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I’m 45 an alcoholic and now they tell me my kidneys are failing what kind of treatment will I get

A MyKidneyDiseaseTeam Member asked a question 💭
Dickinson, ND
July 15
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MyKidneyDiseaseTeam

That's a lot to take in at 45, and it's okay to feel overwhelmed. The good news is there are real treatment options available, and getting answers is a great first step.

When kidneys are failing, doctors typically use a combination of approaches depending on how advanced things are. Here's what treatment can look like:

- Show Full Answer

That's a lot to take in at 45, and it's okay to feel overwhelmed. The good news is there are real treatment options available, and getting answers is a great first step.

When kidneys are failing, doctors typically use a combination of approaches depending on how advanced things are. Here's what treatment can look like:

- Medications – Drugs to calm the immune system (like corticosteroids) or to manage blood pressure and slow further kidney damage
- Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis) – A procedure that filters harmful substances from the blood
- Dialysis – When kidneys can no longer filter waste on their own, a machine takes over that job. This can sometimes be temporary, but may be long-term if damage is permanent
- Kidney transplant – In some cases, a transplant may be considered, though transplant centers often have guidelines around alcohol use

Alcohol puts extra strain on the kidneys by causing dehydration and making it harder for them to filter properly. Addressing alcohol use will likely be a key part of any treatment plan — not as a judgment, but because it genuinely affects how well treatments work. Talking honestly with a nephrologist (kidney specialist) about both the kidney disease and alcohol use is really important. They can tailor a plan specifically for the situation and connect with support for both issues at the same time.

There's no one-size-fits-all path here, but getting the right care team involved early makes a real difference.

July 15
A MyKidneyDiseaseTeam Member

Yes the itching can be unnervig. I use corn starch to soothe or any powder that contains some. There's also prescription meds for it. I'm CKD4 and diabetic. Renal diet changes didn't freak me out as much as the diabetic ones did when I was diagnosed with type 2 over 30 years ago. I had a helluva sweet tooth - baked cakes,cookies & cobblers regularly. The CKD developed within the last decade. Oh well it's the hand I was dealt - and I enjoy a good card game!👋🏾

July 19
A MyKidneyDiseaseTeam Member

No judgment here. I hope you can get on a good kidney treatment plan and help for the alcohol addiction
Sending prayers love and hugs. Let us know how you're doing. I care

July 18
A MyKidneyDiseaseTeam Member

Welcome Sheri, I too was an alcoholic I quit 17 yrs ago before I was diagnosed with stage 4 ckd. My egfr is 29 thats a blood test they do to see how bad your kidneys are doing. At this stage it's mainly diet changes like reducing salt, potassium and phosphorus. I switched bananas for strawberries on my cereal and Splenda for sugar in my ice tea maker. And I been loosing weight which I have to lose. You will itchy and might get pimple like bumps it's part of ckd. Its like body acne.

July 18

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