Trying alternative methods to delay progression of kidney disease

[okarol]

I came across a blog of a man who is at Stage 3 CKD. He started writing about 2 weeks ago, and his diagnosis is very recent. I hope he joins IHD - I posted a couple of times.
Here's the blog My Chronic Kidney Disease - http://mychronickidneydisease.blogspot.com/

It got me thinking of the truths and myths out there about delaying the progression of kidney disease and starting dialysis. I know many patients traditionally will change their eating habits, reduce salt and protein, monitor their blood pressure (add meds) - among other things.

My question has to do with homeopathic or alternative medicine. This man is fasting. The idea that somehow kidneys can be cleansed or healed seems misguided, but I don't really know. Is it risky to try this? I know taking herbal remedies can have bad outcomes, but I am curious about the fasting. How can this be considered to be a "cure?"

When Jenna was first diagnosed we had all kinds of suggestions from people (try hand-on healing, or acupuncture, or herbal drinks, or organic vitamins) - much of it based on a mistrust of traditional medicine.

Having gone through this experience, I myself question everything now, traditional and alternative, because there's no magic, no matter how hard I hoped, to cure her disease.

Anyone else try unusual methods?

[Beth35]

I'm in stage three too so I'd love to hear suggestions. 

[Bill Peckham]

When I was first diagnosed and spent three years trying to slow the progression of the CKD I had a good friend who really insisted I go talk to a naturopathic doctor, her sister was one. My Mom grew up and has been a Christian Scientist.

I think in both cases they're seeing the kidney disease as something I could prevent if I only had lived differently - prayed more or had an occasional colonic - meh, both it seems to me rely on faith.

Karol you maybe interested in this http://bloggingheads.tv/diavlogs/18482  Did you know there was an entire federal agency that is set up to study this hooey? The National Center on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). Here is a written version of the above video http://scienceblogs.com/whitecoatunderground/2009/03/harkins_war_on_science.php.

I worry that by putting your faith in fasting, or Reikki, or whatever you may - A) accelerate the progression of CKD or B) Delay taking useful action that could slow the progression.

[okarol]

No, I didn't know - thanks Bill - I will check it out. 

[Romona]

I think some aspects of alternative medicine could complement treatment. So much of it is common sense. Eating right, exercise, and finding ways to reduce stress does help with coping with a chronic illness. I went to a chiropractor for awhile and it really seemed to help, but when my insurance for it ran out I quit going. I wouldn't want to do anything too crazy and risk my transplant.

[Zach]

During the early part of "end-stage" renal failure, my cousin took me to an alternative medicine healer.  The therapy mostly consisted of warm compresses soaked in ginger and other "healing herbs," laid on my lower back for several hours. The therapy was repeated for a week.

I was told that my kidneys are filters and the warm compresses will expand the kidneys and all that is blocking the filters will pass right through them in the urine.

Quite a simple idea:  The kidneys are like sieves--no more, no less.
Unfortunately, that is not the case.

Also--while reducing protein somewhat is helpful in delaying the need for dialysis, in the extreme it will cause malnutrition and therefore raise the risk of death once dialysis does commence.

[Romona]

I just read the blog. I am concerned about electrolyte balance during his fast. It seems like fruits would be high in potassium.

[RichardMEL]

After I was six or so months into dialysis my brother insisted we go see an alternative healing guy. He was doing this German/Chinese thing called electronic acupuncture. Basically it's like the version with needles, but using an electric circuit and is totally painless. This is combined with a bunch of herbal type potions/powers that you drink (great, me on fluid restrictions) and stuff like that. After the first couple of treatments I had my monthly labs and things improved 10% and it was looking kind of cool, but then the next month they slipped back (and again the month after it was the same). The treatments were costing a small fortune and I didn't feel any better or worse though the doc had suggested he had kept some guy off dialysis for over a year and insisted his kidneys were getting better... talk about tooting your own horn. As it is my brother who was seeing him for other things had no joy either so we gave him the flick. I was also concerned the potions he was giving me had NO ingredients or breakdown and could have been full of potassium, calcium or anything else that could be bad for me so I was sort of glad to quit that. I was happy though that I gave it a shot - I did not want to dismiss the idea out of hand.

As for reducing stress I have to honestly say that getting my cat 5 years ago now has been the single best way to reduce my own personal stress levels....

[RightSide]

There's one "alternative" remedy that is supported by some scientific studies:  NAC (N-acetylcysteine), an amino acid available in 600 mg capsules at health food stores.  There is some evidence that NAC can protect the kidneys from certain things that can cause acute renal failure, like the contrast dyes used in angiograms and so forth. 

http://tinyurl.com/cbj5rs

Some folks who already have some degree of renal impairment, take NAC to prevent the onset of acute renal failure from such causes.

I take it myself for its mucolytic properties.  (I suffer from chronic sinusitis and post nasal drip.)  My neph knows of NAC, he knows I take it, and he doesn't mind.