Transitioning with Kidney issues

[Cara_DarkCloud]

Hi Can anyone advise is they have transitioned while having kidney issues? Im 42 years old and have had a lot of aches over the years from things like too much coffee, protein, certain supplements etc which cause either an ache, pain or itching in the kidney area. Have had full blood works checked out and everything is fine, in slim exercise daily, never smoked, don't drink and eat healthy. Tried as a test propecia finasteride but after 2 months again had aches in the kidney area.

I understand that there are Oestrogen and Anti-androgen patches and gels available which are less harsh on the liver and kidneys. So my question is whether anyone has similar issues and transitioned and what meds you took? While im waiting for GIC appointment would like to research as much information as possible so that Im able to discuss my options for meds when the time comes with as much knowledge as possible.  Hope that makes sense.

[Mariah]

Cara, I have a couple kidney conditions and other than dosage restraints when it comes to my SRS, the only other restriction that was placed was in regards to HRT.  The restrictions the doctor placed on HRT were that one he wouldn't allow me to take estrogen in the forum of pills, but would in the form of patches or injections. The reason being those only pass through the liver once. Although my liver is perfectly fine. The other being he was concerned we couldn't get up to the dosage needed of the blocker he wanted to use on me which is spiro. So at first as a result he wouldn't put me on it and said we had to pass it by the Nephrologist. The Nephrologist at first said no and I gave that message to the Endo who came back their wasn't any other good option and so I said I would go back to the Nephrologist and see what I can do. The key being he didn't feel the others could do the job needed in my case that he could use on me. So I sat down with the Nephrologist and went over his one concern that was the Endo's concern. The Potassium. Now my Potassium numbers had been in the normal range. Now at that point the last test due to a kidney stone having passed through on me was my eGFR was 34, but normally it was higher than that around 39. Anyways the deal I made was weekly blood work checking my kidney function along with the potassium levels to see if my potassium was going to go to high once he approved it. Within a month I was able to prove that it wasn't an issue so he went to monthly testing for a couple months. After all of that he was finally satisfied and we didn't worry about it anymore since I was able to get the numbers almost too low with Spiro in the mix. I honestly don't know anything about gel so I can speak in regards to it.

Now what I recommend is to two things. First you need to advocate for the best care you can and know your conditions and well in regards to your body. 2ndly you need to be well informed going into your appointment. Have any questions and you need to ask ready. Key is for a productive appointment and experience and to get the care you need that your body is able to handle. Your kidney issues maybe different than mine so that may or may not affect what options are available to you, I don't know. Hugs
Mariah

[Cara_DarkCloud]

Thanks Mariah I feel much happier knowing that others are able to find a work around solution and its not a flat out no. Will have a read up on as much as I can so that I get all my questions and concerns worked out and written down to get them properly addressed at my appointment.