The Grinder Posted February 7, 2022 Share Posted February 7, 2022 My GF has been in the hospital since late Oct where she had open heart surgery that resulted in kidney failure. Th poor woman is taking dialysis 3 times a week and cannot walk. And is down to 94 lbs. I',m beginning to wonder after more than a 100 days if her kidneys will ever funtion again. Anyone ever heard of kidneys of family or friends kidney come back after extended failure? I'm really concerned now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chisoxfn Posted February 7, 2022 Share Posted February 7, 2022 First off - nothing -but prayers and best wishes to you and your girlfriend. I don't have any direct experience but had a friend of a friend who had experienced it and after doing dialysis for a few years (older individual - so not sure how much age may or may not impact ability to recover), but eventually was able to get a kidney transplant from someone who was a match (which was life changing experience for them - as despite the long road - they eventually were able to get to a much more normal state vs. the daily treatments which were pretty tough on them (both in terms of going through them, but also in terms of how it impacted ability to travel, etc). The individual I am referring to's condition I believe was related ultimately a complication from their diabetes. That said - I would ask those questions to the doctor (I am sure you have) but in case you haven't those are good things to know and to really understand all the things that you can be doing to help. I know diet was a critical piece in the equation for the person I mentioned (but even as tightly they managed it - their body still didn't recovery - as early on they were trying to get them back without going on dialysis but that didn't happen). 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Grinder Posted February 9, 2022 Author Share Posted February 9, 2022 On 2/7/2022 at 3:35 PM, Chisoxfn said: First off - nothing -but prayers and best wishes to you and your girlfriend. I don't have any direct experience but had a friend of a friend who had experienced it and after doing dialysis for a few years (older individual - so not sure how much age may or may not impact ability to recover), but eventually was able to get a kidney transplant from someone who was a match (which was life changing experience for them - as despite the long road - they eventually were able to get to a much more normal state vs. the daily treatments which were pretty tough on them (both in terms of going through them, but also in terms of how it impacted ability to travel, etc). The individual I am referring to's condition I believe was related ultimately a complication from their diabetes. That said - I would ask those questions to the doctor (I am sure you have) but in case you haven't those are good things to know and to really understand all the things that you can be doing to help. I know diet was a critical piece in the equation for the person I mentioned (but even as tightly they managed it - their body still didn't recovery - as early on they were trying to get them back without going on dialysis but that didn't happen). Thank you for yr kind thoughts and wishes, much appreciated! WHen you mentioned diet, I assume it was a diabetic friendly diet correct? In her case, she was very healthy low body fat, only 103 lbs and in great shape, she is 59. We are wondering if she had a mini stroke during surgery, as all of her physical issues are on the left side but no drooping on her face. She has 4 Drs on her case and none of them have answers why a surgery should have taken 5 days in hospital recovery time is now on day 107, maybe an autoimmune disease is possible too. She also has drop foot which keeps her from walking as well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texsox Posted February 10, 2022 Share Posted February 10, 2022 I'm sorry to hear that. No specific advice beyond keep seeking answers from other doctors. I see two oncologists that I have confidence in. As long as they agree I feel very confident my course of non treatment is correct. And don't accept any jargon you're not 100% certain of the meaning. Make them take the time to decipher and explain. Good luck. 🙏 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Two-Gun Pete Posted February 11, 2022 Share Posted February 11, 2022 Here's hoping she's feeling better soon. To your question, I have heard of kidneys recovering from stage 5 ESRD. It can and does happen, but I don't know what can cause one person's kidneys to kick in, while another's do not. I also do not know how frequently or infrequently kidneys can recover from such a case. The surgery most likely presented the kidneys with some degree of insult that disrupted blood flow to those organs. (One major structure of the kidneys has millions of tiny blood vessels that are a fraction of the width of a human hair, and one can imagine how open heart surgery could injure that structure.) Going forward, I would do everything in your power to help her manage any outside conditions, such as her blood pressure and her stress. I might also check into the national kidney foundation (www.kidney.org) or with DaVita (www.davita.com) for food and medication ideas, so as to help "lighten the load" on her kidneys. Make sure to work with her dietitian and her nurse for insight into how to manage the day-to-day overall care. At the same time, one should be mentally prepared for the unfortunate possibility that her kidneys might not "wake up," though thats up to what the nephrologists and cardiologists have to say. If (God forbid) this could be the case, then to consider future treatment options, such as a transplant. My prayers for your gal. I hope this is helpful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Grinder Posted February 24, 2022 Author Share Posted February 24, 2022 On 2/10/2022 at 3:12 PM, Texsox said: I'm sorry to hear that. No specific advice beyond keep seeking answers from other doctors. I see two oncologists that I have confidence in. As long as they agree I feel very confident my course of non treatment is correct. And don't accept any jargon you're not 100% certain of the meaning. Make them take the time to decipher and explain. Good luck. 