HIV and Kidneys (not the meds)

[Maestro]

OK.  So today my Uncle started the old falling asleep in his chair trick again.  Last time this happened, it was the start of his kidneys function going way down.  So after a stay in the hospital they changed him from Viread to Invirase and said he would be fine. 

His kidneys went south about 3 months ago, then he rehabed, and it repeated itself 2 weeks ago.  Could this be a function of HIV rather than the meds?

He was taking Viread for 7 years and never had any kidney issues.  Is there a cumulative effect?  I'm not doctor, but if this turns out to be kidney trouble again, then it appears to me that it is independent of the meds.

His poor body has taking SUCH a beating over the last 3 months.  It is hard for us to stay positive.  I am going to keep an eye on him and if this falling asleep thing continues then we are going back to the hospital. 

Thanks
M

[anniebc]

Hi Maestro

Only the doctor can determine if your Uncle is having problems again, kidney problems can usually be treated with plenty of fluid intake and anitbiotics..but he needs to take the whole course, otherwise the anitibiotics won't do their job.
If a sever infection is present then it may be hospital for him again so they can administer Intravenous antibiotics as well as fluids...sorry I can't be of more help, but he really needs to see his Doc, and take a list of all the meds he is on at the moment with you..including non-HIV meds.
I suffered from Kidney stones a few years back but it was becasue of the HIV meds I was on at the time.

Hope you get things worked out.

Take care
Jan

Prevention

[newt]

HIV-associated nephropathy is common among HIV-positive people in Africa, with recent studies showing rates of between 25 and 50% in Kenya and Uganda. It is less common it white folks from Europe, but happens.

Kidney disease is also more common in people with low CD4 counts, and people on Septrim/Bactrim to prevent PCP etc (perhaps one n the same there). Bacterial kidney infections are notoriously hard to eliminate and easy to get via the urinal tract.

Chin up, he will get better, I hope.

- matt

[Ann]

M,

Yes, please do keep an eye on him, but also keep in mind that he may just be tired. Many people with hiv suffer from fatigue and it can come and go with no apparent rhyme or reason. Also, make sure he's drinking plenty of water and/or fruit juices instead of pop or other caffeinated beverages.

Ann

[Maestro]

Ann,

He definetly suffers from HIV fatigue, but last time the kidneys gave him trouble it was different. 

Speaking of drinking.  He refuses to drink water.  He drinks (no kidding) probably 12 + cans of diet soda a day.  Never eats breakfasts.  Doesn't eat healthy.  Basically takes no care of himself and thinks the meds are all he needs.

He is also easily confused.  The doc told me to look for extreme thirst and confusion so I keep an eye out.  I might be over reacting, but last time this happened, he almost died!  I will keep you up to date.

Thanks
M

[Cheetara74]

I'm prone to getting kidney infections all the time and it sucks.  I drink tons of water and cranberry juice to help prevent it.  I, too, suffer from HIV fatigue.   Maestro, I hope your Uncle's health improves.  I understand what he is going through.  I have been in the hospital a million times over.