New CKD patient

[Whomikey]

Hello everyone. New to site and new to the CKD. Diagnosed Feb 2016 and GFR was 57. Past couple blood work down to 43. Only have one working kidney. My left is Atrophy (shrunk down to nothing). Is that a fast drop? I am very fatigue all the time. Mostly in the mornings when I wake up. Sometimes hard to even get out of bed. I just turn 50. Never been sick my whole life until now. I watch my protein in take and water. I don't drink or smoke. But this fatigue is kicking my butt. Any advise or about my number drop ( should I be concern it dropping that fast?). Thanks for your help. Looking forward to hearing back and others stories as well as we walk through this CKD life of ours. Whomikey

[Hidden]

Hi, I've had drops that steep and there could be many reasons for it. Since you have only one kidney I think your situation is more of a situation than most. What have your doctors told you, (PCP and Nephrologist)? Unless your doctor has told you to limit your fluid intake why have you cut back? You'll find lots of support here.

[hazel-hearty in reply to Hidden]

I also have only one kidney

[Whomikey in reply to hazel-hearty]

They did a lot of tests and scans last year and they have no answer. I have never been sick and never had scan before so they say I might have been born this way. My left kidney is so small. But they are not removing it. They said I could have had CKD most of my life but just now finding out. Nice to find other people who are in the same boat as me. Take care. Have a great day. Hit me back anytime.

[hazel-hearty in reply to Whomikey]

It is wonderful to know have the same type of CKD ; only one working kidney aggrivation

[Whomikey in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for responding. Yes with only one function Kidney my situation is a little different. I see my PCD and nephrologist every 4-5 months. My water intake was too much at one time. I stopped soda for like 5 years and only drank water but like over a gallon a day. The dr at that time told me to cut back since I had only one functioning kidney to slow it down to not work at much to preserve it. I am still drinking water just not as much. Both Drs don't seem the number drop is a big deal. Again this me being sick is all new to me so it makes me think if my numbers drop so fast it will drop quickly. They say I am fine. Every couple months I ask for blood work to ease my mind. My GFR is lowest at 43. But 1 and half year ago it was 57. But not change in like 6 months. I am glad I found this site. I like reading other people stories. It does help and know I am not alone. Others here are just like me but maybe just different path or level. Hope you have a great day.

[Zazzel]

Are you able to get a good night's sleep or do you wake up often and have a hard time getting to sleep? Many kidney patients suffer from a lack of the hormone Melatonin. You can take this supplement before going to bed to help you sleep. It is very inexpensive. It comes in a variety of different strengths. Start out with the lowest dosage 1mg and every few days increase it until you find that you are sleeping well. You will know if you take too much if you are very groggy in the morning. You should be able to find it in any place that sells vitamins.

Here is more information about it. townsendletter.com/June2013...

****PLease NOTE: as always with any new supplement or vitamin, consult your doctor before trying. If you have other types of immune problems like Rheumatoid Arthritis, this could make it worse.

[Whomikey in reply to Zazzel]

Thanks for the info. Yes my sleep is not great. I do work 4-12 midnight shift. Still working full time but I do call out a lot these past 6 months with this fatigue. So I don't get a good 8 hours of sleep but on my days off work I mainly rest in bed. I will ask my dr about maybe hormone imbalance. Thanks again the any info. This is all new to me and family. Have a great day. Mikey

[Zazzel in reply to Whomikey]

FYI- most mainstream doctors won't really delve into that or might not even know if melatonin would work so you might get a blank stare from them. It's more of a holistic thing. What they can tell you is if it will be a problem with other meds you are taking.

If you don't want to go that route, you might also try night time sleep meditation music. It has also helped me. I used that before I tried the melatonin. It did help, but once I did both, that's when I saw the greatest improvement.

Also, even though you aren't actually working a night shift, your natural sleep pattern may be affected with your hours. There have been studies done showing this. Here's one article apa.org/monitor/2011/01/nig...

Probably not something you can really change or want to change, but something to consider if your fatigue continues to get worse. Maybe a change in hours would help you feel better and get you a better night sleep.

As for the water thing. I've only been drinking water for and occasional fruit juice for years. I tended to overdrink water. I also was told to slow down on it. They said I was basically drowning my organs and flushing out all the nutrients. I guess there is too much of a good thing.

Have a great day yourself!

[Whomikey in reply to Zazzel]

Thanks for all the info. I'll let you know.