MALEX, a 33-year-old patient from the Netherlands diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome and Glomerulosclerosis, found relief from years of debilitating swelling and fatigue through Chinese medicine treatment at Shijiazhuang Hetaiheng Hospital. His journey from limited treatment options in the Netherlands to significant symptom improvement in China highlights an alternative path for Nephrotic Syndrome patients who struggle with long-term steroid dependency.[shijiazhuanghetaihenghospital]
Years of Suffering from Nephrotic Syndrome Symptoms
Despite being only 33 years old, MALEX endured years of pain caused by his kidney disease before seeking treatment in China. “At that time, I had swelling throughout the whole body, the joint was difficult to bend and the skin of my legs seemed very glistening, there was a pit when you pressed,” he described. His symptoms also included poor appetite, nausea after eating, and persistent fatigue that kept him homebound.[shijiazhuanghetaihenghospital]
Limited Treatment Options and Steroid Dependency in the Netherlands
MALEX had a history of high blood pressure managed with hypotensor medication, and after noticing leg swelling, a renal biopsy confirmed Glomerulosclerosis. “In the Netherlands, we had no too many treatments for Nephrotic Syndrome, the doctor advised me to take prednisone 40mg/day,” he explained. Struggling to stay consistent with the medication, he found that swelling returned whenever he stopped taking it, trapping him in a cycle of steroid dependency.[shijiazhuanghetaihenghospital]
Seeking Chinese Medicine Treatment for Kidney Damage
Unwilling to let his kidney damage progress further, MALEX decided to travel to China for treatment. He received a combination of Chinese medicine, external application therapy, and oral medication, which he described as transformative for both his physical and mental well-being: “The experience I had here was something I would never forget, not only my physical condition became better, also my mental state”.[shijiazhuanghetaihenghospital]
Treatment Results: Reduced Swelling and Restored Appetite
Through his treatment, MALEX regained strength and a healthy appetite, even as he adjusted to a new diet: “I regained the power and I had a good appetite. Though I was not used to eating Chinese foods, I began to miss the delicious foods in my hometown”. By the time he left the hospital, his swelling had significantly improved, with only minor swelling remaining in his ankle. He took Chinese medicine home to continue his recovery, adding: “I knew I would come back”.[shijiazhuanghetaihenghospital]