Quote from Cher2005:

I saw the nephrologist yesterday and he flat out told me I would be a candidate for a kidney transplant. As a matter of a fact he wanted to set me up to go to the transplant center!
I just found out what a state my kidneys are in 2 months ago. My numbers are not all that bad. My creatinine is 1.6 and my bun is 26. The main problem is my urine contains so much protein. He says I am at only 25 to 30 % function.
Does this automatically mean I will need a transplant soon? Should I see another nephrologist? This doctor is supposed to be one of the best but he is scaring me senseless.
My problems are a result of diabetes. I went undiagnosed for way too long. Even though I have my A1c under tight control, 5.2 and it's been this way for a year and a half, my kidney function has gone from 60% in the summer of '05 to what it is now. I don't really inderstand why that would be, but it is.
I just had an mir done and it was clear. I am anemic so he has started me on aracept sp? (like procrit)
Anyone have any ideas? I'm scared because my kidneys are losing function so quickly. Is he right? Will I need a transplant soon? Other than diovan at high doses, he doesn't have any treatment. A runaway disease with no treatment is a frightening theing.

Hi Cher. Sorry it took me so long to get back to you. First let me say that the decline of kidney function is completely unpredictable. You have had a drop but it may stay stable for quite some time. Maybe even years. So try not to panic. Also, don't panic about being sent to the transplant center. It is standard operating procedured. Transplant is an excellent form of treatment (I had mine 4 years ago). Unfortunately, now that your kidneys are damaged, at some point you will need a transplant. But, as I said, that could be many years from now.

At this point, your kidney function will be a bit like a roller coaster. It will go up and down. While you shouldn't worry too much, neither should you get excited if your function improves. Sorry, but it doesn't mean that the disease is reversing.

Definitely go with the aranesp. It is an excellent drug, and the better they treat the anemia, the better off you will be. Studies have shown that those whose anemia is treated are much healthier in the long run.

The best thing for you to do is to keep hydrated, follow whatever dietary restrictions have been given to you, and to make sure that you keep in shape. Gentle walking is the best bet.

If you have any other questions, just drop a note. The bottom line is that while you are stuck with kidney disease, you can still have a life. A good life at that. And remember, nothing will ever be as bad as you have imagined that it will be. Believe me, this is the voice of experience.

Take care.

Cora