My December Roller Coaster

[Susan R]

I started HRT Sept. 25.  As mentioned in a previous post my wife was not excited about the crossdressing and even less happy about the HRT.  I rencently revealed "everything" about my past to her that Revealed how deeply connected Susan is to me.  I explained my life story in detail.  This discussion went on for 3 days.  She also did her own research and let me say that her acceptance of Susan has changed for the better in ways I can't even explain.  We have the best relationship ever now and has fully embraced "me" and my HRT regimen.  She and I have gone shopping, dressed each other and all the things I never thought possible.  I have been happier than ever this past 10 days.

 

Then, I had my 3 month check up this last Friday (Dec 21).  My glucose was vey high prior on my initial labs starting out on HRT.  My endo called shortly after my initial prescription for HRT and told me I will need to be tested additionally for diabetes on the 3 month follow-up lab appointment.  So I went to that Friday.  At the appointment most of the medical discussion was about my kidney function numbers (Creatinine levels and eGCR).  I decided to do some of my own research this weekend and became a little concerned when I found that I actually had a label attached to my condition.  I have "Stage 3a kidney disease".  This morning I left a message for my endo.  She surprisingly called me back, shortly thereafter.  We spent some time discussing the situation and went over the results in detail. 

 

My levels had had improved in all areas due to my current modified Paleo diet.  The endo was happy about my 34.5lb weight loss.

My glucose was 147 when 100 was considered a high normal.  It is down to 107 now

Creatinine levels went from 1.08 to 1.17   (0.7-1.3 is normal range) so nothing too serious but it's shows it's increasing.

My eGFR was 58 three months ago and now is 52  (Stage 3a kidney disease 45-59) normal for my age is 93. The endo said the decrease in kidney function was due to Spironolactone.  It's a serious downward trend.  Needless to say, my morning Spiro dose is the last one I will likely ever take again.

 

I am now only able to take my Estradiol regimen. I don't want to lose all the progress made these last 3 months.  I hope the Estrogen alone will help keep me feeling "myself".  I asked my doc if there was a chance I could recover some of my lost Kidney function and was told that she did see some patients recover some function with strict diet and in my case no more Spiro.  I did research and some say you can recover and others say you can't.  I just watched a seminar series on this very thing 2 weeks ago when a patient was at Stage 5 Kidney failure and he got back most of his kidney function through diet..So anyways, that's where I am now.  I'm a bit down right now but I'm trying not ruin my holiday which this news.  I'm just exhausted with all the ups and downs this last month.  It's been quite a ride.

 

Susan R?

 

[Jani]

I'm happy to read your relationship with your wife has improved.  

 

As to the test results, make sure you are drinking lots of water every day.  This is important when on Spiro but also for health in general.  I was up to 2 gallons a day but now after GRS I've cut back but still drink a fair amount daily.   Dehydration is also a cause of high Creatinine results. 

 

On the plus side, you might be able to up your Estradiol as I know two women who never took an antigen but were prescribed a high dose of E.  They had great results.  One has had surgery so she's cut back somewhat now.   Talk to your Endo.

 

All my best to you.  Work at maintaining your health, without it nothing else matters.

Jani

[Cyndee]

I just found this post Susan and realize this was a month ago, and wanted to wish you the best with Kidney functions. Spiro for 5 years messed me up, and I don't miss it now, took months to recover from using it. Jani is right about the H2O. Congrats on the getting the glucose readings down.

 

Best

 

C -

[Susan R]

Thank you @Cyndee  I feel much healthier these days which no added sugar in my diet and I drink a min. of 96oz. of water a day.  The weight loss has been a big help too.

I'm up early this morning to get extensive labs at my new Gender Health PCP (My new one is now much closer).  My new doctor wants to do a series of monthly tests instead of every 3 months specifically to see if there is any kidney function improvement and to check my hormone levels.  My previous internal medicine dr. had also suggested this prior to my changing providers.  I'm having my labs all redone but this time on a 12 hour fast (I'm starving right now) and getting the testing done before 8am to get more accurate results.  The lab results from today will be complete on Monday.  I'm hoping for the best.?

 

Susan R?

[Cyndee]

I can relate, oh those hungry drives into the care provider's, have a safe drive in, on our lovely roads around here (Friday mornings are not as bad).

 

This is the part of journey, others may not fully appreciate, in that to medically transition requires lot's of trips back and forth to DR's and care providers, it's whole trip in it's self. It's a long long road....

 

Hugs Susan,

 

C -

[Jani]

I hope the tests are all good Susan.  Changing up our eating habits isn't a bad thing.  I've changed my diet and eat so much better now.  

 

Hugs, Jani