It all started 5 years ago when I noticed tightness in my legs, which continued to worsen. After gaining 19 lbs. in 2 weeks I visited my family Dr. I was told this swelling was probably due to the heat, and I should limit my sodium intake. I was only 24 yrs. old and heat/diet never affected me before. I was sent home on HCTZ (a diuretic), and was to return in two weeks for a follow up. The swelling continued, mainly to my legs, and facial swelling upon awakening. I was instructed to do a 24 hr. urine collection, the results revealed lg amts of protein being released into my urine.

I started to see a Nephrologist. I was told I have Glomerial Nephritis, I was treated with diuretics, blood pressure medication, and Prednisone. Some of the swelling went down after a month, but much swelling was still present. I continued on these meds for six months without much change. another medication Cellcept was added, and I continued on for another six months until I had a kidney biopsy. The kidney biopsy showed Minimal Change Disease. I was told I have Nephrotic Syndrome and that the steroid therapy, didn’t seem to be helping. When I asked the specialist what caused me to have this, he answered, “I honestly can’t answer that.” I discontinued the steroid therapy (which the side effects alone are a treat in itself.), and the Cellcept. Over the past 4 yrs I’ve been trying to control this disease with Lasix, Lisinopril, and a low sodium diet. Some days I have increased swelling to the point that I get short of breath with little exertion, and other times I can get the swelling down that I can actually see my ankle bones. I continue to work on my diet and eating habits, (almost everything has sodium in it.), and I just recently joined a health club. I realize that this is going to be a lifelong struggle with this disease, but I am going to continue to fight it the best that I can. At this point I don’t show any kidney failure, and I am thankful for that. Maybe someday there will be a cure, or more effective treatment options for Nephrotic Syndrome.