Concerns Regarding My Kidney Health
Trigger Warning: Discussion of a suicide attempt Hello everyone, I’m a 23-year-old Latina woman, and I’m feeling quite anxious about the state of my kidneys. I weigh 75 kg and stand 5'2" tall, currently residing in Brazil. My daily medications include Escitalopram at 25 mg and Lamotrigine at 100 mg. I live with autism and bipolar disorder. In April of last year, I went through a very dark time and attempted to take my life. I ingested a number of medications, which I prefer not to name so as not to encourage anyone else to follow suit. This resulted in an ICU stay for five days, followed by two days in my own room and then a 13-day treatment in a psychiatric facility. Shortly after that, I experienced a distressing episode I refer to as “The Coughing of May,” lasting a solid four weeks. I saw a doctor who performed a thoracic CT scan, blood tests, and a urinalysis, ultimately suggesting that I might be suffering from stomach reflux. Regrettably, I can’t recall what medicine I was prescribed for that issue. Although the cough has subsided significantly—now only troubling me once or twice a week—I have been persistently fatigued. Simple tasks like making my bed leave me out of breath, and I experience discomfort in my arms, hands, and legs following light movement. I consulted another physician, underwent a chest X-ray, and a heart evaluation, but the results were inconclusive. Despite the lack of answers, I noticed some improvement and was able to walk more frequently, even training myself to disregard the pain. In November, I started experiencing frequent urination during the day without accompanying pain. I visited a rheumatologist and underwent additional blood tests to check for potential rheumatic conditions. It turned out I had a mild urinary tract infection, for which I began antibiotic treatment. Nevertheless, it didn't alleviate the frequent urges, and I still did not feel any pain while urinating. Jump to March of this year: I’ve encountered issues with a lack of appetite and find that even a glass of water makes me feel overly full for hours. This led me to consult a gastroenterologist, especially since my mother has also been facing stomach issues. More recently, I’ve noticed itchiness spreading across my arms, legs, and hands. Initially, I suspected an allergy, but my doubts are growing. I am in the process of awaiting further blood and urine tests, and the worry is beginning to overwhelm me. I have an appointment with the gastroenterologist scheduled for April 11th. Has anyone experienced similar issues? What steps do you think I should consider next?
Answers (1)
4/1/2025, 6:50:55 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about your kidney health, especially given your history and the symptoms you are currently experiencing. Your concerns about fatigue, frequent urination, changes in appetite, and itchiness can be linked to several factors, including your medications and potential kidney function. Let's break down your situation and focus on actionable steps.
Key Points
- Symptoms to Monitor: Fatigue, frequent urination, lack of appetite, and itchiness.
- Next Steps: Continue following up with your healthcare team, monitor your symptoms, and adopt supportive self-care practices.
Explanation
Given your extensive history and ongoing symptoms, it's crucial to recognize how they may intertwine. Frequent urination can sometimes indicate issues with the kidneys or urinary tract, while fatigue and lack of appetite can result from several medical or psychological factors, including your existing conditions and medications. The itchiness you mention might be related to skin dryness or possible systemic issues, which could include kidney function, especially if there are metabolic changes.
The anticipation of further blood and urine tests is important and can help clarify your situation. In the meantime, there are several practical self-care steps and monitored activities you can undertake to help manage your symptoms and health.
Prioritized Next Steps
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Hydration and Diet: Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day, as this can help support kidney function. If drinking water feels overwhelming, try sipping smaller amounts frequently or adding a slice of lemon or cucumber for flavor. Focus on a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. If you're struggling with appetite, smaller, frequent meals may help.
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Symptom Diary: Keep a record of your symptoms, medication times, and any changes in your appetite or urination. This diary can be very useful for your upcoming appointments, as it provides concrete information that can assist your healthcare providers in diagnosing your problems.
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Support for Mental Health: Given the challenges you've faced, it's essential to prioritize your mental health. Ensure you're using your support system, whether it be friends, family, or mental health professionals, especially leading up to your next appointments.
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Monitor Symptoms Closely: Pay close attention to your symptoms, especially the frequency of urination, appetite changes, or any additional symptoms like swollen ankles, impairment in your ability to move, or significant changes in your weight.
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Follow Up on Test Results: After your upcoming tests, have a detailed discussion with your gastroenterologist or primary care physician to thoroughly understand your results and any further evaluations, such as kidney function tests (like serum creatinine, estimated GFR) or imaging studies, that may be needed.
If any urgent symptoms develop, such as severe pain, sudden changes in your urinary habits, or any new concerning symptoms, ensure that you seek immediate medical attention. Remember, you’re not alone in this, and there are people and resources available to support you through your health journey.
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