New member

[KatieQ]

Hello everyone. Just joined this sight.

I just found out I have a BUN of 34, and am also diabetic. I know that I must take control of my health. I am 63 years old and am searching for ways to just that! I have read a few things here on this page and am encouraged by some of these posts, particularly from 'Bunkin'. I look forward to reading more.

[Bet117]

Hi Katie!

Welcome! You have come to the right place; great people, discussions and lots of support.

First, it is perfectly normal to feel frightened or helpless when you first learn that something is off with your kidneys.

Unlike other disorders, it can be dealt with and progression slowed down, but no magical potion exists to eliminate it...

Have you seen a nephrologist to have more extensive testing and a diagnosis? If not, see one..key.

Hypertension, diabetes and smoking are big contributors to this. My brother is a severe insulin diabetic and takes Lisinopril (BP) med to protect the kidneys as well as Lovastatin...claiming his cholesterol is normal.

The key to alot of this is a good medical team who will listen to you and work with you. The other is diet and some exercise.

Basically, watch your sodium' 1500-2000 per day. Watch your phosphorus and potassium as well.

Avoid red meats, high sodium meats such as cold cuts, bacon, sausage and other processed foods. Read labels...I don't touch a thing that has more than 120 mg of sodium and modify. (Eg. salad dressing)

I eat lots of fresh and fresh frozen veggies- nothing in a can or canned soup, and fresh fruits such as apples, strawberries, blueberries..non sweetened apple sauce.

Drink water..

Davita.com is an excellent place to start. If your doctor can refer you to a renal dietician..that would be super!

Walk 20 minutes at least 3 times per week.

As you know with your diabetes, you monitor and have it checked; asking questions as you go!

I promise that it will all fall into place.

Please write back to me and let me know how you are doing.

I care!

Bet.

[KatieQ in reply to Bet117]

Thank you for responding to me. No I have not seen a nephrologist. Was scheduled to see one in Dec, but I was I'll that day and for a day after that. Insurance doesn't cover specialists, so I am up the creek right now. BUN is 34. I am changing my diet and reducing all salt intake. I really need encouragement and I feel like I will not decline as fast as I could with this new approach to this condition. Again, thx!

[orangecity41 in reply to KatieQ]

Suggestion for future, if you reach a point where a specialist is needed and on Medicare and specialist not covered, ask the specialist if they will do visits with Medicare approved amount which is far less than normal amount. Some Medicare plans will not pay for Nephrologist until reach level 4.

[Bet117 in reply to KatieQ]

Hi Katie,

Of course I would respond to you. A bit confused about the nephrologist appointment that you mentioned. I know that in the UK this is handled by the GP until results plummet.

Up to you, but I would make an appointment with your GP and have a talk with him/her about your concerns and your health plan for the near future. Doctors are paid well and deserve to give their patients the respect of listening and directing them to the proper professionals such as a dietician etc.

I would make a copy of your labs, list of questions, and take them in with you along with a small notebook to jot down answers.

Having a plan will help to ease some of the fears and set you on a course to keep this disorder from progressing.

Unfortunately, we as patients can listen, but are the best advocates for our own health, as when we leave the doctor's office we take charge.

I wish that I could do more for you!

Just know that I am here, I am cheering and praying for you...

Please keep in touch and let me know what is happening.

Hugs..

Bet

[KatieQ in reply to Bet117]

Hi! I was referred by my GP.

[orangecity41 in reply to Bet117]

Well stated Bet117

[Bet117 in reply to orangecity41]

Thanks...I speak from the heart.

[Bunkin]

Hi, so happy if anything I have posted helps you. It is scary, the unknown, but by being proactive now, you can slow down the progression. Wish I had started sooner! If you need anything, let me know, and I'll help if I can. One thing you'll want to get is some nettle tea. Really good for the kidneys. You're in my prayers. God can do anything😀😀

[KatieQ in reply to Bunkin]

Yes He can.

[Bet117]

👍 🙏

[Bunkin]

How are you doing? How's your diet going? 😀