NEWBIE with deep anxiety over CKD. Being... - Early CKD Support

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NEWBIE with deep anxiety over CKD. Being a hypochondriac also doesn't help! Glad i found this site. Being in a group helps tremendously!!

Zimbo_1 profile image
26 Replies

Hi, I've just turned 67 and had no idea I was suffering from CKD until about 3 days ago.

My e-GFR is 58 and Creatinine at 1.42. I'm also anaemic and take medication (the anaemia is not too serious and I take iron tabs). My main gripe is that with every full FBC (taken for my anaemia) over the past 3 FBCs, my GP had not informed me of the decrease in my GFR! (23 Feb 2017 = 83, 13 July 2017 = 65, 14 December 2017 = 51), an overall drop of 32. I have an appointment on 18 Jan 2018 to determine the level. I pray to God that it doesn't drop further and, indeed, increase. I read that the 2 main culprits for CKD are diabetes and a high BP. I've researched diabetes and don't have any of the symptoms. I hope to come to terms with my condition ( which has no cure). My GP indicated he would arrange an appointment with a nephrologist going forward. My heart goes out to all those who have this condition - let's try and be strong and, above all, pray, have hope and faith.

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26 Replies
Bet117 profile image
Bet117

Hi Zimbo!

Stay strong and positive, even on the tough days!

Coming here is a great decision as the folks are fantastic!

Best thoughts.

.and for now, watch your diet and drink lots of water.

Sodium between 1, 500 and 2,000 mg a day.

Avoid red meats, cold cuts, canned soups, pre- made foods....and read labels.etc. Eat alot of fresh or fresh frozen vegetables and fresh fruits such as apples, strawberries and blue berries.

Check out the davita website as they give you plenty of good ideas. Also, the NKF has a site with recommended foods and even suggestions

when eating out.

Also watch your dairy and avoid foods high in phosphorus.

I eat alot of salad and use oil and vinegar dressing. If I am out, I modify everything.

Chicken or fish is fine; bake or broil. I eat alot of hummus but highly portion control.

Eggs and egg whites are recommended as well.

Check out the sites that I suggested.

I am sure you will get plenty of other great support and suggestions.

Don't hesitate to post as we are always a computer tap away!

Bet

orangecity41 profile image
orangecity41 in reply toBet117

Bett117 well stated. Just glad we can be helped with appropriate diet. This web site too is a great support for what we are dealing with.

Bet117 profile image
Bet117 in reply toorangecity41

OC...

You are one amazing man!

We are all lucky to have you..

I am personally grateful to have you behind me!

I hope that I can do as much for you!

Thanks!

Bet

orangecity41 profile image
orangecity41 in reply toBet117

Bet117 Thank you for the wonderful comment. I am glad can be of help to others. We can support one another on this CKD journey. You are very welcome.

Bet117 profile image
Bet117 in reply toorangecity41

OC,

No thanks needed!

I speak from the heart and mind!

Have a wonderful holiday. Your gifts are to be treasured!

B..

orangecity41 profile image
orangecity41 in reply toBet117

You have a wonderful holiday too.

Glad could be of help.

Richard

joke profile image
joke in reply toBet117

Perfect Bet117

Bet117 profile image
Bet117 in reply tojoke

Thanks...but far from perfect!

:)

Zimbo_1 profile image
Zimbo_1 in reply toBet117

Hi Bet

Many thanks for the information as well as for your kind response - highly informative! I've registered on the Davita site which, as you say, is a treasure-trove of information.

I pray that my GFR either improves or remains +/- static - we'll see.

Thanks again and have a great Christmas!

Bet117 profile image
Bet117 in reply toZimbo_1

Hi Zimbo,

No thanks needed. I wish that I could do or say more to support you through this time.

The first step is to be aware of the foods which are healthier for you and add them into your diet.

The sodium, phosphorus and potassium consumption are very important. Check your labs and speak to your doctor/RD about how much is best for you to consume as everyone is different.

