Hey everyone. I just decided to write this post because I've been passing through a major change recently and I have a feeling my health isn't in the best shape. And since I was diagnosed some years ago with IGA Nephropathy maybe together you can share your impressions over my case and give opinions. Just to make it clear before anything else: I do plan to start seeing a nephrologist asap to dive into my situation.
Brief historical first: I was diagnosed with IGA in 2021 - I was 34. By then I was living in Los Angeles. But I've been having high traces of protein in my urine since my adolescence, back in Rio (Brazil). But before, I don't have any idea TBH, I think my parents never really understood how serious the issue was (though my father had, I think, some background of stone in his kidneys). Anyway, so it took me years until this doctor, in LA, told me: "Dude you have to do a Biopsy because this is weird and we don't know how compromised you Kidney already is". So I did it.
Just to make it clear - before the diagnostic I was having constant hangovers, headaches out of nowhere, swollen feet and ankles, high blood pressure, fatigue. All the classic symptoms.
After the diagnostic I took the first blow (knowing that it had no cure) and that I had to start a treatment right away. Basically Prednisone and something to control my blood pressure (Losartan, if I remember). The thing is, on 2023 I came back to Rio and, immediately knew I had to keep this on track, so I went to a General Physician/Cardiologist - first to a regular check up - but together we agreed to monitor my situation and, since then, I haven't been back in a Nephrologist. With this specific doctor I stayed on Prednisone (5mg), plus Forxiga (not sure if this name is correct internationally) and Benicar-Anlo (blood pressure). Also Rosuvastatin to fight bad Cholesterol. According to all the tests I've done with him I had an improvement on my Kidney functions and my overall health was well.
Now I'm 38 years old. My wife is German and we decided to live in Germany. So, on top of all the adaptation challenges (such as learning a totally new language, find a job, etc etc) I also have to pay attention to my condition in a different country and I haven't been feeling well. Last week I've been in a doctor in Berlin (she spoke English) and basically my GFR is 51.3, my cholesterol is above the standards, as so uric acid, creatinine and thrombocyte - everything above the normal levels. Immediately I cut of most of red meat, creatine supplements, less dairy foods and I've been doing my best to drink more water, take walks in the forest nearby my place and eat healthier. Also, I'm around 5'8"/1,73cm and I'm currently around 80kgs - clearly heavier than I've ever been - but I don't feel fat though, more bulky, bloated sometimes. No drinking, no smoke. I feel back pain sometimes also.
Anyway, I'm worried because I do understand that I need to follow this up with a Nephrology, it's pretty obvious. But, as a 38 yo man, active, trying my bast to take care of myself, I still feel that the burden is heavy and it's charging it's price somedays. Sometimes I feel great, sometimes I feel very tired and weird. I really apologize for the big text guys, but please, I just want a feed back on my situation, the medication I've been taking and your personal experience. I'm absolutely free to a closer conversation on this to share impressions, new treatments. Also feel free to tell me any suggestions on drugs or ways to make me feel better. Maybe I should go 100% vegetarian, avoid any protein, I don't know... thanks again. Freut mich! 💖