A hiccup on the road of life

[Flook]

Some years ago I was called into my Doctors and asked to take a blood test as they were concerned my kidneys % level appeared to have suddenly dropped. After that and the results were in, I was asked to see a Kidney specialist. He took me through the possible reasons why my kidney levels dropped from a reasonably high lever down to 28%. He showed great concern as to why this happened.

It transpired it was down to me taking a certain blood pressure tablet for too long, this had affected my kidneys and I was cautioned to eat less and cut out certain foods which contained Potassium etc. This included cheese and banana's etc. All food I loved.

I was called in again as the level had dropped again down to 14%, making me in the high risk of kidney failure.

I have lost two stone in weight, now have a six pack and weigh around the same as I did when I was about 17.

My niece offered me her kidney if it was suitable, for a transplant, which unfortunately after tests due to certain criteria she was not suitable.

So now I am on the transplant list and awaiting a phone call any time day or night for a suitable donor.

I have been told my blood group is just in the rare category of A-, so trust me to have a rare blood group huh.

I still, when I can go out on the bike, but food wise I am very restricted.

So, if any of you buddies out there have been on blood pressure tablets for any length of time please get your kidneys checked out, for your sake.

I am not on Dialysis (yet) and I am trying to avoid it at all costs, despite my levels ranging from !0% to !5%, and all points between per month. Its the 8% I want to avoid, then it will be Dialysis time, and play time will be over.

Merry Xmas one and all

Flook

[Gunther]

Sorry to hear that Flook, I wish you all the best

[MGD109]

Sorry Flook,

It's situation likes this that persuaded me to carry an organ donor card from a young age. Huge improvement the opt out scheme but it's important to let your loved ones know how you feel.

My mother donated after her life was cut tragically short, knowing that a family member was more than happy to be a donor makes the process easier during grief.

You'd be more than welcome to any salvaged parts from my sorry arse carcass Flook should I hit an unexpected sudden stop but O + I'm afraid.

[Bogbody]

Good luck Flook
I also carry a doner card - its some comfort that I can help someone after I shuffle this mortal coil.

[BoxerBits]

Sorry to hear your news Dave. Not the sort we're all happy to hear but as always you're keeping positive.

Keep getting your leg over; along the B645 as often as practical.

All the best.

Nigel


Sent from my moto g(8) power lite using Tapatalk

[scf]

Really shitty news.
I’m sure a lot of us geezers are now researching our blood pressure meds.
Also an organ donor here. i Am reminded of John Prine’s (RIP) song “Please Don’t Bury Me”

[TheMeteor]

Sorry to hear that, Flook, and I hope that you locate a donor soon. Also, thanks for the words of wisdom on the meds. I have been on BP meds for about 5 years and my doc makes me get blood tested twice annually. Now i know why.

I am also an organ donor here and have been since I can remember. I remember when I checked the box as part of my getting my driver's license, the organ donor concept was somewhat new. My mother got upset with me but I said, whether I am going up or down in the afterlife, I will not need these things and they can help someone else.

[Flook]

Gerry, ask for at least four times a year, to be on the cautious side.

[Flook]

Ah yes also no processed foods either, no shelled sea food as well, it seems this affects something else.

A good ole life huh...

Nigel and Bogbody, weather permitting, I may wel be at the Stibbington Diner tomorrow about lunch time. If either want to meet up, just off the A1.

[ccwatchmaker]

Are you able to share with us the blood pressure med you were taking?
Lots of different ones out there.

[308bever]

good luck Dave, I battled Tonsil cancer 6 years ago and continued determinedly to ride when the weather was ok during that time too. try your best and hopefully a donor will help you soon mate. Cheers Stewart

[notacop]

Dang the Bad Luck. The process of aging is the pits. Hang in there and do your best. Regards to you and family.

[Flook]

Just had a phone call from the Cardiology Dept here in the UK. I have been told the heart stress test I had a few months back, the results came through being very good, and they were signing me off the Cardiology team as all is well for me there.

To answer James (CCWATCHMAHER), I forget the name of that tablet I was taking, all I can remember is, I was told over the phone to stop taking them with immediate effect, and they were looking into another type of blood pressure tablet to replace it that would not have a side affect to the Kidney's. I should point out that here in the UK each packet of tablets on prescription has an information sheet inside which tells about the tablets and any side effects it may have. I was taking this tablet for around 12/13 years, so an accumulative effect occurred to damage my Kidneys. If this information sheet is the same where you are, may I suggest you check it out, and if it does carry a warning of possible Kidney damage side affects, and you have been on these for a number of years, to ask for blood tests, just to satisfy your minds. Trust me, if your Kidney function is down like mine and you love food of all types, then your diet will be severely restricted, to a lot of salads, with no cheese, tomatoes, processed meats.

My next appointment is in Feb next year to see the specialist face to face, instead of over the phone. He has sounded very doubtful her the phone when I have and sword his question of how I feel, when I have said I feel great. So the face to face meet will I hope he will see I am in reasonable good shape for age and condition.

So, onwards and upwards as they say.

Flook

[Dalesman]

Sorry Fluke to hear about this. None of us know what's round the corner. Each time we hear this sort of story it's a reminder that we need to live for the moment and squeeze the most out of life.
I sincerely hope things work out one way or another.

