Help with CKD stage 2

[Emmie46]

It was confirmed 2 days ago that I’m a stage 2 kidney dysfunction with high protein in urine and borderline type 2 diabetes they told me I need to routine bloods again in 3 months and told me to cut down on process foods protein potassium in foods plus watch the salt and sugar content. Is this all I should be doing. I have been feeling tired with no energy and no appetite for the last 3 months. Is this why I have been feels so rubbish the doctor wasn’t no help and it was all over phone call. She said I’m not drinking enough and that is why my I have CKD is this right. How do you get CKD hoping someone can help me

[Bassetmommer]

Hi Emmie, Was this the first lab you have had done? Usually, they confirm CKD with multiple tests. Let me assure you that if it was only one lab, that it may not be conclusive. The lab is a picture of the day and time you had the lab. If you were dehydrated, meaning it was early in the day and you had not drunk a lot of water and fluids, or after a run or exercise that you sweated, even if that was hours previously, you will appear to be dehydrated.

Secondly, what is your age? We lose kidney function as we age. It is just natural.

And lastly, what was the GFR? I will give you a link to look at in comparison. You will see stage 2 is pretty mild and the closer you are to stage 1.... well, it may not be such a big deal.

However, you said the doctor said you were spilling protein. Did they explain that to you and how much is a lot? Again, how many tests did they do to confirm that?

kidney.org/kidney-basics

The diabetes is a wake-up call. You can stop that progression easily with a diet and exercise routine. Take a look at what you are eating and see where you can trim up the garabge.....such as potatoes: French fries and chips, crackers and cookies, pasta and bread. All the good stuff. Look at the sweets you consume and stop. After time, it will be a natural way to eat. As far as protein, red meat is terrible for the kidneys. Cut that down or completely out and instead stick with lean chicken and fish. Try to add more veggies and salads to your meals. Before you get all upset, try these suggestions for the next 3 months before your next labs and see what happens.

As far as feeling tired, yes it can be from the diabetes and CKD. But at stage 2, you really are in the best place to change things up and turn it around. It is up to you. Diabetes is a major cause of CKD. If you continue down this path, you will be facing a world of medications to manage it and it WILL impact your kidneys. Simple changes can stop it if you are proactive now.

The good news is that you can really do a lot to stop this situation. See a dietician. Change what you put into your body. If you are taking medications, have the doctor or a pharmacist review the medications to see if they are all good for protecting your kidneys. Stop taking over the counter medications such as ibuprofen and ask about any supplements you are taking. Drink more water , cut out sodas like colas and sugary, even diet soda, as they are terrible for diabetes and CKD. Don't be fooled by artificial sweeteners; they are terrible for you. Cut down on caffeine. At this point, unless your potassium is high, which I doubt at stage 2 it is..high is over 5.2...then I would not worry about it. Cut down or cut out salt where you can. NO junk food like McDonalds and stay away from as much processed foods as you can. Processed foods are like frozen dinners, canned foods and soups, sausages,.... foods where they add a lot of additives. Read labels.

This is a lot, but again, they choice is yours. Change up now, and I bet you will find that both the diabetes and CKD will or can be history.

Ask questions. We are here for you.

[Emmie46 in reply to Bassetmommer]

My GFR is 61-75 this is my second test first test was 61-88 urine was showing lots of +++ protein and the specific gravity was high too they said. I will cut down on what you say I eat healthy anyway as I joined slimming world last year and lost 3st but the last few weeks I have had no appetite and lost a lot more so have gone under my target buy a lot. I don’t eat much sweet food but I will cut back on my potatoes don’t eat a lot of them but I do have some whole meal bread but just read white bread is better for kidneys. I do eat red meat but not too often do to cut it out will be fine. They didn’t explain anything about protein only that there was +++ in my urine so to limit what I have not to have much I should have. I want to do what’s right so any help is appreciate I’m 47 with 4 young children so I want to be healthy as possible for me and for them

Thank you

[Bassetmommer in reply to Emmie46]

Emmie, What does 61-88 or 61-75 mean. Was it 75 and 88 or 61? Big difference because one is stage2 and barely stage 2..the 61 ..and the 75 and 88 could be your normal and not CKD at stage 1. They get concerned if it below 60 for your age.... so this to means a deeper conversation with the doctor explaining your numbers. +++ for protein? What the heck does that mean? I really hope you make your GP go over this findings with you because you may be getting upset at really what is your normal level and not CKD. Did they give you a creatinine number too? If they gave this information to you over the phone, and they did not explain everything to you...well, maybe the best thing is to find a new doctor.

