Doctors advice

Hi All, Well I've been to see the GP today,to ask about all these blood tests I've had over the last month. Well I'm sorry to say but I didn't get much satisfaction,as it was a GP I've never seen before. He said my CKD was just borderline,but if they were worried I would get a phone call. He then went on to tell me sometimes ,blood results can get taken wrongly,by the person taking the blood. To be perfectly honest I don't have a lot of faith in our surgery anyway,doctors are always leaving,which makes me wonder why. Before anyone tells me to change believe me I've tried there either full,or no better. So I don't have much choice.

So I hope the young lady that is going to see her GP tomorrow has better luck than me,and yes I was practically told my time was up,and could I leave. No wonder we have the feeling of taking up to much time,and coming out still worried.

[Mary-intussuception]

Some options that may be considered (after recovering from the appalling attitude of the GP):

Write to or phone practice Manager ?

Make an appointment with a named GP - is there a better GP in the practice?

Write to the Senior Partner? -

To say you would like you be referred to the Dietician and the Kidney Specialiast. (Might be a long waiting list for the Kidney Specialiast ).

Or to complain about the new GP -

or both.

[Hidden in reply to Mary-intussuception]

Thank you Mary,I just may try some of your advice.

[Dixidude39]

Gemini ... sounds like it's time for a second opinion from a urologist at one of the top cancer centers. See the U S News & World Report top 50 cancer center list on the internet. The specialist you'll see will have lots of experience diagnosing and treating your situation.

[TaffyTwoshoes27 in reply to Dixidude39]

I would consult a Nephrologist before a urologist if symptoms mimic those of kidney disease (look up on google for symptoms). The GFR can fluctuate slightly from day to day. As I said earlier, an Emory University educated internist overlooked my GFR of 28 and let me go 4 more months without a CKD diagnosis. When I had a follow-up visit with her, she said my potassium was so high I could have had a heart attack!! She still did not say I had CKD, until my sister called the doctor and had a stern conversation with the doctor. FINALLY, the doctor called me and said "You MAY have chronic kidney disease -- Stage 3 or 4. You need to get a nephrologist to confirm." I never went back to that Internist again. Dumb beotch.

[Hidden]

Sorry Dixidude39, I think you've got the wrong end of the stick.

It's not cancer I'm worried about,it's my kidneys. I have a lot of health issues,so therefore take a lot of medication,and when my hubby gotme copies of all the blood tests I've had lately,which is unusual,I was just worried when I seen CKD. I will get it sorted. But all the same thank you for taking the time to reply to me.

[curleytop1]

Hello Gemini71, Sorry to read that you had an unsatisfactory time at the surgery, but advise you to be cautious about complaining too much as it might rebound back against you in the future, just consider putting your feelings in writing as this will give you the chance to be polite but firm about how you feel.

The diagnosis of borderline CKD is actually quite good as it is a warning for you to be aware that your kidneys are not quite as efficient as they should be - not many people get to know about their impaired kidney function until it is quite advanced. I was told that it is quite possible to stay at an early stage for years, and that there is usually no way of telling whether or if the kidneys function will get worse (diagnosed at age 74, I have been stable for at least 7 years and there are some people who have been stable for much longer)

You say you take lots of medication as you have many health problems, so the best thing you could do at this stage is to follow a general diet for CKD, cut out as much salt (and salt substitutes) and sugar (also sugar substitutes) as you can. Also give up smoking and alcohol if you use these, and eat sensible size portions with the emphasis on fruits and vegetables. The usual advice to lose weight if you need to and get some exercise if you need to apply as well! Use your computer to look up 'CKD' and loads of information will appear, also look at some of the earlier posts on this site. Try not to worry about the CKD too much, as stress does not help. Best wishes - Curleytop1.

[Hidden in reply to curleytop1]

Thank you for your reply. I can never understand why doctors don't tell you anything these days,like why all the blood tests are needed,or borderline CKD,but no advice on how to look after yourself.You have just given me more information than my GP.

I never asked questions because of his attitude,so I'll wait till my next blood test,then try to see the original GP,who sent me for all these blood tests.

I would just like to say,I don't have salt,because I had a heart attack,I don't smoke,I have barely any sugar,and I don't drink alcohol at all,because of my medication. Think I could do with loosing a bit of weight,but to much exercise is out the question because I have Emphysema. I know I sound like I'm making excuses but I do,as much exercise as I can.

[TaffyTwoshoes27 in reply to Hidden]

One more piece of advice:. EVERY single thing you swallow passes thru your kidneys. Even some over-the-counter drugs and supplements -- especially Ibuprofen -- are terrible for kidney function. List your medications, try to get an appointment with a nephrologist, take your blood results and get the REAL story. As Curley said, most people are not aware their kidneys are starting to fail. That is why they call it "the silent killer." Get a specialist!! Regular doctors are not well-educated about kidney function and signs of possible loss of kidney function. They just aren't.

[Hidden in reply to TaffyTwoshoes27]

Thank you I've gathered that from reading others. I will certainly do as you suggested,I see another GP next week,so I will have quite a few questions.

I also have found the general GP,don't understand a lot about thyroids either.

This is one time I will not be put off.