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Original poster

My cousin's in resus :-(

71 replies

Coffee1Sugar · 09/04/2013 10:00

She's 30. She had a diseased kidney removed at birth and a kidney transplant of the remaining one at 8yo. She's now in resus fighting for her life with hyperkalaemia. This is the local A&E without a specific renal unit so the docs are liaising with her consultant's team at a London hospital by phone and Skype - she is too ill to be transferred. Does anyone have any experience of this? My auntie and mum are with you, she has no partner or kids, I've got a toddler at home so can't go. Keeping all phones free for news but worried sick.

OP posts:
Original poster
Coffee1Sugar · 09/04/2013 10:01
  • with her

Forgot to say her potassium level is 8.2. Normal is 3.5-5.

OP posts:
hellhasnofurylikeahungrywoman · 09/04/2013 10:01

No experience but wishing her well.

digerd · 09/04/2013 16:36

Just googled it as my DH's potassium level was abnormal when he was admitted to hospital for terminal cancer. They informed me his kidneys were failing. Did not ask for the number.

8.2 on this website is diagnosed as crytical. I do hope they can save her.

Original poster
Coffee1Sugar · 09/04/2013 17:44

She went into cardiac arrest at 2pm, she's been resuscitated and is now in ICU on a million drips. Been told next 12hours are critical. 2 members of her renal team have been sent from her usual hospital. Not looking hopeful

OP posts:
DreamsTurnToGoldDust · 09/04/2013 17:49

Coffee, wish I could say the right things to help but I can only offer my hand to you over the next few hours. x

NorthernLurker · 09/04/2013 17:58

Has her transplanted kidney failed now then? It sounds like it may have done. In her favour is her young age and the fact that she's evidently got to medical help quickly. I hope she improves very soon.

HighJinx · 09/04/2013 18:03

Sorry, I have no relevant experience but am thinking of you and wishing her well.

TheAccidentalExhibitionist · 09/04/2013 18:47

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for her OP.

foofooyeah · 09/04/2013 18:54

Sending prayers for her - glad she is getting help. Have my hand too.

ParsingFancy · 09/04/2013 18:55

Thinking of you all.

Delayingtactic · 09/04/2013 19:16

Oh OP I'm sorry. At least she's got the right people coming to her and the local doctors are obviously wised up and taking all the specialist help on board.

Unmumsnetty hugs

Thewhingingdefective · 09/04/2013 19:23

Really sorry to hear of this. I hope she pulls through.

xigris · 09/04/2013 19:26

Oh how awful for you all. Thinking of you Flowers

QueenOfCats · 09/04/2013 19:27

Nothing useful to add, but another hand if you need it, and prayers that your cousin makes it through Thanks

OpheliasWeepingWillow · 09/04/2013 19:27

No experience of this but sending a prayer

trickycat · 09/04/2013 19:32

Thinking of your cousin and all your family. Waiting for news is horrible, be kind to yourself.

HighJinx · 10/04/2013 08:48

Still thinking of you and your cousin coffee. I hope she is improving.

xigris · 10/04/2013 08:49

Morning coffee - how is your cousin doing and how are you coping?

Original poster
Coffee1Sugar · 10/04/2013 09:55

Thanks for all your kind words. She's been sedated in ICU to let her heart recover, her potassium level has lowered but not nearly as much or as quickly as they'd like. She's had a Doppler scan of her transplanted kidney which has 16% function so she is on dialysis. I'm off to visit this afternoon. Scared of seeing her so unwell. Sad

OP posts:
hellhasnofurylikeahungrywoman · 10/04/2013 10:01

Oh bless you, I hope she responds to treatment and your visit isn't too scary. Hand holding from afar.

DreamsTurnToGoldDust · 10/04/2013 10:09

Still hand holding Coffee, ICU is scary, but being there with her and talking will be such a help to her and your Aunt. Is she waiting for a transplant?

Original poster
Coffee1Sugar · 10/04/2013 10:18

No she's not on the list at the mo, she was doing well with this kidney - she's had it 22 years, it was transplanted when she was 8. Its the only one she has and the significant kidney failure is very sudden tbh.

OP posts:
foofooyeah · 10/04/2013 10:22

I hope she continues to recover (even if it is slowly it is in the right direction).

DreamsTurnToGoldDust · 10/04/2013 10:27

Its such a worrying time for you and your family Coffee, ICUs are amazing places and the staff are so dedicated to their patients so you know they will be doing everything that they can for her. Take it minute by minute, and hopefully she will turn a corner.

NorthernLurker · 10/04/2013 12:47

I hope you get some reassurance from your visit. Transplant patients are very complex and there will likely be some ups and downs over the next few days so just keep your eyes on the longer term situation.