How to Recover from Creatinine Renal Failure

Renal failure, or decreased function of the kidneys, is measured by the level of creatinine in the blood. The higher the creatinine, the worse the kidneys are functioning. When kidneys fail, they can't manage fluid balance, electrolytes, blood pressure and hormone production. The number of people in the United States living with some level of kidney failure has increased from 10 percent to 13 percent since 1999 according to Dr. Theodore Post, nephrology editor of Uptodate.com. There is no certain cure for renal failure, however there are some things you can do to support kidney health and provide the best chance of recovery. Fortunately, your kidneys have tremendous reserve and can keep you from having symptoms even when working at 25 percent capacity.

Things You'll Need

• Nephrologist
• Blood pressure cuff

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Instructions

• 1

  Ask your doctor if a referral to a nephrologist, or kidney specialist, is advisable. You should bring a list of every medication you take to your doctor, even ones bought over the counter or prescribed by another physician, and consult with your physician before taking any new medication. Avoid over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medication.

• 2

  High blood pressure can damage your kidneys.

  Monitor your blood pressure as recommended by your doctor with an accurate blood pressure cuff. Your doctors will want to keep your blood pressure below 135/85 mm Hg according to Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. Take blood pressure medication exactly as prescribed.

• 3

  Fluids are important for your kidneys.

  Drink the correct amount of fluid as recommended by your doctor. Avoid fluids that act as a diuretic, such as large amounts of alcohol and caffeinated beverages. Dehydration is harmful to your kidneys.

• 4

  Your doctor can prescribe medication to protect your kidneys.

  Ask your doctor if cholesterol lowering medication is right for you. Information published in Uptodate.com by Dr. Post suggests "statins," a type of cholesterol medication, may be helpful. Also ask your doctor about taking a type blood pressure medication called an "ACE inhibitor" because this can have important effects on the kidney.

• 5

  Monitoring your blood is important.

  Schedule regular checkups with your doctor to check the protein levels in your urine, blood pressure, blood acidity and potassium levels.

• 6

  Quitting cigarettes will protect your kidneys.

  Quit smoking. Smoking can damage your kidneys.