Holistic treatment

[Broshie]

I have CKD. My GFR has dropped as low as 13 in the past 3 months. It is higher now. I have an appointment to be evaluated for transplant in 2 weeks. Now my brother in law wants me to see someone about holistic treatment. Does any one have any experience with this? I am skeptical.

[lindahand]

Something called Bowen Therapy, or craniosacral therapy may help more than chiropractors which tend to focus on issues of the spine and bones, but again I would be hesitant to outlay a bunch of cash in hope of a cure. What it would more likely do is settle the system so there isn't as much pain or discomfort.

When I went for Bowen Therapy when they did the point on the kidney I got shooting electrical type sensations. Not horrible, but noticable. This tells me it does something. Bowen is gentle manipulations, less vigorous than massage, and is somewhat similar to energy work. It balances the body. My mom is a practisioner, and I think it does wonders for some people. I don't know what it would do to GFR, but may be worth a shot. It isn't anything internal so it shouldn't hurt.

Craniosacral therapy is another good one. It is more for alligning body parts and internal organs. Again - don't know what it would do for kidney, but it wouldn't hurt. This therapy is good post surgery for breaking up scar tissue.

For both of these make sure you get an expert, and not just someone whose taken a couple of courses. Experience does make a big difference on outcome.

[Broshie]

Thanks so much for the input!! Do you any about chiropractic care? Again....it sounds nuts to me.

[lindahand]

You have to be really careful with holistic treatments as they can cause stress on the kidneys because that is where they are eliminated. If you have to go for a medical test that uses dyes, taking something called N acetyle L Cysteine (NAC) has been shown to help prevent damage. Other that that I don't know of anything. I would also talk with the transplant team as some herbs may interact. For example Omega oils are great for the body but aren't supposed to be used within 2 weeks of surgery because they can thin the blood, I think NAC may be the same, so if you are waiting for a transplant - not a good choice.

The best holistic treatment is with diet. The better you can keep to the kidney diet (Davita is a great site) the longer you'll last. I know someone with a GFR of 20 that is on year four without dialysis from being really careful with his eating.

And they will say "It is safe because it is all natural" Hemlock is all natural and will kill you quickly.

Chinese and East Indian imported medicines have also been found to be high in heavy metals. Especially imported East Indian medicines.

Tread carefully. Some things like acupunture won't hurt you (the needles do sting a little going in), and may help your overall health, which will inturn help your kidney. But it won't magically raise GFR. Aromatherapy is another 'safe' one to try if you use it aromatically and not topically. Topically is still is processed by the kidneys. Low risk, but depending on the oil may be an issue, I would ask the Kidney doctor first.

I take omega oils,NAC (for reasons other than kidney) an Amino Acid variety, and a mult-vitamin. I know that with kidney disease at a more severe level they have prescription vitamins because regular vitamins contain potassium and calcium which are bad for your kidney. So I am not against it - just really cautious.

I find family to be well meaning, but sometimes a little too helpful. Trust your gut, and always check with your kidney doctor first if it is anything you ingest or apply.