Visit with Nephrologist - Life is Full of Contradictions

Went to see the Nephrologist yesterday and was informed of two things.  I would had been on dialysis, waiting for a kidney transplant, or dead, at least two years ago, if I didn't have the WLS.  However, on the other hand the WLS is causing problems with the kidneys.  Can you see a contradiction here?

I was diagnosed with chronic proteinuria, or too much protein in the urine.  Doctor told me that some people, after WLS, suffer from  impaired kidney functions.  He prescribed Zocor to keep the cholesterol in check (is high) and Plinivil (BP medication, but have no high blood pressure) to reduce the levels of protein in the urine and contain the damage.  I have to be on a low fat, low sugar and low sodium diet.  These medicines have a nasty side effect , if you know what I mean.  He also told me that it is ok to take the protein shake, but to keep my protein intake somewhat limited to 75 grms. a day.

The plan at this point is to see if the medications bring the protein levels in the urine down, that the GFR remains unchanged or improves, but if the conservative treatment plan  does not work, then I may have to have a kidney biopsy to see exactly what is the problem an alter the treatment plan with some more powerful drugs.  The biggest challenge however, is that Prednisone is the drug of choice for kidney ailments, but for someone that had WLS, it is contraindicated so that is not an option for me.

On Monday, I am going to the surgeon to see about that hernia thing  I mentioned before.

I will keep you in my Prayers that all the medication works for you!!! 

Keep positive!!!! 

Michele

Ditto to what Michelle said, I am glad to hear that at least they are starting to try to get you back to good health, and definitely keep us posted!


Shells

Geez Guillermo...I sure hope that you can cop a break here real soon! Will keep you in my thoughts that the meds and course of treatment works!

Guillermo,
Check with your surgeon to see if at this point if it is contraindicated.  It may be something that you can take with something like prevacid or prilosec.
It sure has been tough on you I guess we never know what life will throw at us. 
Liz

I am so sorry you are having so many problems. It sounds like you have good doctors; lets hope the conservative treatment plan works!

If you don't mind, can I ask why you would want more then 75g of protein a day?  It seems as though 75 should be more then enough; but heck, I am not doctor.  

Wishing you a complete recovery.

Believe it or not, many people well exceed the 75g of protein.  Body builders and weighlifters wishing to bulk up, as well as some WLSers exceed the amount.

I do 120-180 grams supplemented, meaning by shake per day, as my body doesn't have to digest it and it plays no harm on my kidneys like digesting foods would.

So sorry about the kidney problems. I was on prinivil before WLS to protect my kidneys from the proteinuria and high blood sugars, so I know it works. Good luck! =)