Fatigue

[itzmich]

I have stage 3b and am have issues with fatique. The Dr said it"s not from my kidneys. I know that it is. Any ideas to help me?

[Bassetmommer]

Hi Itzmich,

Why does your doctor think it is not due to your CKD?

Are you anemic? I would have him check that out. Just know that when your kidneys are not functioning as they should, you will get tired. Make sure your blood levels are good: hemoglobin, Vit D, B 12, and iron can all be affected by poorly functioning kidneys.

Then, rest...... if your tired, slow down and rest. I find I have days when I am a powerhouse and then other days I am too fatigued to do much. Fortunately, since I got my blood levels up and in good order, I have less of those days.

Go to bed and get up at the same time. Routine sleep is good for general health. Take breaks when you need it.

And this is the most important. Drink water. When the body is dehydrated, you will feel tired and sluggish. Do not drink caffeinated beverages in an attempt to get energy. They will cause a high and low situation and caffeine will dehydrate you. Water and plenty of it. I drink at least 2 ltrs a day. And yes, I spend a lot of time going to the bathroom, but that too is good for kidney health.

Maybe this is the time to find another doctor. Just telling you being tired is not from CKD is professionally poor.

[itzmich in reply to Bassetmommer]

Mild anemia....do everything else. Thx💓

[orangecity41]

I have mild anemia and am at stage 3b. I too get fatigued sometimes. My RBC and Platelets are in the low range. I would ask the Doctor for an explanation for what else could be the cause , and what is the treatment plan.

[jillab]

Hi, It is so annoying , very few GPs will associate tiredness with CKD, even the later stages, I belong to another group as well as this one , and we now have over 2000 ladies from around the world, all ages all colour., and I would guess that almost 90% of us suffer with tiredness to the extent of exhaustion in some cases, but Drs will not accept it as part of CKD , I am retired now so I'm lucky in the fact I can rest when I need to , but for younger ladies it is so hard for them, some with young children, others working , and this must be the same for men too , trying to work when so tired must be so hard. You could try a new doctor, but I have found most of them the same, they just don't get it.

[itzmich in reply to jillab]

Thanks

[Keithtim10]

Dear Itzmich I am same as Bassetmommer in that I am CKD Stage 3 and have been for a while now.I also do find tiredness is an issue but my Kidney consultant gave me the advice in listen to your body and if it says tired then take a break and he confirmed having CKD will cause problems due to extra work they have to do.I also take on board fluids to help and my bloods are checked on a regular basis.I would advise also to question advice given which is your right as is second opinions.Good luck.

[Cyclyingjac62]

Hi, definitely request test for Vit D as I was deficient in this and suffered terrible fatigue which improved a lot once on medication. Kidneys control vit D. Im at stage 3 too.

[orangecity41 in reply to Cyclyingjac62]

I too have low range vitamin D, even with taking supplement. Agree with other posts, about taking a break when fatigue sets in. I have the luxury of doing this as retired, as mentioned in another post. I just have to be vigilant and do it.

[oaks33]

I have stage 3a and like you problems with fatigue. Further blood tests indicated my Thyroid was the problem. I am in process of fixing that and hopefully get an end to this tiredness.

[RickHow]

Hi. I am Stage 3 CKD and Stage 4 Kidney Cancer which has spread to my bones (kidney removed). I take treatments for the Cancer with an IV every 3 weeks (it is not a cure, just slows cancer growth). The side effects of the Cancer and treatment do cause fatigue.

You do not give your age. And we do not know all about you medically. So I don't think we are in a position to disagree with your doctor who knows you better than I. After Kidney removal, I became stage 3. For months I had no issues with fatigue. Then it started. It was not "I have lay down" or "I need a nap" type. I just did not have my normal energy. I brought it to my doctors attention. I was worried because my mother, who died of breast cancer, for a long time complained to her doctors of sudden fatigue. They ignored her. You are old (70's) was the answer. Well it turned out to be cancer. So her body was fighting it as hard as possible and causing fatigue. My fatigue was the same. They said you are just getting older (69). Turned out to be cancer and my body was fighting it. During all this time my blood tests (except for egfr) were normal with RBC however showing a little bit low. Not alarming, but in low range. That should have been a sign of needing further checking. It was my body fighting the unknown cancer. It would not have made a difference because there is no cure for renal cancer spread to the bones. But still.

I had to have a hip replaced (cancer ate the bone) in June. This put additional stress on my body and additional fatigue during recovery. BUT, I can give you some advice. I had physical therapy at home after the hip. I complained of my fatigue. I was advised to NOT lay down. Do NOT take a nap unless absolutely necessary. That as strange as it sounds fight the fatigue by moderate activity. To go outside, walk around the block, or further, at a relaxed pace. Then just take a break when I return and watch something on TV or read a book. I did so and it helped tremendously. I then had to do radiation for the cancer. This adds to fatigue. Their advice was identical. Walk, go to the store, do some not taxing, but work through the fatigue, don't just sit or lay down or sleep.

Some times it is too overwhelming and I can't do the walk. But I do just watch some TV or something and NOT sleep.

[Susieg1 in reply to RickHow]

Why do they say not to lie down and sleep? What is the reasoning?

Taking naps is good for everyone in general.

I have fatigue from my CKD and from my thyroid. Just found out I most likely have Hashimoto's which has caused my low thyroid. My thyroid numbers have been normal for years since taking Armour Thyroid, but that has been a smokescreen for all that time. My thyroid is being destroyed by my own antibodies.

I have had fatty liver for years, but my recent blood test shows no more fatty liver and my kidney numbers have improved.

I am on a renal diet and I take cbd oil and certain nutrients.

I take a nap when exhausted which I get also from the heat. It always helps. If I get a bit sleepy and can't take a nap, I do deep breathing and walk around.

[itzmich in reply to Susieg1]

Of course I nap but this is not just tiredness. This feels like someone has drugged me and I sleep 2/3 hours and cant quite wake up. I sleep at least 8 hours a night. I have never slept so much in my life. I am active and exercise and work but nothing to warrant this type of sleep. I do take B complex and D and cbd oil. I'll try deep breathing and walking.....thanks

[RickHow in reply to itzmich]

Before my kidney was removed I too took vitamin B for years. I have no idea why but on my first visit to the kidney doctor she told me to stop vitamin B and the calcium supplement I was taking.

[RickHow in reply to Susieg1]

Hi. Go to google and type something like exercise to fight fatigue. Or exercise to prevent fatigue. There are tons of websites on this.

[itzmich in reply to RickHow]

Thanks for the tip about exercize to help fatique. I find that even a short walk and some fresh air seems to help.

[itzmich in reply to RickHow]

So sorry for all health wise that is going on with you. I feel bad complaining about fatique. Sending positive energy to you on your journey.

[RickHow in reply to itzmich]

Thanks.

[Hidden]

A second opinion might be a consideration (from another MD).