Hi,
I am concerned for my brother who is only 24 years old and is experiencing several symptoms that may suggest he has Kidney Disease or something of a similar nature. Even after several visits to the doctor, he remains undiagnosed.
Around 6 months ago, he experienced extreme pain in his ankle joint which lasted for about a week. His ankle was red, swollen, and warm. He had had high blood pressure for months but did not act to reduce it. His blood tests indicated that he had high uric acid levels (9.5), high creatinine levels (1.52), and high protein in urine levels. Accordingly, the lab estimated a GFR of 54.
Upon seeing his results, the first nephrologist he visited suggested that he cut all meat from his diet and drink up to 3L of water per day. About a week later, his creatinine, protein in urine, and uric acid levels decreased. His blood pressure was still relatively high, so his doctor prescribed Telmisartan 80. The doctor decreased the dose to 40 after two weeks.
After going on the diet for 3 months and with regulated blood pressure, his GFR went up to 89 and his creatinine as well protein levels were within the normal range.
Last month, his uric acid went up to 9.5 again, so his doctor started him on Goutex 100. He had been sneaking chicken and the occasional red meat into his diet. He had gone back to his poor eating habits which involved smoking tobacco and eating lots of junk food. He had drunk significantly less water, especially during Ramadan (where he fasted for 30 days). When he did his blood tests three days ago, he found that his creatinine level (1.49) and his protein in urine level (41.4 mg/dL) were high again. He also had WBC in his urine. Accordingly, the lab estimated a GFR of 59.
Upon seeing the most recent results, the doctor told him that he is severely dehydrated and must drink water again.
At this point, I am extremely uncertain and confused by the fluctuations. We have no idea how to move forward. I told him to go on a diet again, but that is the extent of my knowledge regarding what could help him.
Please advise. My worries are great. I don't want him to be going through renal failure or something serious like that.
Thank you for your time.