I just happened across this thread, and also want to send best wishes to you guys dealing with this shit. We have made major advances in treatment. So keep on hanging.
I damaged a kidney with magic fungi in 1984. I had to stop drinking iced tea right away. Ten years later I had gave up soda and alcohol. Maybe five years ago my homemade concentrates were hurting me, so I gave them up, but still did gov't edibles. Now I've had to give them up too. I still smoke, but if I overdo it, my kidney lets me know. For years I smoke an ounce a month. Now I maybe smoke a quarter, but probably closer to an eight. Between the beer, soda and weed, I've probably save tens of thousands of dollars.
I have covid right now, and the first few days my kidney was keeping me awake at night. Not bad pain, but just nagging enough so I couldn't relax. That has passed, which is a huge relief. Anytime you get covid, there is a chance it will make the shit wrong with you worse, so I was kind of freaked out.