What do you do when meds & lack of enough exercise cause you to have renal failure?
Just recently diagnosed with CKD chronic kidney disease stage 3b/4, I’m devastated. RA meds, too many imaging with dyes and limitations of exercise have caused this. I don’t know what my future looks like, it was bad enough with RA and all the secondary diseases, now another incurable disease to try to deal with! A very scary one not easy to even keep stable....
-Dolores
Oh
, I'm so sorry to hear this. Getting a diagnosis like this on top of your RA truly does sound frightening - I really hear you here. I'm hoping others here who may have a similar experience will chime in with their insight for you around this. What have your doctor(s) said about the combination of diagnoses? Did they provide any insight or support to you? Please know we are here for you any time <3 -Alesandra (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team) 
Hi Dolores. First, let me echo Alesandra's sentiment and the question about whether your doctor has discussed treatments. I want to share with you this study on Etanercept (Enbrel) as a treatment for RA patients with chronic kidney failure: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19705121/. For cases examined it "show[ed] that etanercept may be a safe and effective treatment option for RA patients with chronic kidney failure." I can't speak to whether this finding may apply to other biologic medications, but perhaps your doctor can provide further insight on treatment options. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
Seeing a Nephrologist today for first time, will reply in a day or so
Thanks and will reply in a day or so, am seeing a Nephrologist today for the first time
We hope you're able to find some helpful answers and support from the Nephrologist. We will be thinking of you. Gentle hugs, Ashley (Team Member)
