Hi everyone! Does anyone have any info about HRT and living with one kidney? I started Vagifem two weeks ago. My Gyno knew about the donation but I didn't specifically ask about comparability. I have been having vague pains in my kidney region, both the real kidney & phantom one too. Nothing shows up on a search. I did query my GP who said if I was peeing things were fine. Any info or advice would be most welcome. Thanks for being here guys!
I think the problem with living kidney donors using their general practitioners for a resource is that the GP's are not always familiar with the long term consequences for living donors. Since most of the research says, living with one kidney is not a problem, we are treated the same as having 2 kidneys. That may or may not be true. More research needs to be done. Living kidney donors have a slightly higher risk of high blood pressure so that is something you may want to ask about regarding the HRT. Estrogen can raise BP. Also the advice "as long as you are peeing" doesn't necessarily reflect what it going on at the nephron level of your kidneys. Blood work and urine can give you a better idea about kidney function. By the time you notice a significant drop in urine production I would think that is a little too late (but I am not a physician). Bill could probably help you out in this area.
You may want to go to a nephrologist to find out about any contraindications of the use of HRT for people with one kidney. Ask for some literature and then make an informed decision on weighing the benefits vs. risks for this therapy. Let us know what you find out, as many of us reaching menopause will have to make similar decisions.
Sherri
I was on HRT (patches) from October 2010 until last month. After trying to live with it for 18 months, I couldn't stand it anymore. I did the research first -- there were no contraindications for kidney health with the patch I used. My GP is aware of my reluctance to take any meds and that I always research them and discuss with her before taking. So far so good -- she did want me on Lipitor last year and I said no, I'd try to lower my cholesterol by diet and exercise. I did.
I have a physical next Friday so wish me luck. I've lost 30 lbs since June 1 in an effort to keep my blood pressure down. That's the one side effect from having one kidney that has plagued me. I don't want to go any BP meds either.
Best advice: Research the type of HRT your doctor recommends and discuss it with him/her. Try the lowest dosage first. I had to ramp up one, but in the last six months I cut the patch in half before applying and it worked. Best wishes!
Thanks for your reply Sherri! I threw in the comment about peeing to show how lacking in knowledge a decent GP can be. My DH had 8% function in one kidney & none in the other & has no problems w/ his plumbing whatsoever. I clearly will need to get my own nephrologist but in Canada we need a referral from a GP.
When he did my annual physical I discovered when the Donor Study Follow Up requested copies of my last checkup, that he had not requested a creatine test!
I am not particularly worried the dose of HTR has been reduced considerably & I will be seeing my allergist who routinely tests all functions. Also I have not found any information good or bad so I'm fairly comfortable waiting. Bad news appears quickly don't you find.
Sorry for any typos. On my iPhone & w/ autocomplete & a small screen it's easy to miss things.
Poodles
Congratulations on your weightloss. V impressive!
Checked the side effects & kidney function was not listed on either the enclosed literature or on the manufacturers website. Nothing showed upon a google search.
Yes BP. A whole other new issue. Mine was ultra low (runs in family) & now is "normal". Doesn't feel normal to me at all. But apparently it's just fine & not a problem. Except I feel so weird sometimes. Nothing prepares you fir something you have no knowledge of. Howevemuch research you do.
Poodles