BUN(s) up. No you perverts, not those BUNS!

[Ross]

BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen)

Too-high BUN level
is called azotemia. Heart failure patients often have high BUN due to low blood flow to their kidneys. High BUN can also be caused by heart attack, intestinal bleeding, feeding by stomach tube, dehydration, high stress, or kidney failure.

The plan now is to take away one dose of Lasix and retest in one week. If things are still off kilter, perhaps referral to a Renal Specialist. I still have the echo to do yet on Thursday.

Allow me to wallow in self pity for a moment. It's bad enough to have lung and heart problems and now it appears my kidneys don't like me either.

 

[Bryan B]

Ross,

Here's hoping it's to high stress.

Seriously though, I hope everything turns out well and they can manage this thing long-term. If not, just think how many spare kidneys there are on this website!

 

[SJJ]

Allow me to wallow in self pity for a moment. It's bad enough to have lung and heart problems and now it appears my kidneys don't like me either. [/QUOTE]

Ross,
I'll wallow right along with ya. That's the pits! Hopefully things will take a turn for the better as this doesn't seem conclusive yet. Keep us posted, we're all wringin' our hands over you.
Sue

 

[McCln]

Ross

Ross

Sorry to hear about the kidneys. I run a risk myself on kidney problems due to diabetes. I wish you lots of luck on getting better. I know you do not like being sick like the next guy. Get better soon. Take care.

Caroline
09-13-01
Aortic valvereplacement
St. Jude's valve

 

[Les]

This qualifies for "Things That Suck..." Hope this makes a 180 and moves on!

 

[Nancy]

Hi Ross-

I hope this all resolves itself. Joe can get kidney failure with too much diuresis. His resolves when the diuretics are cut back. Usually means that the kidneys are too dry, as opposed to being wet like they should be. Cutting back should help.

Matter of fact when he goes on his higher dose of Lasix, his card always does kidney and metabolic bloodwork to see if he can stay on the higher dose. Just took a test this morning. So far, so good, but potassium was a little low, so have to make a small adjustment there.

Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

 

[Johnny Stephens]

Did they ever get you dried out? I'm pulling hard for them to find out that reducing your dosage will stabilize your BUN reading...let us know.

 

[Kevin M]

Sorry to hear this Ross. That's a real drag. You've had more than your share of complications. I am sending all my best wishes for good health your way.
Kev

 

[Karlynn]

When you wallow, make it a nice high mineral mud bath wallow. You can then wallow and come out with your skin glowing.

I'm sure you'll be able to jump through this hoop too, Ross. You just can't keep a good man down.

 

[bvdr]

Ross, we need to have the creatinine level to help evaluate the BUN. They usually do these on the same blood panel. Do you have that? My BUN tends to go up some if I get the least dehydrated. My creatinine has always been normal though.

Go ahead and wallow for a day or two or three. I'm so glad you are getting this addressed though. I'll be watching for your results of the echo. Don't forget to request copies before the test is even run though.

It goes without saying you are on my prayer list. I wrote your name in ink.

 

[Ross]

Creatinine was only slightly elevated 1.7. BUN was 58 though.

Nancy I so hope your right. Unfortunately, I think I'm really having a problem kidneywise. I seem to be putting out what I take in and not much else, weight is only down about 3 lbs, legs are less swollen, but still swollen etc.
I did make my point to his nurse, so he knows that I may be on to something.

 

[bvdr]

Well the creatinine is encouraging but the BUN is definitely not good. I know you haven't seen the nephrologist as yet but other than reduce your Lasix has your doctor given you any other instructions? Low protein diet? Bed rest? I hope your doctors are talking to each other!

You know what.....the comment Karlyn made about a mineral bath. Maybe you could get rid of a few pounds of fluid by soaking in a lukewarm bath of mineral salts or even a lukewarm bath with a cylinder of Morton salt dissolved in the water. (This is not medical advice but if it were me I would try it.) Sort of like soaking a foot in Epsom salts.

 

[Nancy]

There was a point in December of 2002, when Joe's kidneys were in terrible shape and he was in kidney failure, Stage 4 CHF, severe PH and severe anemia. It was a scary situation. I thought they might be contemplating having him get dialysis, but they didn't do that. They did send him home in absolutely terrible shape. That's when we went to the large teaching hospital and the month long stay and they did have to back off the diuretics until his kidneys recovered. They tested constantly, and as soon as the kidneys could handle it, they would bomb him, and it went on like that for quite a while until they finally got all the fluid off. He never did have to have dialysis. And they also had a surgical tray in the room which was for a central line to put dopamine in him which is a diuretic so powerful that he had a catheter inserted in preparation. They decided against the dopamine, and instead used some huge doses of Lasix push-IV and maybe some Zaroxolyn, can't remember. It broke the logjam and he started to urinate normally. Improving his anemia with transfusions (at first) also helped tremendously. He is now on Procrit to keep his bloodcounts in the normal range. Anemia can make kidney problems much worse. Did they test you for that?

This is the reason that Joe stays on a VERY short leash re: CHF. 3-4 pounds MAX and he goes to the slightly higher dose and doesn't stay there too long. That keeps his Lasix to the lowest effective dose. It's a real battle, but the alternative is damned difficult. So it's no sodium for him and he doesn't complain at all anymore. He knows what his body is capable of.

I'm sure you won't have to go through anything quite so hard. I just want you to know that your body can recover from some dastardly stuff. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers that everything will resolve itself.

 

[Christina L]

Thinking of you

Thinking of you

Ross,

Will be thinking of you. I hope that this latest bump will be behind you quickly.

I will say it again - thank goodness for modern medicine.

Christina L.

 

[EVELYN]

Rossman

This is not the news I wanted to hear tonight!!! Stop this craziness and get better......I'M WORRIED ABOUT YOU!!! Definitely in prayers.... Please don't fool around with this!

Ev

 

[Harpoon]

Ross>>

Yup, been there, done that...


I don't know exactly where the levels were at but they were way the hell out of whack.

Unfortunately for me, it took valve replacement and all kinds of other messy s*&t to get me back on track.

Hope you have an easier go with it.

I'm assuming it's just a timing thing, letting the change in medications work things out for you.

At least they know what's going on and why and there's a way to fix it.

I got so bad because NO ONE was looking for that stuff before I got into the hospital. Even when I had my initial "heart transplant" evaluation, they didn't look for that as I recall.

We're still pullin' for ya.

 

[Abbanabba]

Sorry to hear the news Ross I hope they can get you sorted out and feeling well again real soon.

All the best - sending positive thoughts your way....
Anna : )

 

[fdegranville]

Bun

Bun

Ross,
I am upset to hear you are having such problems. I hope they get to the bottom of what is causing this. Maybe as others have said your lasix is messing you up.

Hope you feel better soon, keep us informed.
fdeg
ps. What did you do to Curious George!!!!

 

[Mark Wagner]

Hi Ross,
I am really sorry to hear of your kidney problem. You have really had a lot on your plate, and now an extra helping! One thing about you Ross, your always the first one to reach out to us. I am glad your opening up, and maybe we can give you lift now and then. Your certainly on the prayer list my friend. Keep your head up. Your in good Hand's.

Mark

 

[Ross]

Thanks Mark and everyone

It could always be worse, but I have to admit that this never ending kick me cycle is beginning to take it's toll. If it's not one thing, it's another.