Wilkie Wages War: So, you’d like to learn more about . . .
Wilkie Wages War: So, you’d like to learn more about . . .
Environmental Health Network leader Barbara Wilkie discovered in July 2005 that her chemical injury/multiple chemical sensitivities had suddenly manifested as stage 4 (later stage 5) kidney disease (kidney failure). Despite dire warnings of death within a year, she eschewed dialysis and Western Medicine drugs and took a route of alternative medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and strict dietary changes. She lived well for six years, far beyond the doctors’ predictions. Barb died at home, surrounded by friends and family, on May 31, 2011.
During this time, Barb documented her journey. From diagnosis through June 2008, she created one huge website page packed with details, plus some side documents on diet and other topics. We have divided these works into smaller pieces, by date or topic, to make it easier to read and find things. For dates after June 2008, we have letters, online posts, and other documents.
Barb intended her work to be read and used. We hope this presentation will help you do just that.
Wilkie Wages War on Kidney Disease
(aka Renal Disease or Failure)
OR, AS I SEE IT: Life with yet another facet of living with MCS.
I want to live life while dying.
So, you’d like to learn more about . . .
- Coenzyme Q10
Yes, I am taking CoQ10 . . . 100 mg, three times a day. The easily absorbable type. — barb- Coenzyme Q10 Good for People with Kidney Failure
“Supplementing with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) can improve kidney function and reduce
the need for dialysis in people with severe, chronic kidney (renal) failure, according to a
study in the Journal of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (2003;13:13-22). If this
study is confirmed, CoQ10 therapy will represent a major breakthrough in the
treatment of a disorder that is both debilitating and a significant drain on our healthcare
resources. In severe, chronic renal failure, the kidneys lose their capacity to excrete
waste products of metabolism and other toxins. Consequently, these substances
accumulate in the body, leading to various problems such as fatigue, loss of appetite,
anemia, disorders of the nervous system, heart disease, and ultimately death. …”
http://bastyrcenter.org/content/view/882/ - CoQ10 Insufficiency and Renal Failure
http://www.epic4health.com/coqinandrenf.html - Health Encyclopedia
“The maximum safe dosages of CoQ10 for young children, pregnant or nursing women,
or those with severe liver or kidney disease have not been determined. ”
http://healthlibrary.epnet.com/GetContent.aspx?token=e0498803-7f62-4563-8d47-5fe33da65dd4&chunkiid=21682 - Kroger Health Guide – Coenzyme Q10
http://www.kroger.com/hn/Supp/Coenzyme_Q10.htm - What Is CoQ10 and How Can It Benefit You?
Solanova – The Heart Health Company
https://www.solanova.com/coq10_benefit.asp
[Note 8/2/11: This article appears to no longer be on the site but they have a similar one here. Plus a sales pageon CoQ10.]
- Coenzyme Q10 Good for People with Kidney Failure
- Cordyceps
I had taken this early on . . . and my numbers were lower. I’m hoping to start on it again
this January 2007. We’ll see what happens come February blood work. Of course,
first on my list of No-NOs, is Cashews. I shall not again be tempted. At least by them. — barb- Cordyceps
The Super Kidney And Lung Tonic
http://www.drpressman.com/agaricus-extract-returning-the-power-to-the-kidneys/ - Effect of Cordyceps sinesis on T-lymphocyte subsets in chronic renal failure
“… Administration of Cordyceps sinesis might improve their renal function and as the
same time enhance the cellular immune function in CRF.”
PMID: 1421972 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1421972?dopt=Abstract - Study on effect of Cordyceps sinensis and artemisinin in preventing
recurrence of lupus nephritis
” … In the treated group, C3 level was stabilized at above 1.21 +/- 0.20 g/L, which was
over the normal range, CCr was unchanged as compared before and after treatment,
which was significantly different from that in the control group. Moreover, the side-effects
occurred in the treated group was less. CONCLUSION: Cordyceps and artemisinin could
prevent the recurrence of LN and protect kidney function.”
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12585097?dopt=Citation
- Cordyceps
- Creatinine
- Definition of Creatinine
Medicine.Net
“… Muscular young or middle-aged adults may have more creatinine in their blood than
the norm for the general population. …”
Well, folks, I’m “elderly” by chronological age, but not by how my body looks nor responds.
