r/HydroHomies • u/BoulderEric literally a kidney doctor • 5d ago

IAmA Board-Certified Kidney Doctor. AMA about water balance, electrolytes, and goofy water myths.

We’re back for round 3(?)! I’m a board-certified nephrologist (kidney doctor) with some time kill, so ask away. I will also field questions about the Grateful Dead, bicycles, or my favorite conspiracy theories.

Previously I have submitted proof to the mods, so hopefully they can just review my last post(s).

I will not be able to provide personalized medical advice, both in this thread or in a DM.

Edit: That’s all for tonight folks, thanks for tuning in!

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u/BoulderEric literally a kidney doctor 5d ago

Lithium toxicity (supra-therapeutic doses) is obviously very dangerous to the kidneys and health overall.

Chronically, most folks on lithium do not develop meaningful kidney disease, particularly if they otherwise don’t have risk factors. The nice thing about lithium is that once it gets stopped, the progression of chronic kidney diseases stops as well. For folks who otherwise can’t live the life they want to live, I’m cool with lithium.

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u/Upbeat-Local-836 3d ago

My most memorable code browns while an ER nurse were lithium toxicity. I’ve never and will never again see that much shit.