CKD anemia

[ChevyHappy]

How do people treat CKD related anemia?

[orangecity41]

Good question. My previous GP told me had anemia related to CKD but did not like the treatment and no options given. I am taking vegan iron pills. Do not know if helping the anemia.

[ChevyHappy in reply to orangecity41]

Thank you. I will check out vegan iron pills.

[orangecity41 in reply to ChevyHappy]

At least I feel am doing something.

[Bassetmommer]

There are a couple of anemia forms that are common to CKD. The first one is rare but happens. It is pernicious anemia. It is caused by lacking an intrinsic factor that metabolizes B 12. A milder form of B12 anemia is common in people who eat a vegetarian diet. There are foods that have B 12 in them but are not often consumed by vegetarians or plant-based diets. Solution is to take a supplement or shots.

healthline.com/nutrition/vi...

The more common anemia is when your hemoglobin and hemocrit levels are very low. Common again in late stage CKD where the iron metabolizing process is not working. There are products such as OTC iron tablets, shots, and even up to infusions to help with the condition. The first step is to look at diet and see if there are foods that can be included in the diet that are safe for CKD but supply iron. Many vegetables will give small amount of iron. medicalnewstoday.com/articl...

rethinkanemiaofckd.com/?sou...

A double whammy is when you have both, such as I do, My diet is pretty restrictive so I do take a B12 supplement as well as using a product high in B12 called Nutritional Yeast. I sprinkle it on foods as a flavoring. My hemoglobin is below 10 but I do not eat any meat, eggs or other animal products so getting iron is tricky. I do eat broccoli and some beans, watermelon and some other greens but I have to watch my potassium. It is a real balancing act. Hope this helps.

[ChevyHappy in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thank you so much. You pretty well described my exact condition. I'm meeting with my nephrologist next week so I will address these issues. I really appreciate your taking time to answer my question. Thank you.

[orangecity41 in reply to Bassetmommer]

I have similar situation with my anemia. My Neurologist prescribed B12 for me due to Neuropathy. Thanks for the good links too.

[purple-1974]

My nephrologist has put me on ferrous sulphate 600mg daily since 2018, my levels were considerably lower back then and now in normal range.

[ChevyHappy in reply to purple-1974]

Thank you. I will consult with my nephrologist.

[RickHow]

In my opinion a lot depends on how low is low? Some have written their experience such as B12, iron pills, etc., etc. You have discovered you, or someone you know, has CKD caused anemia. To know this then you/they must be under a doctors care (primary care, likely a kidney doctor, etc.). They have identified anemia and must have given you direction on the right course of action. My own experience is that my hemoglobin, hematocrit level, and red blood cell levels are below the normal range, but remain consistent (not changing for 2 or more years). All my doctors (primary, oncologist, kidney) have directed me to do nothing. When questioned why not the answer is that while there is a normal range, we are not all typical ("normal"). Since they are just below normal, do not fluctuate much over long period of time, then lets let it alone. BUT in your case, which is not mine, do what your doctors advise. Don't self "medicate" with supplements, etc., without the advice of your doctors (especially your kidney doctor). A lot depends too on other information you and your doctors have that we do not. Such as what are your iron levels in your serum. In your urine test is there any evidence of blood (even low levels), also an indication of anemia levels and cause. You ask a perfect question. Pose it to your kidney doctor.

[ChevyHappy in reply to RickHow]

Thank you for this response. I never add any supplements without discussing with my dr. I appreciate your answer.

[Hily]

I have 3 monthy shots of B12 but never felt any high or lows from them. After my diagnosis of CKD 4 they did an iron reading as I was given a Ferritin infusion taking my readings much higher even made a pint of blood in a month. Iron readings are now good.

[ChevyHappy in reply to Hily]

Thank you. Do you inject yourself or do you go to the doctor?

[Hily in reply to ChevyHappy]

Hi, no it went through a canula, took over half an hour with a specialist nurse. It was called Ferrinject. Organised by my nephrologist.

[ChevyHappy in reply to Hily]

Thank you. I will speak with my dr. Many thanks