CBC counts

[rschem]

HI everyone
I just had my CBC .Does anyone know what BUM in a blood test means? Aparently it has something to do with kidney function. Is there a site I can find out more?
I have been DX SAA Aug/08, treated ATG Sept./08, have beeen on 350 mg cyclosporne.I am partially recoverred.HG @100-110
my concern is my creatine is @133 .My DR says it should not be above 130.
Does anyone else on cyclosporne have these concerns?

[Marlene]

The test is called BUN...i think it stands for blood urea nitrogen and along with creatinine, it's used to monitor kidney function. If it's elevated, it means your kidneys are not clearing it out of you system efficiently. Cylco is hard on the kidneys so that's why your doc monitors this and will adjust doses accordingly. I know others on cylco drink a lot of water to flush their kidneys to keep them functioning better.

Sometimes it just mean you're dehydrated.

I'm sure others with experience in this will comment.

[Lisa V]

This is a really common problem with cyclosporine, rschem. As Marlene says, if it's not extremely high it can probably be controlled by drinking lots of fluids. My husband carries a bottle of water with him everywhere and is up to about a gallon a day. It's a bother, but it's cheap, non-toxic and readily available, and sure beats the alternative, which is loss of kidney function.

Sounds like your lab records creatinine a bit differently than ours does. We get readings like 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, etc. without any further decimals. When it's 1.2 we're happy, 1.3 is borderline but not worrisome, and 1.4 means better start pumping the fluids harder!

His doctor said that at 1.4 you've lost about 25% of your kidney function. He's gotten as high as 1.7 and even 1.8, at which point we decreased his cyclo dosage. Even a decrease of 25mg per day can make a difference, and if you're taking 350mg/day it sounds like you've got some wiggle room to tinker with it. Ken's been taking 175 mg/day for the last few years and he weighs about 175. Hopefully they are monitoring your blood cyclo level too, and between that and the creatinine, will determine if you need to decrease your dosage. Try the water first, though!