Concerned Daughter

[brandie27]

Hi , my name is Brandie my mom will be 53 in march and she has right acute kidney failure , recently she was in the hospital because she had swollen up really big and her feet were huge, my mom also has congested heart failure , and she is now diabetic ..she recently told us that she is Stage 3 kidney Failure and I am trying to gain as much knowledge about this as I can.. 2 years ago she had a stent placed and was doing dialysis for a couple months until they took her off now she said that she was put on the list for needing a transplant I wanted to know , what should we be looking at as far as making sure she is eating correctly and also in taking the correct amount of food and drinking properly as well and also how rapid does stage 3 goes to stage 4 they don't want to start dialysis just yet but me being her daughter I am concerned about the whole process and want to educate me and my sister as much as possible.

Thanks

[Ladybug_05]

Hello Brandie! I have CKD stage 5 and am currently on dialysis and awaiting transplant. I'm 20 years old and I have congenital CKD. Thankfully, stage 3 CKD can stabilize if taken care of properly and she can be in stage 3 for many years if taken care of properly. Of course, it is dependent on her specific type of renal failure.

Diet wise, it's a tough gig, since cardiac friendly diets tend to be higher in phosphorus and potassium, which are damaging to kidneys in high doses. I personally found that clean eating is the easiest way to start, since sodium intake must also be monitored along with phosporus (potassium if nephrology say so as well). Phosphorus is found in processed foods and foods high in calcium, such as dairy products. Look at the ingredients on a box, and if it says monophos, diphos, etc. It has phosphates in it. Coffee and hot chocolate is worse than teas and dark sodas are worse than light/clear sodas (if she drinks it). Water (room temp), juices and the like are good for keeping her hydrated. Small meals are a must as well, since it will help with the diabetic aspect.

I personally was in stage 3 CKD for 13 years before going into stage 4. I had to watch my cholesterol levels since I'm genetically predisposed to heart disease, so juggling all of the dietary needs was tough. I found that having a give and take between cardiac friendly and renal friendly foods helped a lot. I would have certain meals where I would focus on one or the other and it would balance out. Eating clean and exercise is what helped me the most. Medications are also an option that helps.

I wish you and your mother the best of luck! DaVita has amazing recipes and can answer a lot of questions that you may still have. Sending good thoughts your way

[KelliC_NKF]

Hi Brandie, I'm sorry to hear about all your mom is going through. It's great that she has a wonderful daughter like you in her corner! Here is some information on diet for CKD stage 3: kidney.org/nutrition/Kidney.... Basically a low salt diet is most important. Some patients may also have to limit protein and/or potassium as well.