I am muscular; always have been. I am very active; always have been. Even so, I do push that
creatinine margin more than I should. But I can’t help wonder: Am I as sick as docs say I am?– barb
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=12550
- Definition of Creatinine
- Cystatin C
Blood test, reportedly more accurate than creatinine readings- New Kidney Function Test Better than Standard at
Predicting Death and Cardiovascular Outcomes
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/may2005/nhlbi-18.htm
- New Kidney Function Test Better than Standard at
- Dialysis — homestyle
Everyone thinks of dialysis as performed in a unit. Well, that is not necessarily the best
thing for the already chemically injured, what with all the disinfectants, drugs, perfumed
staff and patients, etc. Sooooo, a cousin sent me an article on home dialysis and here
are some websites for you to explore. In the meantime, I’m trying to last as long as possible without even thinking of dialysis. — barb- Dialysis At Home
Staff-assisted home dialysis program
http://www.dialysisathome.com/ - Home Dialysis Central
5 types of home dialysis
http://www.homedialysis.org/learn/types.php
- Dialysis At Home
- Diet for renal patients — roughly speaking, avoid foods high in:
- “Grocery List” I was given by first Kaiser Nephrologist
kidndiet.htm
- Magnesium
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University
“… Some of the later effects of magnesium toxicity, such as lethargy, confusion, disturbances in normal cardiac rhythm, and deterioration of kidney function, are related to severe hypotension. As hypermagnesemia progresses, muscle weakness and difficulty breathing may occur. Severe hypermagnesemia may result in cardiac arrest. …”
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/minerals/magnesium/ - NIH
” … Because people with kidney disease may not be able to excrete excess amounts of magnesium, they should not consume magnesium supplements unless prescribed by a physician. …”
http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/magnesium.asp
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University
- Potassium
- Drugs.com
http://www.drugs.com/CG/HIGH_POTASSIUM_FOODS_LIST.html - National Kidney Foundation
http://www.kidney.org/ATOZ/atozItem.cfm?id=103
[Note 8/2/11: This link doesn’t work but here is a PDF file called Nutrition and Chronic Kidney Disease.]
- Drugs.com
- “Grocery List” I was given by first Kaiser Nephrologist
- Fish Peptides (for assisting blood pressure control)
Normally I do not make recommendations, and I’d rather you not think of this as one, either. Please think of it as passing along information from one to another, for YOU to check out with YOUR doctor. I have to take something to help control blood pressure as kidney disease causes high blood pressure and the medical doctors have me pretty much convinced that that causes faster kidney deterioration. As I’m trying to last without harmful side effects from drugs or dialysis, I’m trying my damnedest to stay as healthy as possible without pharmaceuticals. Hence, my trying, and so far, successfully, Vasotensin fish peptides, available to me from my alternative health care providers– barb- Amazing Fish Peptides Lower Blood Pressure
By Dr. Michael Murray
Excerpted:
Introduction
High blood pressure directly kills over 50,000 people in the United States each year and
contributes to another 200,000+ deaths. Obviously it is a HUGE problem. Compounding
the matter is that the various drugs used to treat high blood pressure often make
patients feel worse because of side effects. Fortunately, there is an amazing new natural
approach that is both safe and effective in helping to lower blood pressure.
- What are Anti-ACE Peptides?
This natural supplement is composed of a purified mixture of 9 small peptides (proteins)
derived from muscle of the fish bonito (a member of the tuna family) and is also free
from heavy metals (e.g. lead, mercury, etc.), pesticides, and other contaminants. …
http://www.doctormurray.com/articles/FishPeptides.htm - VasoTensin Natural Blood Pressure Support – 120 Capsules
Vasotensin supports healthy vascular function for optimal blood flow and healthy blood pressure
levels by supplying bioactive peptides from bonito fish.Helps prevent the formation of angiotensin IIa potent vasoconstrictor through their
interaction of bonito peptides with angiotensin converting enzyme.Fast-acting formula that provides a clinically effective dose in just 2 tablets twice daily.
