kidney scarring treatment - #13523
I am dealing with some serious health stuff and could really use some advice on kidney scarring treatment. A few months ago, I started feeling super tired and noticed my ankles swelling. Thought it was just a temporary thing, but after going to the doctor, they ran some tests and found out I have kidney scarring. They told me it could be from a previous infection or maybe high blood pressure, but I’m honestly a little confused about how it all fits together. I've been trying to read up on kidney scarring treatment options, but there’s so much info out there, and it’s really hard to tell what could actually help me. Some sites say diet changes can be a part of the kidney scarring treatment, like reducing sodium and protein, while others mention meds or even surgery! I don’t even know where to start. Is there a best practice for kidney scarring treatment that works? Also, how soon should I see improvements if I follow any of these treatments? Should I be worried about getting worse, or is there still a chance to recover somewhat? Really feeling lost here.
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Doctors’ responses
When it comes to addressing kidney scarring, it’s crucial to first understand the underlying cause, as this guides the treatment approach. Kidney scarring, known as renal fibrosis, can result from several factors including infections, hypertension, or chronic kidney diseases. First off, managing any contributing conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes is essential. Medications like ACE inhibitors or ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers) are often prescribed to help control blood pressure and potentially slow further damage to the kidneys. Diet plays a crucial role too. Reducing sodium intake helps in managing blood pressure, and protein intake might need to be moderated to reduce the workload on your kidneys. This doesn’t mean cutting out protein entirely, but rather having a balanced diet that is suitable for your level of kidney function, which a nutritionist can assist you with. Fluid intake might need adjusting based on your specific condition, so be sure to have a conversation with your healthcare provider about this. In some cases, while kidney scarring itself can’t be reversed, these measures can help stabilise kidney function and prevent or delay progression to more severe stages. It’s important to monitor regularly with blood tests to assess kidney function and follow-up with your nephrologist. In terms of seeing improvements, this often depends on how well other risk factors are controlled. You might not see a reversal of scarring, but further damage might be preventable, which is an improvement in the course of your disease. Any signs of changed symptoms like worsening fatigue, more swelling, or changes in urination should prompt an immediate consultation with your doctor. While recovery of function may not mean fully reversing scarring, improvement in symptoms and slowing of disease progression are positive goals. Stay in close conversation with your healthcare team to tailor the best plan for you.
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