You are here:
Anorexia/Eating Disorders/kidney issues
Advertisement
Question
I have had anorexia for about 30 years, usually maintaining a BMI of 17 during well years and dipping to 13.5 during unwell years. For the past 18 months blood tests have shown an eGFR of 55 then 50 then 44. My primary physician got upset at that point, but the next test was >59 and she became immediately dismissive. The BUN is always low (over hydration?); the creatinine is high; the ratio is low (5 or 6); and the sodium and glucose are always high. Should I be concerned or accept that my physician would flag a kidney problem if it existed? I would need a recommendation from her to see a nephrologist, but she says that the last test says I’m fine. I don’t understand how the eGFR would be consistently moving downhill and then suddenly spike up on one test and my doctor would say everything is A-OK.
Dear Case,
)
I'm not a physician but because of your eating disorder, your levels are always going to be going up and down -- make sense? I would certainly get a second opinion and or look at seeing a nephrologist on your own -- I know it would be fairly expensive, but could certainly be worth it!
Are you interested in getting well, BTW? It is possible to be completely well --
Warmly,
Jeannie Rust, PhD
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
Jeanne Rust, PhD
Expertise
I have been treating eating disorders for over 25 years and I have a doctorate in clinical psychology. I am an expert in anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorders and in co-occurring disorders as well -- depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, etc. I was the official eating disorder therapist for the University of Arizona athletic department and love working with girls and women of all ages! 12 years ago I started my own treatment centers in Arizona where we treat adolescents and adults. I love working with people and have been helping people online since 1994. My hearts go out to the people out there who are unable to find help, who aren't sure whether they need help, and who don't have much of an understanding of the terrible consequences, emotionally and physically, that go hand in hand with the eating disorder. I view eating disorders as coping mechanisms that people use when they are under stress. I believe that eating disorders most times have many similarities whether it is anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating. The good news is that people can heal from an eating disorder and learn to create the lives they would like to live.
Experience
I have 25 years of experience in treating eating disorders of all kinds. I also do consultations for people who are starting treatment centers.
Education/Credentials
Northwestern University -- BA
Masters in Counseling
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology -- Saybrook institute
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.