Potentially odd question about dialysis

[ScottOmega]

So I am looking at all my options. And I was wondering if anybody has gone on dialysis prior to stage 4. I am stage 3a, but I am feeling a lack of ability in regards to what I normally can do physically. I'd like to hold off the fatigue and such and get back to my normal(ish) life. I am normally athletic and don't like the idea of losing what I have gained over the past few years.

Any thoughts?

[Jonquiljo]

If you are stage 3a, then your kidneys should be functioning fine. Are there any other conditions to consider? Also, what are your CKD “numbers” etc? Simply saying Stage 3a is very little to go on.

[MAS_Nurse]

Hi ScottOmega and welcome to this caring community. I would just like to add to the helpful comments jonquiljo has made. One of the reasons you are feeling a lack of ability in regards to what you can normally do physically could be due to anaemia. One reason for fatigue can be anaemia, a shortage of oxygen-carrying red blood cells. People with Chronic Kidney Disease often have anaemia because damaged kidneys make less of a hormone called erythropoietin. This makes you more tired and cold and less able to focus. We are unable to diagnose on this forum, so it would be worth going to see your doctor to have a blood test.

It is good that you like to keep fit as exercise keeps your body strong and healthy. You may find the following website helpful---

nhs.uk/conditions/kidney-di...

Are any other members able to help ScottOmega, please?

Thank you and best wishes

[Mgt8]

Morning,

It's frustrating, not being able to do things when your kidneys function reduces. Especially when you are used to an active life.

I would certainly discuss your symptoms with your doctor. Remembering when I was at stage 3, there were often symptoms but my doctor helped me the best she could to minimise them. Anaemea was one of them and I was given iron which helped.

I would consider dialysis to be the last thing to consider. It keeps you going and that is a wonderful thing, but it often has its own problems.

It also costs huge amounts so I don't imagine it would be suggested at stage 3.

Having been through it, I honestly believe it's best to avoid dialysis until it becomes essential.

Hoping you find a good way forward for yourself.

Best wishes,

Mgt

[RickHow]

You are "only" at stage 3a. MODERATE Kidney disease. Symptoms can of course be present if you have other conditions. As was said, at this early a stage, if your symptoms are caused by the CKD (and you do not know that is the reason), it is likely Anemia. But this is NOT common. Here is the thing. You obviously have medical care, because you know you have CKD, etc. So it is likely your doctor is doing blood and urine testing perhaps every 6 months. This would instantly tell you if it is anemia. But you don't provide enough information to form an opinion. AGE? (if you are 30 and feeling this way it is unusual, if you are 80 or course you tire more easily). Race (Anemia is more common in Black), other medical conditions (diabetic, low blood pressure). But anyway, dialysis is NOT something you just elect and do at any stage. It is not just like scheduling a doctors appointment. You must have a medical professional identify that your disease is at a stage where dialysis is the last option and he/she would refer you to a dialysis location. And this would be highly highly unusual at Stage 3a.

[Rkgaither1954]

Hello. I am 64. I have Sage 3 CKD also. I’ve been having bloodwork done regularly. My GFR varies but at the present time is 48. Every test shows high creatinine. I don’t have anemia. I have been so tired and with no energy whatsoever. That’s what bothers me the most. It is so depressing. So since my kidneys are not removing the waste products from my system properly, they just stay in there. Not a good environment. I wish there was a way to get rid of them without dialysis. 😔

[itzmich]

I too have stage 3 with fatigue. I have found that when I eat less and what I do eat is kidney friendly I have much more energy. I limit myself to 2 oz of protein per meal (mostly plant protein and chicken or fish only once per day. 2 oz of carbs and lots of veggies and fruit. Lots of water. Exercise daily. Even if it's a short walk. My Dr said the fatique has nothing to do with ckd. I also have very mild anemia. This works for me. I hope it helps you.