Fatigue, itching, muscle tightness, closer to stage 4..

[Kristie]

I just found out that I am getting closer to Stage 4 CKD. I have been so tired lately, feel itchy at times, and my leg muscles are tight. I have restless leg but it feels different. I don't know what to expect. Has anyone had these symptoms?

[overnighthearingloss]

Yes, I used to wear that T-shirt. It was next step dialysis. I think I should mention that I met a guy who had been on dialysis for many years and he was doing ok. Allbeit with many life changes.

I am now at stage 3 again. Through lots of reading and watching my symptoms I found that I was better able to tolerate alkaline foods. I changed my diet to incorporate more of those into my diet. I also cut out alcohol and severely reduce tea and coffee. I drank mainly water. When I needed a hot drink I drank honey water or very occasionally tea.

rense.com/1.mpicons/acidalk...

Since my kidney function has improved I have relaxed my eating somewhat. But still remain aware.

I cant say absolutely that it will work for you. However even now I suffer with acid reflux and it seems better when I have eaten more alkaline stuff.

Read a lot. Talk to people and make your own observations. I hope you can also turn things around.

[Kristie]

Thank you for your support. The strange thing is, I stopped the alchohol, am much more active, watch what I eat and drink at least 64oz of water daily if not more, and I got worse! I though with removing the alchohol and being more active I would get better.

[phillen]

yes these are all the same symptoms my husband had, when your kidneys fail they fail to be able to control the electrolites in your body ie phosphates, pottassium, iron,calcium etc

high phosphate causes bad itching (my husbands case) & high urea in your blood & high calcium also! the amazing thing is once your on or very close to dialysis they suddenly help with these things! so it might help for a word with your consultant!

[pluto94]

I discovered the itching was due to high phosphates and had to adjust my diet , to help reduce it . Things like processed foods, dairy , oily fish all push your phosphates up along with cola ,

Tiredness comes with the condition , some get more affected with it then others . Just try and keep going to maintain your fitness as best as possible. it will help in the long run .

[Hardworkthisbeingpoorly]

I am already on dialysis and found that it helps with the tiredness , I never really had the itching but I did suffer with vomiting . All that has thankfully subsided now I'm on PD (peritoneal dialysis) I also take the EPO once a week which I find helps me out , I certainly know when I forget to take it , the tiredness lethargy and exhaustion comes on really quickly (that reminds me I must take it today) I try to have an active lifestyle I go to the gym 3 mornings a week , I work part time . Otherwise I'd probably just sit around doing nothing all day. The hardest part for me is keeping to my fluid restriction. One litre a day I love tea and diet coke. But nowadays drink sparkling water . I just get used to it . I think once you get on dialysis you will find most of the symptoms you mentioned will fade and you will generally feel better for it. My phosphate was usually high but since I stopped the Diet Coke it has come back down to a reasonable level. Hope this helps you out a little , your not alone Stuart

[michel49]

yes; itching, restless leg syndrome (but I also used to get muscle spasms lying in bed at night - even when asleep - my wife used to watch me leaping about.

I thought I was on the "up"- lower creatinine, higher GFR, but suddenly, over the last few weeks, my bloods are showing a marked deterioration, and I have no idea why (I have done my best to eat the right foods, lower protein intake etc.)

One thing - for the itching, I found works (for me) - a cream called "Doublebase" - my GP has prescribed it for me for years for eczema; if I slap it on quite thick, it does seem to reduce the itching. As far as the restless leg thing, I am always so tired when I get to bed, that thankfully, I fall asleep quite soon. Good luck, and hang in there; my son bought me a book "twelve steps to stay off dialysis", but I guess my kidneys haven't read the book...