rheumatoid arthritis & new ckd

[bleeski]

New here and confused.Just diagnosed with grade 3A ckd.My new dr. kind of told me in passing.No explanation,just that we'd monitor it.I've had controlled hypertension since 40's-now 63 and I have rheumatoid arthritis.Should I have been told any dietary goals or lifestyle changes or should I just go about my life as usual?

[Hidden]

Hi and Welcome. One thing I've learned about CKD is that you must be proactive. My first nephrologist just listed I was Stage 2 on his notes after my 2nd visit. At my 4th visit he was delayed and I looked over my chart and saw that and then when he came in he said I was at Stage 3A. Not only that but, he wasn't too concerned about the GFR as he said he didn't think that was a number he would base a diagnosis on. That ended my time with him and am awaiting an appointment with a different nephrologist closer to home.

In your place I wouldn't wait before I started to change diet and lifestyle. The DaVita website has lots of recipes that are simple and easy to make that will go easy on your kidneys. Anything you can do to increase your physical activity from where it is to where you can help yourself further is also a good idea, before you see a specialist.

One other thing I've done is a search online for a renal dietician. I found one about two hours from where I live and she is going to help me prepare a meal plan that will work for me. Good luck and good health.

[bleeski in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for replying.I wanted to make sure I wasn't overreacting but it was my first visit with this doctor since my other internist retired (plan to find another) and from what I've read you need your eGFR to be below 60 in three consecutive bloodtests.I've had three tests done in five months and they were 59,54, and 56.I realize I'm at the high end but I expected her to tell me ways to be proactive,at least.When you add the RA,which may have been the cause,along with my hypertension, I feel I need to be more careful.Will definitely be looking into this further.Have a great day.

[Hidden in reply to bleeski]

First thing I should say here is that some people are fortunate and stay at their present GFR for months or years before moving. That said some people don't find out until they are at Stage 4 or worse. It wouldn't hurt you to begin a healthy diet and exercise program now and by the time you get your third set of lab results you'll either be in good shape or found some meals you'd like to incorporate into your regular menu. The exercise was a big surprise for me. I never thought I had the time to do all that I do now but I made it all fit. Keep thinking good thoughts but being prepared is more than the Boy Scout Motto.

[bleeski]

yes,I feel I should at least start a walking regime.I don't need to lose weight because I'm only 110 lbs but it would be good to be more fit.

[Hidden in reply to bleeski]

110 lbs is great as long as you aren't 3 feet tall. Being more fit and toned is a great first step. I've lost a lot of weight and tone is something I'm still dealing with. Share your results here when you can.

[Dustypye]

Cut the salt and the anti inflammatory meds. Watch the blood pressure and blood sugar as well.

[cmaxwell78 NKF Ambassador]

Hello, and welcome! All the above advice is great! It's a great idea to begin walking and adjusting your diet to reduce sodium, protein, phosphorus, and potassium when you can. Remember that your kidneys are filters and the less stress you put on them with foods and nutrients that are difficult to process, the better! The DASH diet is great to follow if you're looking for a specific plan to help get you started. Here's a resource you might find helpful, as well: kidney.org/nutrition/Kidney...

This is a great place to bounce ideas off others in the same boat. So, come on back and chat when you have questions!

[Jenkea]

Hello, I am stage 3 also, my Dr was the same as your didn’t think it’s a big deal, i gathered as much info as i could and all on my own I have managed to improve slightly, yesterday I got a 2nd opinion from an old friend a diabetes specialist but also saw kidney patients, she said the same thing, no changes needed just cut out red meat and soda, which are not part of my diet anyway, she said my kidneys should be good for20 yrs

[lowraind]

Don't know if you are still watching this site, but for what it is worth... If you have arthritis, you need to find out how your meds are affecting your kidney. I was on generic Celebrex and the nephrologist had me stop taking them immediately.

[Jenkea]

I wasn’t even told, found out by accident, stage 3 Dr acts like it’s no big deal, said no special diet required, figuring it out mostly on my own.

[Hidden]

Remember it's your health we are talking about not the doctors. I can't begin to tell you the number of times I've gone to a new doctor to be able to finally put together a Care Team of doctors that understand I want their best advice/medical knowledge and then with their support I'll make the decision that's right for me. Don't despair you just have to continue to be proactive and keep learning. The better informed you are the better you will be able to make key decisions.

[sharonlyn]

i just recently joined a facebook group...natural kidney journey...everyone who has ckd needs to join this group...i have been eating the way that is outlined in this group since the beginning of march...i have lost a considerable amount of weight...i have gotten off my blood pressure meds...losartain and hydradraline...and a diueritic lasix...i have been working on getting rid of my diabetic med from 2 times aday to 1/2 a day and sometimes not even that...i was a stage 4 ckd at 26 now i am stage ckd 3b at 41...i have gained 15 points...it is similiar to vegan but you cut out sugar...oil...salt...potatoes...tomatoes...no processed food at all...mainly a plant based diet... water and herbal teas are fine...low potassium...low phoshorus...i feel really good...the people who started this group were able to get her husband off of dialysis...and he has been off of dialysis for 14 months...there are a couple of people onsite who have accomplished that...others are raising their gfr's dramatically...all with diet...it is a great group and i am so thankful that i found them...i mean 15 points is terrific for just a month of dedication...i am working to get to stage 2 or better...now this is my experience with this way of eating...everyone is different but i found out i ckd not because my doctor told me but that i looked at my labs...if you are really serious in having better kidney function at least check out this group...