GRF at 18 eating the right foods

[Dorestan]

My GFR is 18 I am not on dialyses. I am eating foods at have no salt and no processed foods at all. We seldom eat out. If I have to be on dialysis we are looking at hemodialysis, my husband will be my caregiver. What was your GFR when you went on dialysis?

[Hidden]

Hi, and Welcome, Not everyone in this community is on Dialysis. Some are and those who are not are doing everything we can to stay off it as long as possible.

Diet is critical, and so is exercise, medications, contributing health issues, age, race, and gender. Cutting back on sodium and proteins is important but so is watching your potassium, phosphorous, and calcium. Since you are at Stage 4 you are also cutting out red meat as well and maintaining good hydration. What has your nephrologist told you to specifically watch for based on your labs?

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

Glad you are around. Alot of people need our support.

Keep in touch!

B....

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

THANK YOU!!!!! I am 64 and my primary and kidney doctors are barely saying anything except that I will probably soon need to be on Dialysis and then find a donor for a kidney. I can NOT even hear that right now. This kidney disease came on sudden and I have a grown autistic daughter who needs me as long as possible. My Stage 4 GFR is 29 and they tell me nothing about what to eat, though have stopped my Metformin, told I got this from OTC AND prescribed anti-inflammatories prescriptions large doses (Etodolac, Nabumetone, etc.). I do have swelling in legs and face and scared to death; no support at all. I'm on Chlorthalidone 25mg per day and it only helps some. Anyway it's good to be here where I'm not being upset by my doctors lack of information and rudeness.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

The last medication I was taking for Type 2 Diabetes was Metformin. On the day I was finally told I was officially at Stage 3 CKD they stopped that med and from then on I have controlled my T2D by diet and exercise.

davita.com is a great place to start on Recipes for a kidney-friendly meal plan. Be sure to use your lab values and continue to watch your intake of sodium, calcium, protein, potassium and phosphorous. The good thing about those recipes is that almost all of them list if they are acceptable for someone with Diabetes, on Dialysis, or off Dialysis.

Should you need to understand the numbers better on your lab values try using labtestsonline.org It explains things in lay terms and gives you a good basis for asking your care team intelligent questions. Remember, it's up to you to be proactive and learn all you can.

Towards that end, if you reside in the USA, when you go to the DaVita website you'll be able to register for a free, 90-minute class facilitated by a knowledgeable kidney expert to explain the basics and help you develop the questions you need to have answers for to ease your peace of mind and develop strong questions to ask your doctors. If you live outside the USA there are online modules about CKD that you can read and learn from. You'll find those at kidneyschool.org/mods/

Before you start any prescription I would also suggest that you look at the medication prescribed at drugs.com You'll find details about the med and if there are any conflicts with your other meds, not recommended for someone with CKD or any other health issue you may have. Once you go through that you'll develop a standard question for any doctor on your care team. "How will this medication affect my kidneys?"

Give every one of your doctors an updated list of all of your medications at each visit and I also provide them with a list of my current physicians/dietitians on my Care Team so that they can share test results and treatment options. Getting them to work together is a giant step in gaining control over your health and once they know you are serious about slowing down the progression of CKD or other health issues they will usually respond in a more positive way. If they don't, then it's time to get a new physician.

Check back here often there are many excellent and knowledgeable people in this community who will happily help you and listen to any issue you need to speak or vent about. We've all been there.

[Frankie24]

Hi Dorestan, I am at 16 % and have begun preparing for dialysis, i.e. fistula and have also begun the process of being a candidate for living donor or cadaver kidney. My nephrologist says he would like to wait until 10 % which is fine with me. I assume that it depends on your situation and health concerns. I am 57 but also have heart concerns and the nephrologist pointed out at my recent visit that heart matters could cause kidney failure sooner than later. I have hereditary PKD so he said it should probably follow a course similar to my other family members and he looks at all this info to make decisions about course of treatment. I think it is very individual and you should discuss it with your healthcare provider. Good thoughts and prayers for you.....

[Dorestan]

I have my fistula since November 2017 my doctor is preparing me for dialysis. I will have hemodialysis.

[KelliC_NKF]

We do have a community for dialysis you may be interested in as well to get additional feedback and support: healthunlocked.com/nkf-dial....

You can't start dialysis until your GFR is under 15. However, your doctor will work closely with you to check your labs and assess your symptoms to decide when you are ready to start dialysis. Some people have a GFR of 12 when they start, others may be a GFF of 8, it really depends on how you are feeling and your doctor's recommendations or treatment plan. For more on dialysis visit: kidney.org/atoz/atozTopic_D...

[Cathy12156dsrjad]

All replies I have read r great to follow diet is so important. There is truly hope and God is our great physician. I will be praying for u and He will be holding u in His arms on those days u can’t hold yourself. Keep us informed. Love in Christ🙏🏻🌈

[Dixidude39]

Mr. Kidney is spot on. In July 2016, my right kidney and ureter were removed due to cancer directly related to bladder cancer (surgically removed in 2015). Fortunately, I have a diet routine based on low sodium, protein, potassium and phosphorous. So, I don't have to plot a different eating plan daily. I wish ALL food labels displayed these four ingredients. Virtually all display sodium and protein, some potassium, and virtually none, phosphorous. There's "hidden" phosphorous used as preservatives. I'll be 79 in October. My eGFR is 29-30. Should I lose my remaining kidney to cancer, I'll go on hemodalysis. At the moment, I don't contemplate a transplant.

[SaraEads]

I began peritoneal dialysis when my GFR was 8. My nephrologist was adamant that I not wait any longer at that point. Wishing you the best as you venture forward on this experience.

[Mightazn in reply to SaraEads]

Hi Sara I am about to start dialysis but not sure if I should be on peritoneal or hemodialysis. What do you think of peritoneal? Also if you travelOverseas how do you deal with supplies? Thank you

[rabbit01]

Hello, my CKD was discovered almost exactly three years ago and at that time I was at 18% eGFR and the docs gave me between 3 and 6 months before needing dialysis. Three years later I am now at 14% but am still not on dialysis and I still work full time. I believe that I was able to slow my kidney decline through making the right diet choices. As Mr Kidney suggests I cut right down on salt and eat far less meat than I used to and I make sure I drink a lot of water each day. We no longer have processed food. Before CKD I used to smoke although only moderately and I certainly enjoyed a drink! I quit smoking and hardly drink any alcohol. I have also increased exercise by walking a lot more. I hope you can keep your levels up for many years to come.