Chronic Kidney Disease
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I guess I've had chronic kidney disease for a number of years but it's never been discussed with me as in "here's what you have and here's what we need to do".
At least not until recently. Earlier this year my rheumatologist saw some of my blood test results which were concerning to her and she insisted I see a nephrologist so they could take a closer look. In fact, she even picked out a nephrologist for me. I actually saw that nephrologist about 3 times earlier this year before I realized she is not in the same system as all my other doctors. For me... it's a requirement. I want all my doctors to have access to the same information and to be able to collaborate in my care if necessary. I told my rheumatologist I didn't want to see that nephrologist anymore and to find me somebody in the system. She did and I just saw the new nephrologist last Wednesday. She told me my kidney disease has gradually gotten worse over the past few years (she can see all sorts of lab data, charts, graphs, scans, etc in my records) and that I have about 35% kidney function right now. That shook me a bit. She also told me that my kidneys are shrinking. She wanted to do a kidney biopsy to see exactly what's going on with my kidneys but said my kidneys have shrunk too much and they can't do it now due to the risk of bleeding. She told me that I'm a good candidate for the drug Farxiga. The hope is that the drug will stabilize my kidney function so it doesn't get any worse. If they can't do that, then dialysis is probably in my future or death due to kidney failure. (GULP).
I 've seen commercials for Farxiga but had no idea that it costs what it does. Even with insurance, it is costing me $606/ for a 90-day supply. I've checked around and most places Farxiga runs about $535 a month or $1,600/for a 90-day supply. OMG!! Talk about sticker shock! I guess I should be grateful that my co-pay if ONLY $606. My prescription was just shipped to me today so I'll start taking it tomorrow. I have to go to the lab around Christmas and then will go back to the nephrologist in January so she can see how I'm doing.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/26/2022 03:49PM by MamaRAMa.
At least not until recently. Earlier this year my rheumatologist saw some of my blood test results which were concerning to her and she insisted I see a nephrologist so they could take a closer look. In fact, she even picked out a nephrologist for me. I actually saw that nephrologist about 3 times earlier this year before I realized she is not in the same system as all my other doctors. For me... it's a requirement. I want all my doctors to have access to the same information and to be able to collaborate in my care if necessary. I told my rheumatologist I didn't want to see that nephrologist anymore and to find me somebody in the system. She did and I just saw the new nephrologist last Wednesday. She told me my kidney disease has gradually gotten worse over the past few years (she can see all sorts of lab data, charts, graphs, scans, etc in my records) and that I have about 35% kidney function right now. That shook me a bit. She also told me that my kidneys are shrinking. She wanted to do a kidney biopsy to see exactly what's going on with my kidneys but said my kidneys have shrunk too much and they can't do it now due to the risk of bleeding. She told me that I'm a good candidate for the drug Farxiga. The hope is that the drug will stabilize my kidney function so it doesn't get any worse. If they can't do that, then dialysis is probably in my future or death due to kidney failure. (GULP).
I 've seen commercials for Farxiga but had no idea that it costs what it does. Even with insurance, it is costing me $606/ for a 90-day supply. I've checked around and most places Farxiga runs about $535 a month or $1,600/for a 90-day supply. OMG!! Talk about sticker shock! I guess I should be grateful that my co-pay if ONLY $606. My prescription was just shipped to me today so I'll start taking it tomorrow. I have to go to the lab around Christmas and then will go back to the nephrologist in January so she can see how I'm doing.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/26/2022 03:49PM by MamaRAMa.
