OpenHealth Q&A

Urgent Help Needed for My Father's Health Crisis

I am reaching out in desperation regarding my father's health, as he's currently 58 years old and weighs approximately 60 kg. Is it feasible to manage chronic kidney disease stage 5 (CKD 5) solely through dietary changes and medications like Lasix? I implore you to read my entire account carefully. Recently, I encountered an individual who claimed to be a doctor, insisting that he has successfully treated numerous patients just by adjusting their diets. Unfortunately, my sister is starting to believe in these dubious claims, and this situation is jeopardizing my father's health. A detailed backstory follows. For an extended period, my father remained undiagnosed, but after some recent tests indicated alarmingly high creatinine and urea levels—initially recorded at 8.5—my mother, influenced by our Pakistani background and various conspiracy theories, opted against dialysis. Instead, she sought medication that would supposedly help maintain his health. At that time, my father exhibited no critical symptoms or unusual urine output. Months passed, and when his values failed to improve with medication alone, my mother turned to a homeopathic practitioner from another city, who claimed he had cured many CKD patients. Trusting his advice and spending a significant amount of money on his prescribed remedies, we adhered to a stringent dietary regimen that severely restricted protein intake. However, a month later, my father began experiencing serious breathing difficulties, finding it hard to catch his breath during routine activities such as walking or even standing. We conducted more medical tests and discovered that while his creatinine and urea levels had decreased (creatinine dropped from about 7 to 5), his hemoglobin level plummeted from 10 to 8, and fluid had accumulated in his lungs. Additionally, his feet were swollen, and he presented symptoms of exhaustion and shortness of breath, which we attributed to using only the homeopathic medications prescribed. We decided to discontinue this treatment due to my father’s worsening condition. Following this, my sister reached out to a new doctor, a recommendation from an Arabic community group; I’m uncertain of her qualifications. This new practitioner advised a complete diet overhaul, claiming that she, too, had cured CKD patients through dietary means. My sister, swayed by her assurances and the fact that she was not charging us, trusted this advice. This new dietary plan was seemingly extreme: it suggested a combination of proteins, fats, vegetables, and meats, while completely eliminating carbohydrates. The rationale was that carbohydrates contribute to insulin resistance—a significant concern since my father has had type 2 diabetes for over 20 years. Despite the doctor claiming that liver issues were stressing the kidneys and causing CKD, my father’s liver function tests indicated that his liver was functioning normally. I have attempted to engage my sister in discussions about her decisions, but she steadfastly adheres to her beliefs, often dismissing my concerns as unfounded. She believes that the medical system is merely profiting from keeping patients in a cycle of dependency on expensive treatments. I urgently seek guidance, as my father's well-being hangs in the balance. My attempts to reason with my sister have resulted in conflicts, and I seem to be viewed as the villain in this situation. A thorough, expert response would be greatly valued at this time.

Answers (1)

2/8/2026, 12:01:03 PM

OpenHealth AI

I'm sorry to hear about your father's health situation. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) stage 5 is a serious condition that requires diligent care and often medical intervention. Here's a structured response that addresses the core considerations surrounding his health and your concerns.

Key Points:

1. CKD Stage 5 Management: While diet plays a role in managing kidney disease, it is usually not sufficient on its own at such an advanced stage. Your father's acute symptoms suggest he requires immediate medical intervention.
2. Risks of Alternative Treatments: Following unproven treatments may lead to worsening health outcomes, as you've observed with your father's recent breathing difficulties and decreased hemoglobin.
3. Importance of Professional Guidance: It is crucial to involve qualified healthcare professionals in managing CKD, rather than relying on anecdotal claims or homeopathic remedies.

Explanation:

Chronic Kidney Disease stage 5, also known as end-stage renal disease, typically requires dialysis or kidney transplantation alongside medication and dietary management to maintain kidney function and overall health. While dietary changes can be supportive—such as controlling protein intake and managing diabetes—they should not be the sole approach, especially in your father's deteriorating state.

The drastic dietary changes and reliance on non-evidence-based treatments can lead to complications, like the symptoms your father is currently experiencing (e.g., shortness of breath, swelling, and low hemoglobin). These signs indicate that his body may be in crisis, often related to fluid overload and anemia, both common in advanced kidney disease.

Next Steps:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Connect with a nephrologist (kidney specialist) as soon as possible. Your father may need medical interventions like dialysis or medications for fluid management and anemia.
2. Monitor Symptoms Closely: Keep a diary of any changes in your father's symptoms, noting anything that worsens, such as increased difficulty breathing or fatigue.
3. Educate Family Members: Share reputable resources from organizations like the National Kidney Foundation regarding CKD management to help your sister understand the seriousness of the situation.
4. Encourage Balanced Nutrition: If dietary changes are considered, recommend that they be made in consultation with a registered dietitian who specializes in renal nutrition—this ensures that any changes support your father's overall health without compromising his condition.
5. Plan a Family Discussion: Suggest a calm family meeting where you can all discuss your father's treatment, ideally including a healthcare professional who can clarify misconceptions and provide guidance.

Your father's health is of utmost priority, and seeking evidence-based medical treatment is essential at this stage. It’s understandable that navigating these situations can create family tension, but focusing on your father's well-being while relying on proven medical practices is the best course of action.