Renal Failure Signs to Look For: How We Found Out My Mother Had Renal Failure

In 2002 we found out my mother had renal failure. The signs began about a month before her diagnosis. Since we didn't know the renal failure signs to look for, we didn't know the symptoms she had were signs of renal failure.

My mom began showing signs of renal failure early in 2002. She came home from work very sick. When she walked through the front door, her eyes lids looked heavy, and her face was pale. She immediately ran to the bathroom where she vomited a few times.

We assumed it was food poisoning, so she went to bed. She didn't have much of an appetite and didn't eat very much. When she did eat, she got sick and usually vomited.

After three days of this, she went to see the family doctor. The doctor didn't know what the problem was and sent her home undiagnosed with some anti-nausea medication.

One of the major signs my mother exhibited was an overwhelming odor in her breath. Although the odor was so extreme we still had no idea this was one of the renal failure signs to look for. She also complained that she always had a bad taste in her mouth.

Because she had been diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma (A cancer affecting the bone marrow), but had been in remission for three years, she went to see her Oncologist to rule out the return of the cancer. Although she was told the cancer was active again, she was also told she had renal failure and that was the cause of her symptoms.

Renal failure signs to look for

Below are some of the renal failure signs that my mother exhibited along with some other renal failure signs to look for:

*Severe Nausea and vomiting, especially after eating and drinking

*Overwhelming odor of the breath

*Weakness

*Loss of appetite

*Pain in the lower back, just above the hips

*Decrease in urination or ability to urinate

*Confusion

These are some of the major renal failure signs to look for, but there can be other symptoms as well. Some people may not experience every symptom. My mother didn't have much difficulty with urination, but exhibited most of the other renal failure signs.

If you notice any of these symptoms it is important to see a doctor immediately and discuss the possibility of renal failure or complications with the kidneys. Renal failure is a very serious condition and if left undiagnosed it will eventually lead to death.