CKD 3B

[JayBeeArt]

Wondering if anyone has problems with pins and needles and cramps on there legs and/or arms?

Also if anyone is following a “diet” what to eat, and what not?

[Gorsemoor]

Hi,my GFR over the last four summers has been 31,26,31 and a month ago 30 so has you can see I am relatively stable.

I had some pins and needles but the doc put me on gabapentin and that stopped it.I do have cramps in my legs some times but I just have a walk or massage them and it is no great problem.

I am on a self imposed diet and rarely have meat,processed meats and in general i avoid dairy products my main food is fish smaller portions and I eat lots of fruit and vegetables.

For fruit avoid bananas and oranges and stick to blueberries which are great for kidneys and apples and red grapes I also drink cranberry juice.

I’m 74 and have been atstage 3b for many many years so it has slowed down the progression and I avoid all salty foods particularly anything from the deli counter and my blood pressure is constantly between 115/70 and 125/75 hope this helps.

[orangecity41 in reply to Gorsemoor]

I am age 78 stage 3b and similar experience and on renal diet. I have neuropathy unrelated to CKD and also take gabapentin.

[Zazzel in reply to orangecity41]

I've had idiopathic small fiber neuropathy since Jan. Does the gabapentin take away the burning feelings? Did you notice any kidney decline after taking it? I'm a little nervous to take pain killers, but since they can't find a reason or solution for it, I'm thinking it would be nice to have something when it's at its worst though it is often mild. I'll be talking to my nephrologist about it again at my next visit, but would live your experience.

[orangecity41 in reply to Zazzel]

The Gabapentin does relieve the stinging and burning feelings for me. This is info from Mayo Clinic: age-related kidney problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving gabapentin. I have to take it due to motor sensory neuropathy. My Neurologist and PD are monitoring it.

I also use a homeopathic Neuropathy Rubbing Oil, which my neurologist approved of. Ask your nephrologist.

[Zazzel in reply to orangecity41]

Thanks for the info.

[citronc3 in reply to Gorsemoor]

Yes I am like you and I am a fit 74 and at stage 3a CKD. Having this condition for 3 years i know the self imposed diet really works. My fresh protein levels are kept to the recommended size of a pack of cards....I believe you need your protein to maintain bone density .... And I have protein free days. Keeping phosphate at recommended levels and especially keeping salt levels to between 2.5 To 3 gm daily is a must along with all recommended diet advice. Always allow for eating out and don't be afraid to ask for low or no salt added to foods at restaurants...but you can pull back on salt intake the next day. For me a good way of telling that my diet is working is when my urine is foam free and I don't get that very tired and nauseous feeling.

[Impregilo]

Hi JayBeeArt,

Neuropathy:

I am 77, with CKD 3b, post Nephrectomy for Renal cell Cancer, Diabetic since 2011 and now Pre- diabetic and also hypertensive.

About 6 months ago I started to feel hot sensations, pins and needles in my soles more pronounced in the upper parts of my feet.

It developed over a period and I would feel more intense in the evening before going to bed. Eventually it became so intense I was unable to sleep and I would immerse my feet in cold water to get some relief.

I then saw my GP and she was very surprised to know of my agony from neuropathy because my diabetes was well under control.

Anyhow she prescribed Amitriptyline for one month but it caused hyponatremia as I was being monitored for Hyperkalemia.

She stopped that immediately and did not prescribe anything else as if tough luck.

There is no cure for neuropathy.

I then received a birthday present from my daughter who new about my agony at night.

As I opened the presents, I found “ Neuropathy temporary pain relief Essential oils “as well as Cold Therapy Socks in my birthday pack.

I started to apply Essential Oil as directed to my soles and wear cold therapy socks before going to bed.

I began to feel relief from burning sensations and pins and needles and I could go to sleep afterwards.

I also started to do neuropathy feet and calf muscles exercises regularly which I had researched myself.

This combination of treatment gave me immense relief to the extent I have now stopped using the cold therapy socks and use of essential oils.

I am still doing my exercises regularly but my symptoms are under control and I am sleeping normal.

It’s a long story but I felt giving you the full picture.

[Runquik123]

Hi JayBeeArt

when i get leg cramps I drink Tonic Water which helps. I sometimes have hot itchie feet when in bed so I take antihistoman tablets. Recently I've been getting cramp in my hands especially when writing or when preparing food , especially stiring food - dont know if its anything to do with my kidney function.

[Hidden]

Two separate things, and for me, unrelated. With bad kidneys, I'm gonna have some itching but acupuncture and dropping a 'statin takes care of most of it. The leg cramps I have almost done away with by getting my PH back to normal. Notice both do not involve using pharmaceuticals, even quitting one.