Carried by Environmental Health doctors and acupuncturists (from my experience)– barb
http://www.shopping.com/xPO-Metagenics-Metagenics-Vasotensin-Natural-Blood-Pressure-Support-120-Tablets
- A Guide to GFR Calculation
http://www.nkdep.nih.gov/resources/glomerular_filtration_rate.htm
[Note 8/2/11: This link does not work but hereis more information on their calculators.] - GFR Calculations for adults
You need input your age and your creatinine reading, and it does the calculation for you. — barb
http://www.nkdep.nih.gov/professionals/gfr_calculators/orig_con.htm - GFR estimation
http://renux.dmed.ed.ac.uk/EdREN/Handbookbits/HDBKgfrest.html - MDRD GFR Calculator
http://nephron.com/mdrd/default.html
- Amazing Fish Peptides Lower Blood Pressure
- Glomerulonephritis
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000484.htm- Chronic glomerulonephritis
“Chronic glomerulonephritis occurs when there is slow, progressive destruction of the
glomeruli of the kidney, with progressive loss of kidney function. In some cases, the cause
is found to be a specific attack to the body’s immune system, but in most cases, the cause
is unknown (it is generally thought that a still-unidentified abnormality of the immune
system is to blame). This condition causes high blood pressure (hypertension) Ýand
chronic kidney failure.”
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000499.htm
[Note 8/2/11: This link is no longer on the site but there is a mirror of it here.] - Rapidly progressive (crescentic) glomerulonephritis
“Many conditions are known to cause or increase the risk for developing this syndrome.
These include vascular (blood vessel) diseases such as vasculitis or polyarteritis,
abscess of any internal organ, collagen vascular disease such as lupus nephritis and
Henoch-Schonlein purpura, Goodpasture’s syndrome, IgA nephropathy, membrano-
proliferative GN, anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody disease, a history of
malignant tumors or blood or lymphatic system disorders, and exposure to hydro-
carbon solvents. [Emphasis added.] The symptoms are similar regardless of the cause.”
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000469.htm
[Note 8/2/11: This link is no longer on the site but there are mirrors here and here.]
- Chronic glomerulonephritis
- High Blood Pressure Medicines, Including Diuretics
- Taking Medication for High Blood Pressure
American Heart Association
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=2141
[Note 8/2/11: This link no longer works and there is not enough information to find another copy of the article.]
- Taking Medication for High Blood Pressure
- Himalayan Salt
We get ours at Berkeley Natural . . . or Whole Foods but here are some writeups for you to read
as you search for your answers . . . barb- Himalayan Crystal Salt
http://www.profoundliving.org/Salt_/Himalayan_Salt/himalayan_salt.html
[Note 8/2/11: This website no longer exists and this brand does not come up on searches.] - The 13 Amazing Health Benefits of Himalayan Crystal Salt, the
Purest Salt on Earth (and Why You Want to Avoid Conventional Salt)
Dr. Mercola
http://www.mercola.com/forms/salt.htm
- Himalayan Crystal Salt
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Not listed as a healer for Acute Renal Failure, nor Chronic Renal Failure, but we’re trying it nonetheless.- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Brain Injury, Cerebral Palsy, and Stroke
Not as promising as I’d like, but that qualifier, DO NOT ALWAYS, gives me some hope.
“… The principle that redirecting flow toward ischemic areas can help damaged tissue
recover is well established in cardiology. However, in critical care generally, drugs and
maneuvers that redirect flow to ischemic organs (e.g., brain and kidney) do not always
improve recovery at the cellular level. For this reason, improved blood flow must be
linked to other measures of cellular and organ recovery. …”
http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/epcsums/hypoxsum.htm - Rapid Recovery Hyperbarics: Research References
http://www.hbot4u.com/renallisting.html- “How does HBOT force more Oxygen into the bloodstream and tissues?”
http://www.hbot4u.com/whatishbot.htmlHyperbaric Oxygenation Increases Patients own Stem Cells By Eight-Fold
http://www.spinalrehab.com.au/Updates/Hyperbaric%20Oxygen%20Therapy%20Increases%20Stem%20Cells%20By%20Eight-Fold.htm
- “How does HBOT force more Oxygen into the bloodstream and tissues?”
- Richmond Hyperbaric Health Center
Unit #4 – 12180, Horseshoe Way, Richmond, B.C. Canada V7A 4V5
Tel: (604) 277-8608Ý Fax: (604) 277-8628Ý
Toll Free: 1-888-373-0888
Now here are some encouraging words and I thank the author for sharing her kidney experiences! – bw
“… Over the next 10 years, with a vegetarian diet, and lifestyle change, I was able to
forestall dialysis until the age of 45. I firmly believe, that had I known about HBOT
(Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy), I would not probably even need dialysis now and that the
possibility of renal function recovery could have occurred at the onset of discovery of
this current condition, that of kidney disease. For I know of individuals who, with the
levels of creatinine (level of toxin in the body) that I have had (about 300), have
experienced return of function in their kidneys. … ”
http://www.richmond-hyperbaric.com/case_studies_Kidney%20disease.html
[Note 8/2/11: This link no longer works but hereis another copy of the article.]- Other Research Studies
http://www.richmond-hyperbaric.com/RHHC.studies.htm
[Note 8/2/11: This link no longer works.]