[Flook]

I forgot to add, liquid intake, this includes alcohol, coffee, tea, canned drinks, wine, milk, soups, gravy yes even gravy over your main meal, I am allowed no more than two litres per day. I can honestly say during the summer at times I drank around three litres a day. Excess intake can overload Kidneys and they leak, this can cause swelling of feet. and going to the loo many times during the day and night. This is a tough one to manage, especially at this time of year.

Now I am feeling real peed off.

Flook

[scf]

Well Flook if it’s any consolation, it’s better to be peed off than peed on

[steve n rose]

Hi Flook, not the best news, but remain positive. Do as the specialists say and you'll have the best chance. Some meds have not-so-nice side effects. I've had that many blood tests since 2016, some to check for any side effects of the meds I've been on. Best of luck, mate.

[Flook]

Well Flook if it’s any consolation, it’s better to be peed off than peed on

[Flook]

Hi Flook, not the best news, but remain positive. Do as the specialists say and you'll have the best chance. Some meds have not-so-nice side effects. I've had that many blood tests since 2016, some to check for any side effects of the meds I've been on. Best of luck, mate.

Thanks Steve, I know you’ve had your unfair share of hiccups, you stay safe as well, okay

[notacop]

Under those conditions of liquid intake, I'd save it for the wine. Choices are critical!

Cheers Flook!

[scf]

Or a good IPA
Hang in there Flook!

[IanA]

Geez, Dave! I don't recall you being invited to join the Bumpy Road Riders Club! I suppose we will have to give you Premium Access to the Rare Spares group now, as well...
Laffs aside, this is really rotten news, mate. I hope the donor situation gets resolved really quickly. A filter change will take a lot of load off the fuel pump pressure, they say.
PM me a phone number if you would like a chat, I can't quite make it up the A1 just yet, as much as I would love to.
Good luck, Buddy.
Cheers, Ian

[Flook]

Ian, you're always welcome to come up the A1, despite Englands poor performance at present in the ashes.

Okay, laffs aside, I feel good inside my self, lost a load of weight dropped two inches on waistline, so I look at it positively. I can still go out on the bike (when weather allows), so things are not that bad at present.

Negatives - diet restrictions, though I do not have to, but the consequences are that I will have to go into dialysis when my levels go below 10%, and having seen the guy who does the op to have a fistula etc, did not go down well with me for many reasons, I have met up with guy's on dialysis and they do not look too great either. Kidney's clean the blood of all water and other things, where dialysis will clean out some but not all, and three day's a week on around 4-8 hours each day's not my idea of fun. So obviously I want to avoid that.

Anyway, how are things your end.

[chupa88]

Some years ago I was called into my Doctors and asked to take a blood test as they were concerned my kidneys % level appeared to have suddenly dropped. After that and the results were in, I was asked to see a Kidney specialist. He took me through the possible reasons why my kidney levels dropped from a reasonably high lever down to 28%. He showed great concern as to why this happened.

It transpired it was down to me taking a certain blood pressure tablet for too long, this had affected my kidneys and I was cautioned to eat less and cut out certain foods which contained Potassium etc. This included cheese and banana's etc. All food I loved.

So, if any of you buddies out there have been on blood pressure tablets for any length of time please get your kidneys checked out, for your sake.

Flook

What is the medication and what's the length of time that you were taking it?

[Flook]

Is that two questions the Chuppa? 1/ what is the medication, 2/ what's the length of time taking it.

1/ I am taking various meds, I also have diabetes, and used to take Metformin, but I received a call from my medical Centre telling me to come off those immediately, as they were affecting my kidney function, so I did. I am now on a diet to keep diabetes levels down.
2/ I have to continue all medication until the transplant time (any time day/night from now to when one is available that is compatible and tissue type as well. this can take upto 2.5 years or more), then I will be on more meds to stop my body from rejecting the replacement Kidney.

I am aware my meds can be altered any time by the specialists to try and keep the balance as far as medically possible. The rest is up to me, I try and keep to strict personal guidelines using a list provided to me, with what I can and cannot eat, etc. This is all multiple choices, and at this time of year will be more difficult than at any other. Even going out for a simple meal requires me to look at the menu on line to say yes/no to going there. It frustrates my wife and friends enormously with my choices, and this coming Saturday will be difficult, as my best mate has made the choice of venue, and the menu will be difficult for me. I love Brussel sprouts, but that is a no no, I love chocolate, again that is a no no, I also like a touch of spice again, well you get my drift here. Also the starters are mainly some form of shell fish, which recently I have been told to now avoid like the plague.

I hope this answers your questions Chuppa, with more info. I cannot recommend Kidney failure to anyone, avoid anything that may have the potential to affect them.

Flook

[chupa88]

Thanks for the detailed reply. I ask because I've been taking Hydrochlorothiazide for about five years to control blood pressure. The complications and the adjustments in lifestyle does not sound fun. But waking up another day to enjoy this one life that we have is a blessing. Another day and hopefully a bit more joy and good memories and new adventures, albeit with some life modifications. I wish you the very best in your health and future riding.

[N4HHE]

Sorry to hear that, Flook, and I hope that you locate a donor soon. Also, thanks for the words of wisdom on the meds. I have been on BP meds for about 5 years and my doc makes me get blood tested twice annually. Now i know why.

BP meds and statins trigger a bi-annual liver and renal function panel for me.