my creatinine level has risen to 398. I have CKD stage 4. At what stage does dialysis become necessary?

[elithomson]

[googie]

Normally at Stage 5. When I asked my Renal consultant about my creatinine level, he told me not to worry too much about it. Can you adjust it by diet? Do you know what your Renal Function is, as that is more of an indicator as to when you will start dialysis. Normally they start to be concerned at the 15% point. My renal function as of last month was at 20%, but went for a DMSA yesterday to see how they are functioning now

Not too sure if that has helped you at all, but worth asking your specialist.

[elithomson in reply to googie]

Thank you for your help. My last check on kidney function read 16%. I get my blood results online from the Hosp so I can check them out myself. My creatinine has risen over the past months and the Doc says my kidneys have taken a 'dip'. Now I'm literally getting scared. I'm a coward at heart!

[googie in reply to elithomson]

I know how you feel, I am terrified of getting the results of my latest test, and I know that people say don't be scared, but I have been there when I havent been able to open my mouth without crying because I couldnt or don't know how to handle it. You are not being a coward! Everyone has the right to be worried or scared about something that is happening to them. Getting your head around it and speaking to people who have been through or are going through the same thing is very important.

Stay on here and keep us updated and I am sure everyone will be here to support you when you need it and to calm you down. I am practically always online, lol, so will reply usually the same day, even if you just want to rant or chat.

[elithomson in reply to googie]

Thank you for your help and support, I will likely pester the life out of you with my need to know questions.

[idioticmoron in reply to googie]

how ignorant you and your doctor are..... testing the creatine level is how they test the renal function...

[googie68 in reply to idioticmoron]

Bit late for that comment, this thread is 6 years old.

[ladybird194]

Hi, like the previous answer, its normally at Stage 5. My dialysis began when my GFR dropped to 8%, until then I felt fine, but began to feel very ill at the 8% mark.

[googie]

Ah, thank you for that Ladybird, as I was worrying about that too, thinking that I didn't have that far to go before I was going to start feeling ill. At the moment I feel great (at least I think I do, as you can just get used to the way you feel, lol) I am hoping function hasnt dropped too much and that I can keep afloat with diet. I have lost weight and watch what I eat. I know its not the cure, but it has to help in some way xx

[googie]

Also, can I ask what type of Dialysis you are using?

[esystems in reply to googie]

yes i had a choise one of 3 .I went for the CAPD type (change during the day but it does tie u down a bit ) so then i was put onto APD ( night time exchange through a machine) this leaves you free during the day to do as u wish. Iv been on dialysis for past 2 half years now, my leavles are holding fine. if u need any help in any way post to me

[googie in reply to esystems]

Thank you, as that is the route I would like to go down if/when I need to. The hospital have been fab and are doing everything they can to look after the kidney that does very litte, but a little is better than nothing. Worried it might have to come out if there are too many infections, but have been for my scan to see what my function is, but not holding out much hope for the other kidney, as I think it may only be working around 18%, but I feel great at the moment x

[esystems in reply to googie]

mine are at 10% both so dialysis was only way to go. Queen Elizabeth hosp look well after me. I would start on CADP first to let u get used to it ,then change to APD. if it helps plz post to me xx

[googie in reply to esystems]

I will , thank you very much x

[esystems in reply to googie]

googie hi if u need any advise on how it works plz ask i try to help u

[nikityler]

I have been told that when my GFR drops to 15% or below then I will need dialysis, but I have a feeling this varies from area to area. Like you googie I am also not looking forward to my blood results when they are taken in two weeks time. I have already dropped 2% in a month.

[googie in reply to nikityler]

Fingers crossed for you xx

[KEZ007]

My GFR is 5 % at the mo have had a fistula in place for the last month ...as yet have not started dialysis am putting it of as long as possible, this will be 2nd time around for me but this time not as sick as the first time just feeling tired think my body is more tolerant if that's possible . As to feeling normal ? what is normal not sure I know any more

[Hidden]

My egfr is 9% atm dont feel too bad just extremely tired at work and a little nauseous 2nd time for me too im going back onto peritoneal dialysis,was on it for almost 6 yrs before this transplant and it was great enabling me to carry on working almost full time,im just waiting for appt for tenchkoff catheter insertion date,dont be too nervous googie,we are most scared of the unknown and you will be fine when it eventually happens,take it from me i was dreadfully scared to the point i had panic attacks,now i know whats entailed this time im fine,anytime you need a chat get back on here its a great community xx

[googie in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Donnyfan. I have already told the hospital that if i need dialysis that i would like to go down the route of pd as I feel I will be in charge of what is going on xx