BTW, you may be tired because you have a lot going on with four children. Give yourself a break and congratulate yourself for doing as well as you are.

[BettysMom in reply to Bassetmommer]

I'm surprised you don't know what +++ protein in the urine means.

[lowraind in reply to Bassetmommer]

Bassetmommer,

Just an aside. I knew you would be one of the first to respond, and I want to thank you for your well thought out responses. Since the disappearance of Mr. Kidney, I look to your words for the best information.

Thanks

[Bassetmommer in reply to lowraind]

Oh thank you. That is so sweet. I wonder why Mr. Kidney left. We did not always see eye to eye, but he certainly was knowledgeable. Take care, and thank you, its nice to hear.

[WinJ3]

Be proactive!

At stage 2 you are in a great place. I agree 100% with what Bassetmommer said and nothing should motivate you more then wanting to save your kidneys.

Buy and read Lee Hull’s book: “Stopping Kidney Disease”.

[Emmie46 in reply to WinJ3]

Which book stopping kidney disease or stopping kidney disease basic or both

[WinJ3 in reply to Emmie46]

Interesting….I just went to Amazon to check. I saw where the basic looks to be undated, even with information for 2022 treatments. I bought the stopping kidney disease but, if this was out, I would buy the basic. It cost less too.

[Emmie46]

Sorry I don’t understand any of it not sure what they my second test

GFR creat( ckdepi) 1.73*2:75Epi- GFR interpretation results are 61-75

=Ckd stage 2 renal dysfunctional

This is what got put on a piece of paper for me to collect and these were my results from 2 days ago

[Emmie46]

Ok I have ordered it thank you for your help

[Skeptix]

Hi there.

Firstly. Commiserations on what might be your first encounter with a health issue. It was mine and it does tend to realign your life view.

Secondly. This is a great forum you landed at. In a sense well done for navigating the murk that is the internet-med-advice realm. We are folk who take our CKD seriously and so have something useful to say about it.

If I know anything from my own endeavors, it's that diabetes is battery acid for you, systemically. Avoid like the plague. And I haven't got nor am I near diabetes! If any focus then on that.

The best thing you can do is what you are already doing. Engaging and getting on top of things.

Welcome.

[itzmich]

You can help with diet changes. There is a lot of info out there I would go to a dietitian for help. If you feel your doctor isn't helpful change doctors. Diabetes and kidney disease is a big challenge. You can do this and as you eat what your body needs you will feel better. There is also a new medication helpful for both talk to your doctor about it.

[Emmie46]

Thanks all for your advise and support. I will do anything to make my life easier

[Marvin8]

Quite unusual to be spilling large amounts of protein in your urine at Stage 2.

[Boxster2 in reply to Marvin8]

It may be a little rare but it also is a major concern that needs to be be addressed with ARBs or the new SGLT 2 Inhibitors. Large amounts of spilled protein is the most reliable predictor of future dialysis. I'm stage two with semi regular +3 dipstck readings and the nephs have no idea what has caused my disease. My educated opinion is long term untreated severe gout ( doctor refused me allopurinol). My father had the same gout issue and we were both otherwise healthy, diets, exercise. His gout was untreated as well and spilling urine and sure enough ended up on dialysis and then got a transplant from his sister and subsequently died of anti rejection dug related skin cancer. Stay on top by constantly updating your knowledge on ckd. There are MANY MANY doctors who consistently drop the ball. It's up to us to be our own greatest advocates or suffer the possible consequences.

[Marvin8 in reply to Boxster2]

Unfortunately, I already spend waaay too much of my precious time educating myself.

[Boxster2 in reply to Marvin8]

Yeah i find it all very painful to stay up to date but im determined to not end up like my father since there isnt a single negative health condition he had that i dont have...genes..the double edged sword.