- Other Research Studies
Animal Chronic Renal Failure (CRF)
http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/felinekidney.htmChemical Exposure and Disease
by Janette D. Sherman, M.D.
http://www.amazon.com/Chemical-Exposure-Disease-Diagnostic-Investigative/dp/0442233345Kidney anatomy
Picture with description. — barb
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/imagepages/1101.htmKidney biopsy
Picture with description. — barb
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/imagepages/8902.htmKidney blood and urine flow
Picture with description. — barb
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/imagepages/1704.htmKidney Disease
List of links out to more info, depending on type of kidney disease. — barb
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000457.htmKidney Disease: When Those Fabulous Filters Are Foiled
by Ken Flieger
“… If the kidneys falter or fail, we lose an internal pollution control system without which
virtually every other bodily process becomes awash in potentially toxic wastes. And
that’s not all. Besides purifying blood, the kidneys synthesize hormones and vitamins
that control growth and help control blood pressure, regulate the production of red
blood cells, and maintain the right balance of minerals and chemicals in the body. …”“… As the disease progresses, hypertension becomes persistent and difficult to treat. With
severe loss of kidney function, patients experience diminished appetite, nausea and
vomiting, extreme fatigue, difficulty sleeping, itching and dry skin, and muscle cramps ….”
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/CONSUMER/CON00077.html
[Note 8/2/11: This article is no longer on this site but there is an archive here.]Kidney Failure: Choosing a Treatment That’s Right for You
This write-up includes pros and cons of the various dialysis options AND of choosing to not
undergo dialysis or transplant. Right now, I’m still choosing NO treatment. At least not that way.
I’m currently trying to alkalize my diet, hoping that will eliminate acid crystals thereby
improving kidney function. Time will tell. So far, I’m more than a year beyond my “dead”line.– barb
http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/choosingtreatment/index.htmYour Kidneys and How They Work
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse
http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/yourkidneys/index.htm - Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Brain Injury, Cerebral Palsy, and Stroke
- pH Blood
- pH Miracle Living Center
Dr. Robert O. Young
http://www.phmiracleliving.com - Justin Schmidt
Practicing in the SF Bay Area; Oakland and San Rafael
Trained at The pH Miracle Living Center by Dr. Robert O. Young
Member: International Microsopy Association-New Biology
Justin_schmidt -at- hotmail.com
This is the young man that my hubby and I are working with . . . — barb
- pH Miracle Living Center
- Qigong
I have been taught a few Qigong exercises and it was also strongly suggested I get a tape. — barb- Chi-LelTM Qigong
http://www.iglou.com/chilel/books_dvds.html
Welcome to the Kidney Stem Cell GAP website
Towards renal regeneration: isolation and characterization of potential renal stem cell
populations and secreted regulators of renal differentiation.
The University of Queensland
http://www.scgap.org/- Renal Regeneration Group
Hope for mice, how about hope for people? — barb
“Research Plan: The overall aim of this project is to define, isolate and expand renal stem
cells such that they can be used to either repair or regenerate a kidney. …”
http://scgap.org/details.html
[Note 8/2/11: This link is no longer available.]
- Chi-LelTM Qigong
- When to start dialysis
By James Tattersall
“… There have been no randomised, prospective controlled trials designed to provide
evidence on when to start dialysis. Dialysis is currently started when GFR is at a mean of
around 6 mL/min but there are wide variations with some groups advocating starting
with a GFR of 15 mL/min. …”
I, for one, am thankful to have not started dialysis yet. Who knows how my already chemically
injured body will handle the surgery for implant and the chemical exchanges? — barb (06/06/06)
http://www.uninet.edu/cin2003/conf/tattersall/tattersall.html
- Zeolites – Waiora
As always, I am not recommending anything, but in this section I am providing
information. I have taken Zeolites for one week and then I’m off for a while before
eventually starting up again.
ALWAYS talk over everything with your own healthcare and legal
professionals. — barb
http://www.waiora.com/products/
All best wishes to you! — barb
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