I'm a 33 year old male, diagnosed with IgA Nephritis about 5 weeks ago. I've lost 70% funcioning of my kidneys. I'm writing this from the hospital, where my daughter was born about one week ago. We just found out she has Down Syndrom.

I can't seem to stop worrying about the future, as it's killing me inside to think i may not be around to care for her.

Perhaps someone can answer some of my questions to help alleviate some of my anxieties. How do i get a transplant before dyalisis? Can I get medical coverage in Canada for acupuncture, physio, and/or a chiropractor? What else can I eat, especially to snack on, besides fruit/veggies?

And to the previous writer with kidney transplant, I am deeply saddened by your reoccurence and inspired by your message. Please tell me more if you can?

face=Verdana pcasey79@sympatico.ca

My son was diagnosed with IGA 7 years ago at the age of 10. He went through a lengthy battle which included biopsy and heavy prednisone dosages.  I found a Japanese study which states that the excess protein in the body was produced by multiple sources with the tonsils being one of the highest producers. With this information in hand I presented the option to our nephrologist of having our sons tonsils removed. He discussed this with an ENT specialist and he agreed to do the surgery. While we can not be sure if it was (1)the removal of his tonsils, (2) the high doses of Prednisone, or (3) the 2 week cycle of Cytoxin, his symptoms began to change and his health is now extremely good with only a daily dose of Altace (5mg).  Best Wishes and Good Luck in his treatments.

My husband was diagnosised with IGA nephritis when he was 8.  He is now 40 working at 19-23 percent function.  You can be on the transplant list and NOT be on dialysis.  He was.  We finally opted to be "put on hold" on the transplant list because we were able to come up with a way to stabilize his condition.  This seems to work for him, and has taken a lot of research and basic common sense.   What we did:  He drinks only distilled water (no minerals, minerals are hard to break down in the kidneys), Very limited Potassium food (hardly any potatoe chips, potatoes: ONLY if dialized (cut and soaked in water overnight, chg the water a couple of times), no kiwi, coconut, oranges or orange juice, LIMITED TOMATOES/SAUCE!. no grapefruit,  cantelope, ect....  Next, limit phosphorus...heavy hitters:  chocolate, beer, dairy products.   Protein: moderate.  My husband went a very low protein diet, and got extremely sick.  He looked awful and was weak.  He eats moderate portions of meat, just don't eat to much!  If he drinks...hard liquor is best ...in moderation.   Gin used to be a considered a kidney cleanser (research available on web)....Cranberry juice is good as well.   We also purchased a sauna.  When my husband feels bloated (happens at the holidays because of the food), he goes to "bake".   Our thought is that the SKIN is the largest organ and filters out impurities.   He has been doing this for at least 4 years now.   Once he takes a sauna, he feels 100 percent better.   NOTE: this does not work for everyone.   He has his blood pressure under control with medication so he can do this.   He also takes cholesterol meds, and folic acid tablets.   He has been on hold for 3 years now, and his results fluctuate slightly....we just note what he has been eating lately, and make changes appropriately.   Many times we thought he was extremely tired due to his disease....well...with this new "carb revolation" going on...he cut out some of the breads he was eating, and he is no longer so tired and his cholesterol has dropped.   As you can see, a lot of what we have done is diet related.  For him it has worked.   He has been very patient and receptive to trying things that I have found on the web, and now we seem to have somthing figured out.   When he splurges on his normal eating routines, he does pay for it:  extremely tired, bloated, lethargic...just plain ill.  He will take a sauna, and get back on the routine again.   When he wants potatoe chips (what he misses most), he puts a handful in a cup, closes the bag, and just eats out of the container.   Again...moderation is key.   I hope this helps.   There never has been written anything about this....I would like to write a paper on him, because this seems to work, at least for him.....BUT, he is very good with eating properly.  He will have a burger, but order a side salad, and take a couple of fries from us, but that is all.   Well....that is all I have to say.....good luck all!!!  Glad to have found this forum!