please help me....

[texasstyle]

I'm trying to find out more info about the dye that damages the kidneys. Here's what's going on, and thank you for listening. My dad has 47% GFR. He is 81. He went in for a heart cath today. Was having chest pains, dizziness periodically and a stress test reveled must be a blockage. We thought maybe a stint put in today. Dr. said of course, there was no way to know how big the blockage until they did they dye in the heart cath. Well..apparently he has had a heart attack already (most likely recently), and has "so many"  large blockages. They did nothing today except the cath tube out. He is going to stay in to "give his kidneys a rest" as the Dr. put it before they do anything else.  My mains questions are: do they have to give this kidney damaging dye if someone gets a buy pass surgery? What are the dangers of taking it back to back so closely? I'm so confused. If anyone had this experience I'd appreciate your input. Thank you so much. Carolyn

[okarol]

Two articles that might help
http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/11/16/us-heart-dye-idUSTRE6AF35Y20101116
http://www.kidney.org/news/newsroom/newsitem.cfm?id=126&&cid=100
Also, consider the risk of NOT DOING the procedure. If he has coronary artery disease that is treatable, then the procedure could save his life.

[Rerun]

I know it is called "contrast dye".  And sometimes you have to weigh the situation.  This vs that..... and choose.

[willowtreewren]

 

[Restorer]

If he still has that much function, are they giving him plenty of fluids and maybe a diuretic to keep his kidneys clearing out the dye? That could help.

[MaryD]

When I had to have dye when they were looking for my lymphoma, because of my failing kidneys, I was given something to protect my kidneys.  I was told it was horrendously expensive, and I was given it in an unmarked envelope, to take the evening before and the on morning of the procedure.

Twice thereafter they gave me the same procedure but said the risk was too great for my kidneys to use the dye.

My kidney function did not change after the dye, but during chemo my creatinine dropped from 190ish to 130ish, and stayed there for 12 months after chemo ended.

[sullidog]

My v surgeon uses bicarb to retain someone who is not in full blown kidney failure.