🙏 I didnt realize that you are fighting cancer Tex, so sorry to hear that my prayers out for you, thanks for the advice will do Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Grinder Posted February 24, 2022 Author Share Posted February 24, 2022 On 2/11/2022 at 12:39 PM, Two-Gun Pete said: Here's hoping she's feeling better soon. To your question, I have heard of kidneys recovering from stage 5 ESRD. It can and does happen, but I don't know what can cause one person's kidneys to kick in, while another's do not. I also do not know how frequently or infrequently kidneys can recover from such a case. The surgery most likely presented the kidneys with some degree of insult that disrupted blood flow to those organs. (One major structure of the kidneys has millions of tiny blood vessels that are a fraction of the width of a human hair, and one can imagine how open heart surgery could injure that structure.) Going forward, I would do everything in your power to help her manage any outside conditions, such as her blood pressure and her stress. I might also check into the national kidney foundation (www.kidney.org) or with DaVita (www.davita.com) for food and medication ideas, so as to help "lighten the load" on her kidneys. Make sure to work with her dietitian and her nurse for insight into how to manage the day-to-day overall care. At the same time, one should be mentally prepared for the unfortunate possibility that her kidneys might not "wake up," though thats up to what the nephrologists and cardiologists have to say. If (God forbid) this could be the case, then to consider future treatment options, such as a transplant. My prayers for your gal. I hope this is helpful. Very helpful thank you I sent this to her and she actually feels better about her situation and appreciates yr input AT the end of the day I cant tell if shes tired from the dialysis or depressed, or bit of both Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texsox Posted February 24, 2022 Share Posted February 24, 2022 1 hour ago, The Grinder said: I didnt realize that you are fighting cancer Tex, so sorry to hear that my prayers out for you, thanks for the advice will do Thank you. At this point no fight, just waiting. Leukemia just kind of lurks until it wants to play. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Two-Gun Pete Posted February 25, 2022 Share Posted February 25, 2022 (edited) 6 hours ago, The Grinder said: Very helpful thank you I sent this to her and she actually feels better about her situation and appreciates yr input AT the end of the day I cant tell if shes tired from the dialysis or depressed, or bit of both Full disclosure: I've had a family member go through open heart surgery at a local community hospital on a Friday. They didn't bother to have a nephrologist have a look at him until the following Monday. By then, his kidneys got hit pretty hard by the surgery, and he had to undergo a few rounds of dialysis. Just before he got discharged, his kidneys "woke up" enough to where he's not [yet] on dialysis. He still has to watch his stress, his blood pressure, and his diet, and follow up with a nephrologist every 6 months. My 2 takeaways from that experience are: 1. Don't EVER willingly go to some 2nd rate community hospital for a serious surgery, if you can avoid it. Go to the "big boy" hospitals that are affiliated with a university, if you can at all help it. If not, maybe even Christ, or Alexian Bros, or Lutheran. You'd be surprised at the difference in outcomes, depending on where you go. 2. Some damaged kidneys can recover, and others don't. And, its not always immediately clear who will and who won't recover functions, and why or why not. At least, this is based on what the nephrologists told us. To your point, having your blood removed from your body, filtered, and then returned to your body is fucking harsh. It's a fucking knockout punch from Ali right in the teeth, three times a week. And so, keeping her spirits up will be important, inasmuch as looking to the future, whether it'll be a recovery, dialysis, or a transplant. People can and do get through this, but it takes a bit of a tough mind, work/coordination with the health professionals, and a lot of support from people in her life. All the best to her and to you. Edited February 25, 2022 by Two-Gun Pete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Grinder Posted March 9, 2022 Author Share Posted March 9, 2022 On 2/24/2022 at 5:39 PM, Texsox said: Thank you. At this point no fight, just waiting. Leukemia just kind of lurks until it wants to play. And lets hope it lurks for many decades without surfacing, keep fighting the good fight. My Dad died almost 40 yrs ago from lung cancer so cancer patients have a special place in my heart Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Grinder Posted March 9, 2022 Author Share Posted March 9, 2022 On 2/24/2022 at 10:32 PM, Two-Gun Pete said: Full disclosure: I've had a family member go through open heart surgery at a local community hospital on a Friday. They didn't bother to have a nephrologist have a look at him until the following Monday. By then, his kidneys got