When is time right for taking off dialysis

[hookmeup]

I have acute Kidney failure, caused by low blood pressure during quadruple bypass 1 year ago.  I have been on peritoneal dialysis at home.  I have been off dialysis for 15 days.  My  Creatinine is between 4.0 and 4.4 during that time.  Highest BUN is 61.   They are talking about taking me off of dialysis.  I have about a 15% function.  (GFR).   Does this sound strange?   I thought it would have to be much lower before they would consider taking me off.  Any experience with this out there?   Need some opinions to give me some idea if this is a good idea.  I'm a little apprehensive. 

[Charlie B53]

Labs are not the determining factor, only a guide.

The better question is how do YOU feel?

Some people (me) felt sick enough to start Dialysis with a GFR as high as 20.   Many more did not 'feel' sick and put off starting Dialysis until well under 10%.


How do YOU feel?     These 15 days without Dialysis how have you felt?  Are you having any weight gain?  Swelling?

These are the more important things to consider.  Your labs are favorable, but if you are still swelling, retaining water, feel sick as if toxins are building up and causing illness.

Don't be too quick to let someone else decide.  Only you can answer these questions.   Share your feelings with your Dr and Dialysis team.  They should understand and want what is best for you.

[hookmeup]

 I feel good and no swelling.  I am still producing maximum amounts of urine.  The only thing is that my numbers keep creeping up ever so slightly, so I'm afraid if we take the peritoneal access tube out, I'll be in trouble if the numbers go up again.  I'm really confused.  The Dr. is watching me closely.  Has anyone experienced this before?

[Charlie B53]

Not myself, but I have read of a number of people that have had their kidney function 'recover' a small % of function.  Most are not enough to permanently end Dialysis but a few have.   Most all of these 'recovering' kidneys did eventually continue the gradual decline in function to failure.   Some did manage to function well enough for years.

Dr's are still learning.  There is so much they have yet to find out they are unable to predict exactly how long or well a kidney will function.   They can make some pretty accurate estimations, but then again, kidneys don't always follow all the same rules.   Like the stickers on new car windows.  Your mileage may vary.

Your PD access doesn't have to be removed immediately.   Ask to find out how long you can put that off to give your kidneys a bit more time.  Sort of a 'What and see' how it goes.

[hatedialysis2]

It sounds like you have a smart Doctor who is is really giving you individualized attention!  Acute kidney condititions can resolve over time given the right conditions.  you always have the option of having a second consultation.  In the mean time try to include plant based foods that are within your potassium and phosphorus limitations.  Also include omega 3 rich foods like wild caught salmon and flaxseeds.  These are all healing , nourishing, detoxing, and anti inflammatory foods.  If you are not dialysi get then most likely you can reduce your animal protein intake to give your kidneys a healing chance.  Check with your dietitian on this. Drink plenty of filtered water to flush out your kidneys, again in accordance with your prescribed restrictions if any. 
Lots of luck!  Hope your acute kidney condition is truly reversed.   

[Charlie B53]

hateddialysis2 makes some very good points.  By carefully watching your diet you can reduce the workload on your damaged kidneys, giving them less work to clean up from eating like we normally do.

Google the anti-inflamatory diet, and renal diet, both should give you plenty to look into.

[JennyQ]

Well hookmeup, what happened??? Did they take you off dialysis???

My wifes creatinine level is 2.0.  In her country now they are telling her she does not need dialysis.  I am most interested to hear of your current situation. 

Please update.  Thanks.

[Paul]

Sorry, I am about to quote an old post, but I just saw this and thought it was an important point to make.

Also include omega 3 rich foods like wild caught salmon and flaxseeds.

Which type? Omega 3 from fish has different properties to omega 3 from seeds. You cannot use one to treat what the other treats. So if omega 3 is good for kidneys, and someone knows which type, please post this information.

[Charlie B53]

The beauty of PD is it is easily 'tailored' to the individuals needs.

It is conceivable a patient may only need to do one or two exchanges a WEEK. 

Minimal water and toxin removal and yet keep the cath working and viable in case of relapse.

[GA_DAWG]

One thing to watch is if you have trouble breathing when you lay flat in bed. I had this for a week and had never before heard it was a symptom of congestive heart failure and a result of fluid buildup. I was still going to the bathroom and had no idea. Even after foour weeks in the hospital, I was not told this. It was during a follow up and the doctor casually asked if i had any more problem with CHF. I asked her what that was, as I never heard of it.