To be honest before my diagnosis of neurogenic bladder I gave no thought to my kidneys.  Every time I felt back pain I thought it was a slipped disk.  It did not occur to me that upper back pain, under the rib cage,  can indicate kidney issues.   I need to be careful because my kidneys can be in hot water due to infection because of my neurogenic bladder. 

This is what I have learned. .

1.  Did you know that when you have a bladder infection and you get a temperature,  that your kidneys most likely are involved?

2.  When my first urologist told me to just white knuckle the pain involved with my stinky and
cloudy urine,  my kidneys could have been damaged over a long term period.

3.  When you feel pain in your back, on either side.don't assume that the chiropractor is your ticket.  It could be your kidneys.

I understand that running out for antibiotics frequently will increase my chances of developing an anti-resistant strain of bacteria or super bug.  Yet if I don't treat the infection,  my kidneys can blow out.  What a balancing act! 

 Infection ..or. Dialysis?  What route would anyone pick?  I feel like I am in good hands with my urologist.  I feel fortunate that I was able to pick the doctor that  I feel gives the best care. I try not to overthink my care and let my wonderful doctor help me.   I spend a lot of time reading blogs and my heart goes out to the frustrated patients out there.  I have found the cost is exactly the same for good and bad care.  For Pete's sake, get the good care!

 After school was out I went out with friends two nights in a row.   I drank champaine,   Guess what?  My urine turned brown.  OOPS I need to curb my celebration a bit and really watch what I put in my mouth!  Livers are important as well!

Now I have a plan.  I want to treat me/my kidneys  well.  I want to eat healthy and do what I can to help myself.  I realize there are situations beyond my control yet there  are things that I can watch.

 Top 15 foods for your kidneys are;

 Bell peppers, Cauliflower, Cabbage, garlic, onions, cranberries, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, cherries, red grapes, egg whites,  fish, olive oil and don't forget the water!

More later…