The davita site should give you a start.

Know that you are not alone. Feel free to reach out.

Breathe and remember that life is about what you have, not about what you don't!

If I don't log on, have a wonderful holiday and keep positive!

Bet

Nicolala profile image
Nicolala

Hi Zimbo

There are lots of causes of renal failure and not all are easy to identify.

I have been on dialysis for 27 years; since the age of 19. It is not a death sentence, just a different way of life. It is possible to stay reasonably well and in your case you may never need dialysis. A few adjustments to your diet and lifestyle could make all the difference. Stay positive and good luck.

Bunkin profile image
Bunkin in reply toNicolala

Your remarks are so uplifting as I'm close to dialysis. Thank you!

Zimbo_1 profile image
Zimbo_1 in reply toNicolala

Thanks Nicolala - 27 years is a long time - well done!

Have a great Christmas!

gammy4 profile image
gammy4 in reply toNicolala

God Bless You and keep you well as I hope He will for all of us! You are as old as my son and it hurts to know how long you have been on dialysis. You must know this disease completely! I hope you don't mind if I ask questions. Prayers that Our Sweet Jesus will keep you well!!! Thanks, gammy4

Zimbo_1 profile image
Zimbo_1 in reply togammy4

I'm not on dialysis as yet. You've seen my figures. I can only hop that they don't get worse and, indeed, improve! I pray for this and you are in my thoughts and prayers, as we should all be! Stay strong!

Nicolala profile image
Nicolala in reply togammy4

Gammy4 you can ask anything you like. I don't know all the answers but will help if I can.

Nicolala27.

Zimbo_1 profile image
Zimbo_1 in reply toNicolala

Thanks for your interest, Nicolala. I'll keep you in mind. God bless and have a great New Year!!

Bunkin profile image
Bunkin

You are so right. Doctors just tend to ignore all the kidney stuff til it gets bad then you're limited in your choices. If I didn't have my faith, I'd be defeated but with God, all things are possible! You are in my prayers, please keep me in yours. God can do anything! Merry Christmas

orangecity41 profile image
orangecity41 in reply toBunkin

So true Bunkin. Merry Christmas to you also

newbie1956 profile image
newbie1956

Sir, You are on the right track with information, a sensitive heart, concern for others, and as you say, hope, faith and prayer. We're all a bit obsessed with good health, I assure you. Feel confident to ask questions... and remember GOD really cares about us.

Zimbo_1 profile image
Zimbo_1 in reply tonewbie1956

Thanks for the reply - yes He does.

Have a great Christmas!

Bet117 profile image
Bet117 in reply tonewbie1956

Agreed! !

orangecity41 profile image
orangecity41 in reply tonewbie1956

Your health is your wealth. Much to be thankful for.

Merry Christmas newbie 1956

newbie1956 profile image
newbie1956

thank you, sir

buddygramma profile image
buddygramma

Hi Zimbo,

A person with Stage 5 CKD has end stage renal disease (ESRD) with a GFR of 15 ml/min or less. At this advanced stage of kidney disease the kidneys have lost nearly all their ability to do their job effectively, and eventually dialysis or a kidney transplant is needed to live. Bottom line is that you do not have to be to concerned until you hit stage 5. You appear to be a healthy weight and no diabetes. So, Stop worrying !! Many (I want to say most) healthy people out there including myself (after afib, and 5 diff cancers) are stage 3. Worrying is silly, be thankful it is you and not one of your children or grandchildren. Worrying is not going to change it at all. The medical profession out there today are there to help you. Rest assure you are being taken of. So, Have a Merry Christmas !! and a Happy New Year. XXOO Buddygramma

Zimbo_1 profile image
Zimbo_1 in reply tobuddygramma

Hi budygramma

Thank you so much for your encouraging words - they are so true, especially the comment with regard to being thankful that my children are fine.

Have a Merry Christmas and a great New Year filled with gratitude.

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