Dietitian

[Cinnamondog]

My renal doctor said that at stage 3 I don't need a dietitian . But wouldn't it be better to start now instead of waiting until it gets worst.

[Hidden]

I've said this before but apparently, it bears repeating. It's your kidneys, not the renal doctors. The sooner you start on a kidney-friendly diet the easier you'll make it on your kidneys and be able to hold off ESRD until it's absolutely necessary. Demand a referral if needed, or just go ahead and make the appointment. If you manage to get an appointment with a renal dietitian bring your 3 most recent lab values so that the RD can determine where you need to be with your protein, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and sodium. If you are diabetic also bring your last 2 or 3 A1C's. Also, a list of meds is a good thing to have with you. Best of luck.

[Cinnamondog]

Thank you

[Jayjayca in reply to Cinnamondog]

My specialist said that too. Not until stage 5. I agree, it's silky so I called and requested a referral. I go November 14th. If you are concerned just make the request. I said I was afraid to eat anything so they didn't argue.

[Bet117]

I agree with Mr._Kidney, take matters into your own hands.

See if the hospital or medical facility has a RD on staff. If they do, call and make an appointment, they will also let you know if they take your insurance and if not, their fee.

They may also have access to your labs on line. More than likely you will be asked to keep a three day typical food diary and bring it to your appointment.

If nothing else, you will be given suggestions and literature as well as foods and approximate sodium contents, which is vital that you watch.

Knowledge is power. Even if saved for a rainy day!

[orangecity41]

Maybe consider a second opinion to ease your mind that your renal doctor is correct. Everyone is different on diet. Due to blood work results I have to avoid phosphorus and sodium but not potassium, whereas others might be restricted if you do need a renal diet, Davita has good recipes and menu tracking.

[Sally10255 in reply to orangecity41]

My doctor told me to take a Tums if I was going to eat things with oxilstes. Interesting to read about. So many these days eat broccoli, spinach, nuts, berries, for health reasons, yet those are things that can cause issues.

[Sally10255]

I also agree. I have done low carb for awhile with great success, but before my next appointment with urologist, I am following more the renal diet. Before I could eat fish, but now I see most fish contains high amounts of potassium I think it is. I have always watched sodium because I retain water. I do have a kidney that isn’t working so well, so my doc needs to know about the water retention issues. I am dairy free by choice, do not eat much red meat by choice. So I think zi am doing a lot of right things...but it needs to be fine tuned. I have seen some conflicting lists of food choices, so just starting to look at more simple eating that doesn’t make the kidneys work so hard. I have heard from a friend that right now more kidney experts are really,really needed. Many GP’s are not knowledgeable. Great luck!

[Bunkin]

Start watching your diet now. You'll be glad you did in the long run. I wish I had but doctors didn't seem concerned so I took their cue and blew it off. Do your research. You can't count on doctors to do anything different than their ordinary protocol.

[plantbasedtable]

Diet and lifestyle are so important for halting the progression of CKD (plus diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease if you have those conditions as well) There is a big difference between health-promoting foods for CKD and what is recommended for end stage and dialysis patients which is one reason that online sources can be so confusing. Take the time to find a medical professional who will support you. Ask in your area to find the best dietician and nephrologist you can! We follow a plant-based dietary pattern for CKD but at the very least increasing hydration (water) and limiting sodium are vital. Get with your doctor about your labs so you know if you do have specific restrictions at this stage. Take control of your health and best of luck!

[Hidden]

I would press to see a dietician.

There are some things that will promote kidney health in most people and may prolong existing function such as avoiding excessive salty and processed foods and exercising regularly and adequate hydration.

Below is a list of dietary resources you may find useful.

Eating Well With Kidney Failure, a Practical Guide and Cookbook

amzn.to/uoj87U

Eating Well for Kidney Health, Expert Guidance and Delicious Recipes

amzn.to/rYCcW2

Eating Well, Living with Kidney Disease

amzn.to/rEtgVb

Truly Tasty, over 100 recipes created by Irelands Top Chefs for Adults Living with Kidney Disease

amzn.to/va6Pln

Food With Thought PDF Download or printed copy for £2.50 via the NKF

kidney.org.uk/help/books/bo...

Davita Recipes, an American website with many many recipes.

davita.com/recipes/

[Cinnamondog in reply to Hidden]

Thank You

[LaureenD]

Yes! I was told I’m stage III also but I did see a dietitian. And I start on the healthy eating and since January I’ve lost 24 pounds. And have a lot more energy and I brought my numbers down significantly..I suggest starting! It’s better to be healthy.

[Sally10255]

Yes start now! It is a healthy diet as well.

[phillen]

if your bloods are ok you dont need to follow a diet its hard enough when you have to! just follow a good healthy normal diet cut out salt no star fruit keep yourself hydrated if you start to cut out stuff when you dont need to you can damage other organs like heart etc they need feeding too!

[orangecity41 in reply to phillen]

good advice Phillen. Everyone is different. Our bodies are very complex. What is good for me might not be for someone else. I might have high b-12 while others low for example. Many things to consider. Maybe best to advise your Doctor if going on a diet.

[phillen in reply to orangecity41]

Yes orangecity41 it always worries me when i hear people cutting out stuff without advice i think its often forgotten in the panic that you have all your other organs to think about!

[Mikeray1988]

Having a dietician I believe is pointless it’s pretty obvious in my opinion what foods you should avoid.

[toeragthecat21]

hi i dont understand why a doctor wouldnt want a patient to have the best posible diet to improve their condition...i think the words are ..OUT OF TOUCH