November 16, 2001
Complications
Question from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada:
My 69 year old brother-in-law has type 2 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis and has recently been diagnosed with osteomyelitis in his foot. He is on intravenous antibiotics and is currently trying hyperbaric chamber therapy to heal the infection in his foot. Unfortunately, his creatinine level keeps creeping up and is currently 175 mg/dl. What can he do to reduce that level and improve his kidney function? He has never been a fan of drinking water, but he is trying to get a better intake now.
Answer:
Several thoughts here. First, with type 2 diabetes, and the presence of a serous foot ulcer, there is probably some damage to the kidneys from the diabetes. In addition, he is on antibiotics and some of these may have toxic effects on the kidney. It sounds like the doctors are keeping track of him with as much therapy as he requires. He needs to make sure he has good blood pressure and blood sugar control during this time. At this point, he may need to see a kidney doctor [nephrologist].
JTL
