I have CKD stage 4, also COPD & Diabetes type 2. Apart from itching, my biggest problem is breathlessness. I don't know whether the main reason for this is COPD or kidneys (GFR is 20) but I now need to use a scooter as I am so breathless when I walk.
When I am very breathless I tend to lose bladder control & also my nose runs like a tap. Does anyone else have these problems? Otherwise I am pretty good !
I am males and 49 years old. I too have stage 4 CKD (GFR of 20%). I also get quite breathless which gets very bad if I drink too much fluid. It does not matter if I were to drink 2 pints of water or 2 pints of beer. If I drink too much fluid quickly I get very breathless. I have put this down to the fact that the water is not being extracted by my kidneys very quickly and then hangs around the lungs making them less efficient in getting oxygen. I can get swollen ankles which again I believe is due to the fact that the kidneys are not extracting the water as quickly as they would do if I had healthy ones.
THIS WHOLE DISEASE IS DIFFICULT TO DEAL WITH. RECENTLY WENT FROM STAGE 2 TO 3. TOLD TO DRINK GALLON OF WATER PER DAY, AND TO KEEP PROTEIN AT 40g OR LESS PER DAY. HAVE KIDNEY STONES WHICH DONT PASS, AND DIET FOR STONES TOTALLY CONFLICTS WITH DIET FORR DISEASE. NOW I STARTED BEING ITCHY- WHY IS THIS? THANK GOD I HAVE NO SWELLING , DECENT BLOOD PRESSSURE AND MILD COPD- YES, I USED TO SMOKE, WHICH I NOW FOUND OUT CAUSES KIDNEY DISEASE. ALSO TOOK MEDS FOR ACIDD REFLUX-CAUSES CKD. VERY ANXIOUS AND CONFUSED. FRUSTRATING WATCHING NUMBERS OF WHAT I WANT TO EAT.
Hello Shattock
I can sympathise with your condition, I think it could be a combination of things making you breathless. When did you last have a review of your COPD do you use your inhalers as you should? Have you had bloods taken to check if you are anaemic as this can cause breathlessness. The nose running can be due to certain blood pressure medicines. Hope this helps I would go back to your GP and ask about the things I have mentioned.
Best wishes
Christine
I know it's important to drink your liquids slowly. I read that in the program because your kidneys can't get rid of it as quickly. I too had shortness of breath but am better now. Prayers for you. God can do anything!
Check with your Dr to see if they offer pulminary rehab in your area. It does wonders for the breathlessness.
I had to smile at your post, particularly the last sentence. How's your HB? That could account for your breathlessness. As for the bladder problem, I don't have that because both kidneys have been removed but I do have a constantly running nose. Got to come out somewhere I suppose☺. Good luck and keep smiling.
Hi Poppydolly,
Thanks for your reply. It's good to know someone else suffers from runny nose - well ,not good for you, but reassuring to know I'm not alone ! I am anaemic & also have iron infusions about every 3 months. That seems to help & give me a bit more 'get up & go' for a while. I really can't complain as I have had a quad heart by-pass & am grateful to still be here!
Good luck to you X
I also have copd and this past week I have had a hard time breathing went to a clinic and he told me it was anxiety. I read on line if you breath thru your nose exhale with pursed lips slowly, breathing will improve .......I have been doing it a couple of times and day and so far it is working.
I have ckd 3 also
Best of Luck
Greetings Shamrock, I have suffered with severe shortness of breath for 3 years now and just been diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease, and I was most interested to know you breathing is much better now, can you give me any advice please as this illness has ruined my life.
Kind Regards,
Miranda.
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