Newbie alert!!!

[Gemini-st]

Hi everyone!

Just wanted to to introduce myself as a newbie to this forum as well as CKD.

I’m a 42 yr old mum of three, recently diagnosed with CKD 3a which was due to undiagnosed High BP and pre-eclampsia since at least 2004.

I am awaiting further tests (echo & kidney scan) to get more info on potential damage to my heart and the state of my kidneys.

I’m trying to come to terms with everything and remain positive but it’s all very up & down!

I’m also hoping to do whatever I can to prevent my kidneys from being further damaged (better diet, more exercise, A LOT more water!!!).

Anyway, it’s nice to be in a supportive environment moving forward - I think I’m going to need you all!!! Thanks for reading x

Best wishes to you all,

Kate

[Zazzel]

Hi Kate,

Welcome! There are all sorts of stages and causes for us on this forum, so there is usually someone who is or has gone through what you are and can give you input on your journey. We've all been through the initial shock, fear, ups and downs as you are going through, so we can relate. Just know, once you learn more, things will calm down and your CKD becomes just another one of those challenges life so generously offers us.

[RickHow]

Welcome. You will find this forum helpful. A million of us can write you not to concentrate on your diagnosis or think about it too much, but of course you will worry anyway. But remember being labelled with CKD is NOT the end of your world, your life, your health. You have been told it is because of high bp, etc. So your first step is to get that under control. It is quite doubtful this has damaged your heart. Kidney damage would most likely be some scarring. You already know to drink water and just eat a sensible diet. This does not mean not eat usually. It just means eat sensibly as we all should in the first place. No excess salt, sugar, protein. But it does not mean eliminate those things from your life. It just means keep it within daily requirements. Avoid alcohol and excessive caffine. Again, a couple of cups of coffee a day is not harmful. It is very likely that once you get your bp under control, follow these guidelines, your life will be normal, healthy and usual. It is NOT a death sentence.

[Bunkin]

Welcome! You will find all kinds of information on this site that will help you. Sounds like you’re on the right track already. Good for you!! I think everyone has their ups and downs with this disease. I know I do. But there are new advances being made that will help all of us in the near future. Keep that in mind. Prayers for you. God can do anything😀

[Hidden]

Hi Kate,

Everybody has given you excellent advice. I would add that you can be very thankful to have been diagnosed when you are only at stage 3a, a stage that generally causes few problems. You should also know that the majority of people with CKD never advance beyond stage 3b. Assuming you want to be one of them, a lot of this is in your control, too. Some people with CKD work to stay healthy and try to keep their disease from advancing. They eat right, exercise, get enough rest, drink plenty of water, control their blood pressure, avoid NSAIDS and other drugs that are harmful to their kidneys, and take measures such as meditation (if needed) to reduce stress. People who take care to properly manage their CKD have a much higher chance of being among that percentage that avoid its later stages. A good deal of your future health is in your hands.

[Gemini-st]

Thank you so much to you all for your reassurance and advice. It’s made me feel a whole lot better about the future and I’m determined to do whatever to can to help myself! I unfortunately suffered with a retinal detachment in January which my Nephrologist believes was caused by my high BP/CKD. Luckily I got to hospital in good time to have it operated on and all seems ok, although I have retinal tears in my other eye too!

I think once I get my scans out of the way, I’ll know the bigger picture and can move on with enjoying my life once more

Thanks again xx

[toeragthecat21]

Hi kate..your in the right place...having had transplant two years ago after 52 years of kidney desease.I can give you a few tips....Main ones are..avoid pain killers.......paracetamol is best if you do need pain easing...avoid adding any salt to food and keep to fresh meat and veg...Keep red meat intake low...And dont panic..I made 35 egfr last for 52 years...drink water regulary..AND THE VERY MOST IMPORTANT THING TO DO IS😆😊😆😅😃SMILE A LOT..All the best regards chris and family..alex and rose.

[Teshie27]

Welcome to the club. I'm positive you'll get over it, just hang in there. I too have been very sad since I was diagnosed in September this year. Fight on