[JediSurfer]

The creatine blood test would indicate kidney disfuction at which point meds could be given to hopefully prevent damage.
After nearly 30 years of the big D and no such damage I'm willing to carry on as I am without meds until they are needed if at all.

[BlueSky]

Originally Posted by Funnygrl

... Waiting till you have kidney damage to start an ACEi is like putting your seat belt on after you're all bloody from a car wreck.

While there is no doubt that reducing high blood pressure protects the kidneys, there is no compelling evidence that taking ACE inhibitors while blood pressure is normal provides any benefit. Of course, the drug manufacturers would like you to believe that there is, which is why doctors get bombarded with studies that support this position. And why drugs of this nature are over-prescribed. I like to think that, the less I interfere by putting drugs into it, the better my body is at looking after itself. We really don't achieve anything by interfering with something that is working well. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Here is a recent study that highlights the dubious benefits of using ACEIs and ARBs in the absence of high blood pressure.
Medical News: Meta-Analysis Finds No Kidney Benefit for ACE-Inhibitors or ARBs - in Cardiovascular, Hypertension from MedPage Today

[Alice]

My endo's have all stated they would like to see Type I's (don't know about 2's) actually below the recommended blood pressure range. Therefore, the dose of Lisinipril (minimum for me is 10 mg)...I see no reason to wait for "beginning signs" of kidney damage.

I have a friend who is Type II, who wishes for the preventative care he never received. He now has only 30% kidney function and congestive heart failure. Like most of us, he had his "healthy" days. Oh, he has a bad foot as well...I just don't choose to ignore my docs, but I'm ok with everyone making a personal decision that is right for them.

I'm not bashing those who aren't taking them, but just want a voice on this forum that is repeating what many endo's have told me personally.

[Evermont]

Originally Posted by BlueSky

... I like to think that, the less I interfere by putting drugs into it, the better my body is at looking after itself. We really don't achieve anything by interfering with something that is working well. If it ain't broke, don't fix it...

I think like this too. Can't back it up really, well, I haven't tried to.

Perhaps the other side of the same coin: I also wonder if the drugs I do take work better on me because I rarely take any. I got Arestin for early periodontal disease and was given a 50-50 shot at having it do any good. Well, I got 2mm resolution in many places and 3mm in some others. My dentist was very pleased. I have other examples. I find that pain meds are completely effective on me, I think it is well known that they lose efficacy with repeated use so this fits the model.

[Jenn L]

Aside from all the ace inhibitor talk, (I won't say how I feel on the topic) Get a blood pessure machine and take your pressure at home. You need to do it under different circumstamces to get an accurate reading. Every time you do it, take a picture with your phone.(or write it down) When you go in, and maybe doctoritus sets in, show them your pics, then you can talk to them about what you need to do or not do. Don't let it stress you out, thats worse! What works for one may not be what works for you.

Every time I go into the doctors office, I get doctoritus, but checking at home, I am fine, no worries! They have noted it in my file. And that by itself has helped my doctoritus!!