early CKD

[JaneMiz]

I finished my testing for stage 3A CKD, which was diagnosed in 2015 with a dismissive response by my primary care doctor. (I know, unsurprising, right?)

This year, something changed in my brain, and I decided to figure out what the meaning of this diagnosis and referred myself to a nephrologist.

The more precise tests, delightedly, indicate I’m at stage two, but it has been six months since I have changed my diet, thank you Lee Hull, for the inspiration, and perhaps that was helpful, though, it appears I have gone back-and-forth for the last eight years without attention to the diagnosis that I gave my diet the last six months.

And I learned something new, which will hopefully be decidedly impactful to my numbers. I share today to give you the feedback he gave me, which I think might be helpful.

I was really cutting back on protein and he said I didn’t need to do that, but rather absolutely watch my salt, my sugar, and my uric acid! I didn’t need to make other changes because my other levels are still normal so this is only for people who might find themselves in a similar situation).

Salt can increase risk of blood pressure-terrible for CKD. Sugar can increase risk of diabetes, terrible for CKD. And uric acid, and this one is new for me, which is found in organ meats, beer, red meat, shellfish , colas, and more, are not good for low stage CKD.

So, these are my nephrologist’s recommendations. And, I believe I am in good hands. Knowing what I need to do and doing it has reduced my anxiety. I hope this post helps somebody! Be well!

[Bassetmommer]

Uric acid is in all meat and other animal proteins. The products your Neph mentioned are high in purines, which causes gout and uric acid build up into crystals.... which is what gout is. At Stage 2, limiting you protein to chicken and fish is always a great idea. But limiting too much protein at this point can cause muscle wasting. Its a thin line...

[lowraind]

I still stick with my philosophy since 2017--if I do now what I would have to do later regarding regulating my diet, my numbers will continue to be positive. It has worked for over 6 years.

[bluesandtwo]

I am stage 5 CKDand have changed my diet to no meat and plant food and bought myself a uric acid/glucose monitor which I have found very good as I can keep track of acid levels and what’s causing it as I have gout in both hands and feet caused by the kidney failure. I have cut my uric acid readings by half since I purchased the monitor. I can’t wait to see what my next kidney readings are.

[Pisces101 in reply to bluesandtwo]

Hoping you’ll have great results!!

[JaneMiz]

blessings 🙏🏼💙

[Willowdene]

I have CKD 3a. My GP explained it well. Most people have 3a in later life unfortunately our organs deteriorate somewhat. CKD 1/2 is normal so 3a is very low. She said 6 monthly test only necessary and GFR changes almost every day as will our test results. No change in diet necessary except low salt. And drink plenty, I drink 2 litres a day and pee twice in night as most elderly people do not unusual. Also shows your good in that your drinking plenty.

I have gone from 56 to 59 in 10 years without any change in diet and has gone back up which is good. I think we worry too much about these figures. Unless your tests is 4-5 don’t get anxious

[JaneMiz]

if my doctor had sat down, and said what you said to me, I would not have gone through what I went through, the anxiety and I’m not sure I would’ve gotten the nephrologist. But she was dismissive, and I don’t think that is helpful to see stage three kidney disease on your chart, without a discussion about what happens as we age. Thank you for your feedback.