hit pretty hard by the surgery, and he had to undergo a few rounds of dialysis. Just before he got discharged, his kidneys "woke up" enough to where he's not [yet] on dialysis. He still has to watch his stress, his blood pressure, and his diet, and follow up with a nephrologist every 6 months. My 2 takeaways from that experience are: 1. Don't EVER willingly go to some 2nd rate community hospital for a serious surgery, if you can avoid it. Go to the "big boy" hospitals that are affiliated with a university, if you can at all help it. If not, maybe even Christ, or Alexian Bros, or Lutheran. You'd be surprised at the difference in outcomes, depending on where you go. 2. Some damaged kidneys can recover, and others don't. And, its not always immediately clear who will and who won't recover functions, and why or why not. At least, this is based on what the nephrologists told us. To your point, having your blood removed from your body, filtered, and then returned to your body is fucking harsh. It's a fucking knockout punch from Ali right in the teeth, three times a week. And so, keeping her spirits up will be important, inasmuch as looking to the future, whether it'll be a recovery, dialysis, or a transplant. People can and do get through this, but it takes a bit of a tough mind, work/coordination with the health professionals, and a lot of support from people in her life. All the best to her and to you. Thanks again for the intel and the good will, she was in UW Hospital so it was a good facility. I guess her DR is going to go to a less invasive dialysis a home unit with the idea that her idea that her kidneys are becoming dependent on a her normal dialysis. I feel so bad for her, Im sure she has to be pondering her future of possibly never walking again:( 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Two-Gun Pete Posted March 9, 2022 Share Posted March 9, 2022 1 hour ago, The Grinder said: Thanks again for the intel and the good will, she was in UW Hospital so it was a good facility. I guess her DR is going to go to a less invasive dialysis a home unit with the idea that her idea that her kidneys are becoming dependent on a her normal dialysis. I feel so bad for her, Im sure she has to be pondering her future of possibly never walking again:( This is tough. Stay strong for her. It sounds to me like you and her medical team have done all that can be done up to this point. Best wishes to you and to her. Keep us posted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Grinder Posted March 10, 2022 Author Share Posted March 10, 2022 Thank you, we both are personal trainers so we have some knowledge on how all this works, now its executing the protocol 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Grinder Posted August 9, 2022 Author Share Posted August 9, 2022 Very sadly my girlfriend passed away yesterday I assume from blood thinners. She was going to be switched from regular dialysis to home paratennile (sp?) type which needed her port being moved which Drs changed her blood thinners. She kept bleeding in her stomach area and after 2 major surgeries last Fri and Sat her little body couldnt take any more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texsox Posted August 9, 2022 Share Posted August 9, 2022 My condolences and prayers seem so shallow and meaningless with your loss. Sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Grinder Posted August 9, 2022 Author Share Posted August 9, 2022 8 minutes ago, Texsox said: My condolences and prayers seem so shallow and meaningless with your loss. Sorry. No they actually mean a lot, thank you Tex I hope you are battling yr disease and will win Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CentralChamps21 Posted August 9, 2022 Share Posted August 9, 2022 I'm very sorry. I can't imagine what it would be like for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southsider2k5 Posted August 9, 2022 Share Posted August 9, 2022 I am so sorry to hear that. I can't imagine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chisoxfn Posted August 9, 2022 Share Posted August 9, 2022 Extremely sorry to hear about your loss. Thoughts and prayers to you and your girlfriends family and friends. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerksticks Posted August 9, 2022 Share Posted August 9, 2022 That’s so sad man. I’m sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Grinder Posted August 9, 2022 Author Share Posted August 9, 2022 Thank you everyone for yr kind reply's, its beyond hard. She was my best friend, my best employee and my girlfriend all in one Its gotta get better than it is now 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texsox Posted August 9, 2022 Share Posted August 9, 2022 That last line has gotten me through some tough times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Grinder Posted August 9, 2022 Author Share Posted August 9, 2022 1 hour ago, Texsox said: That last line has gotten me through some tough times. Life can sure throw us curveballs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texsox Posted August 9, 2022 Share Posted August 9, 2022 23 minutes ago, The Grinder said: Life can sure throw us curveballs I lost my brother when he was 23. It took my parents a long time to recover. But little by little they did. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Grinder Posted August 10, 2022 Author Share Posted August 10, 2022 15 hours ago, Texsox said: I lost my brother when he was 23. It took my parents a long time to recover. But little by little they did. So sorry to hear that, gotta be rough. It took yrs I assume? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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