Living a Healthy, Happy Life with CKD

The National Kidney Foundation has an A to Z guide and among the many articles is a Simple Kidney Vocabulary list. One of the terms available is Chronic Disease. I've listed below a copy of the meaning. The full guide and be found here kidney.org/atoz/atozAlpha#C

Chronic disease: A disease or disorder that lasts many years (or forever) and may get worse over time.

With a little effort, you can find many stories online and in books about the struggles of people like us who are dealing with Chronic Kidney Disease. One in particular that I've found compelling is attached below. The reason I'm posting it here is that I'm approaching the one year mark since I was officially informed (June 28th, 2017) that I was at Stage 3 of CKD. The author of the article is a 27 year veteran of battling CKD and thanks to her and many like her I've learned to make changes in my life to get control of this disease and make my life all that I want it to be.

After reading the article I was hoping some of you will share specifics on what you've done to get where you are now. Over the last 51 weeks, I've

(1) switched to a kidney-friendly meal plan,

(2) continually modified my exercise regimen to keep me on the healthy track,

(3) checked on all my medications to look for any that are counter-productive to other health issues I have,

(4) learned what the various lab tests are and why they are necessary for my continued good health,

(5) researched as much what I need to learn about CKD and my other health issues to stay as informed as I can and be and as proactive as possible in dealing with health issues and the advocacy of policies that will make a difference,

rsnhope.org/health-library/...

Looking forward to hearing from many of you on what you've done and are doing now.

[jeanswood]

Mr Kidney thank you so much for these links which are full of very useful information. I have bookmarked them so I can always refer back to them.

I too was diagnosed with CKD in September of 2017. I thought I was eating healthy by basically doing the paleo diet and exercising regularly. Well it was a shock when I was told that I needed to limit my intake of protein to only 40 mg a day and also focus on a low salt diet. My nephrologist couldn't really tell me how to do this, so I went to a nutritionist who helped me tremendously. So these are the steps I have taken since being diagnosed.

1) Started on blood pressure pills to lower my blood pressure.

2) Limit my salt intake.

3) Exercise everyday by walking, Pilates, or Yoga.

4) Drink a lot more water and start my day by drinking 2 glasses of lemon water and a glass of celery juice.

5) Cut out all soda beverages.

6) When getting together with my friends it was tradition for us to have 3 drinks now I have no more than 2 over several hours time (I know I shouldn't have any but this doesn't happen very often). No more rum and cokes for me! I now drink a little vodka with 100% cranberry juice or wine.

7) Take a B-12 supplement.

8) I eat a lot of organic fruits and vegetables!

9) Keep reading and learning about CKD to hopefully slow the progression. So far mine has gotten better!

[Hidden in reply to jeanswood]

Thanks for sharing. Keep tracking your numbers and always be ready to make additional changes to your diet. Keep up the great work and effort.

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

Very true Mr. K that you have to be prepared and accepting. I have to now restrict Potassium in addition to the sodium and phosphorus.

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador]

Thanks for the good info and link. I have been on renal diet for 2+ years now. Using the Davita menu tracker has also been a big help. I have a Doctor prescribed exercise routine. My Doctor monitors my medicines, as well as myself. I also utilize CKD information from National Kidney.

[Hidden in reply to orangecity41]

I've been on a diet in one form or another for almost 18 months. I had more success on the initial, non-kidney-friendly one, in losing weight, but over the last year (almost) I'm healthier and my kidneys are functioning better on the renal diet.

[MissMarvel]

Thanks for the links. I read Beth’s article and, being new to all this, found it helpful and encouraging. Her comment re “if I have to have a disease I’m glad it’s this one “ struck home with me. I’ve been there - wallowing in the unfairness of life and my situations - only to snap out of it and realize that, compared to all the suffering in this world, I am blessed. No matter what. And unlike other diseases, I can live a relatively normal life with CKD. LIFE is the key word and it is ALWAYS as good or bad as we LET it be/become.

I really appreciated her ‘daily routine ‘ list. Got great pointers and great mind-sets. Thanks again. Very helpful.

[Hidden in reply to MissMarvel]

As I mentioned there are many stories out there if you're curious, but I found Beth's story compelling. I appreciated her detail and organization skills in light of her health situation. I'm a bit anal-retentive and I've always focused on organizing my routines and activities and it was gratifying to read someone else be on top of their healthcare as much as she is.

[Gemcar13]

Thanks, for ALL information about CKD, Am happy to say you have helped add greatvinfob causing my GFR to up to 77 , A1C drop to 5.6 from 6.1 an creatinine to 88 from 1.09 .. am also using plant Base menus..as you always say it’s life style changes...stay safe...Bless you ..for your thoughtfulness. Gemcar13