: Re: BK Virus
Post by: Laurie on March 09, 2010, 06:36:15 PM

Thanks Kelly! They decided to have me cut my Cellcept dose in half and see if that will be enough to get rid of the virus. I had a case of rejection right after my transplant so they are not wanting to stop the Cellcept completely.

Title: Re: BK Virus
Post by: Wallyz on March 09, 2010, 08:13:33 PM

BK isn't that problematic, it's a marker for the overall health of your immune system.  Good luck, and enjoy lower doses of immunosuppressants.

Title: Re: BK Virus
Post by: kellyt on March 09, 2010, 08:15:52 PM

I'd be terrified to stop any medication if I had had a rejection episode!  I hope it works for you.  I know Cellcept can slow healing time.  Good Luck!!   :cuddle;

Title: Re: BK Virus
Post by: Wattle on March 10, 2010, 11:02:02 PM

 :boxing;  Well that is just annoying Laurie!    :boxing; :boxing;

What was your stabilized dose of Cellcept and what have they cut it too? What other Immunosuppressants are you on?

It probably also depends on the match of your kidney. The better the match the lower the doses of Immunosuppressants used.

I hope it "high tails it" out of your kidney very soon!


 :cuddle; :cuddle; :cuddle; :cuddle; :cuddle;

Title: Re: BK Virus
Post by: Laurie on March 17, 2010, 06:04:27 AM

Sally ~ My normal dose of Cellcept is 1000 mg twice a day so they have cut it to 500 mg twice a day. I'm also on 2 mg Prograf twice a day and 5 mg Prednisone. I go back for labs and clinic this Friday.

Title: Re: BK Virus
Post by: Phraxis on March 23, 2010, 11:13:31 PM

I developed higher levels of BK four months ago. They did a Cellcept level test (high levels reduce the immune system allowing Bk to flourish) and reduced Cellcept. I am now at 500 mg twice a day and BK has all but disappeared, having steadily dropped.

BK seems to be one of those nuisance things (tho it can lead to rejection) that is monitored and seems be easy for your immune system to tackle. So it is that effort to keeping range of immune suppression that appears to control BK.

Title: Re: BK Virus
Post by: TINA HUBB on June 04, 2011, 06:50:15 AM

Hi Laurie
I am new to this site and came across your post about BK Virus from last year. Wondering if it cleared up or if you are still having a problem. My daughter is battling BK and had some info for you but maybe you might have some for me.
Thanks

Title: Re: BK Virus
Post by: Chris on June 04, 2011, 12:11:56 PM

I will have to look for post, but another member just posted within two weeks that he has the BK virus and wanted to know if anyone else had it and how the recovery went.
 
Ahh, just checked emails, it was bountyhunter ga at http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?topic=23198.new;topicseen#new (http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?topic=23198.new;topicseen#new)

Title: Re: BK Virus
Post by: Chris on June 05, 2011, 12:47:55 AM

Another member who has dealt with the BK virus, Jie, http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?topic=23160.new;topicseen#new (http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?topic=23160.new;topicseen#new)