Advice Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3 NEW

[Gemmadoo]

Today I call a call from my Dr updating me on my Thyroid results. Dr then asked that I come in to see him as my blood pressure is high and would like to send me for a kidney scan and urine sample to check my chronic kidney disease stage 3 which I was not aware I had, I asked him when was this diagnosed, his reply 2013, I only found out today. In disbelief that I have only beeeln told today. Any suggestions on dietary on what to eat and not to eat. Appt next Tuesday with dr.

[Julesboz]

Hi Gemmadoo, sadly this is not unusual. I don't know where you're from (I'm in the U.K.), but this does seem to happen a lot. I was diagnosed last July, but when I looked back at my blood test results I've been hovering around CKD level 3 for approximately 10 years and no-one had told me. Some people don't get told till they're at a lower level. The good news is that there's no need to panic! The vast majority of CKD sufferers will never get to the level where dialysis or transplant is needed (depending on the cause and how you manage it). Because you've been told at level 3, you can help your kidney function with diet. Everyone is different but the general rules are cut out salt, processed foods and fizzy drinks. Reduce consumption of red meat and dairy and alcohol. Eat plenty of whole natural foods and lots of veg. If you smoke, stop. And take exercise and relax if you can, ask to see a renal dietician. If you're in the U.K., unfortunately this is unlikely on the NHS, normally you don't get to see one until you get to stage 4, however this is a bit mad as diet can prevent your kidney function getting worse. Good luck with your doctor's appointment!

[Gemmadoo in reply to Julesboz]

Hi Julesbos, I an ib UK. Grateful for reassurance and tips. Much appreciated.

[lowraind]

Welcome to the CKD world. Most of us have been through what you have just described. Julesbox gave good advice. A couple of things I would add are to keep yourself well-hydrated; educate yourself by doing your own research (even if they have you see a nephrologist, you may find a lot of conflicting information); and do some trolling on this site. There are many well-informed individuals who have shared much information.

The following gives you some places to go to:

National education, support and advocacy organizations:

• DaVita Kidney Disease and Dialysis Forums is well known for their recipes but they also have a forum for patients too.

• Renal Support Network provides many support and advocacy services including a phone support line.

• AAKP is a comprehensive resource focusing on the quality of life for kidney patients through education, advocacy, patient engagement and the fostering of patient communities.

• National Kidney Foundation provides a portal for patients too.

Good luck in your search. Know that you have people here who can share.

lowraind

[Gemmadoo in reply to lowraind]

Hi Loraind, thank you for your tips and reassurance.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Welcome to the site. There is a lot of good information out there to help with diet as the folks have said. One thing you want to be careful with, and check with your doctor about your labs, is potassium, phosphorous and protein. THE 3 P's. These all can stress the kidney or become elevated in the blood when the kidneys are not working well. Vegetables and fruits can be very high in potassium and phosphorous can be hidden in many foods, so its best to check out what your eating. I use davita.com/ and ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/ when I do not know the content of something. The best thing to do is ask for a referral to a renal dietician.

It is unfortunately not uncommon to find out that you have CKD until stage 3. The good news is you can stay at stage 3 with the diet and other healthy life changes.

Keep in touch.

[Gemmadoo in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thank you Bassetmommer.

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to Bassetmommer]

I too had declining eGFR for years, but was not diagnosed until stage 3b. I agree that it seems this is when many are diagnosed. Also agree that there are treatment plans for us.

[Gemmadoo in reply to orangecity41]

Thank you orangecity41.

[babysaurus]

Good advice from Julesboz - Please don't panic - Many many people have impaired kidney function. I'm CKD3 and have been for a long time. A sensible diet (low salt/sodium) is key. I still enjoy the occasional naughty treat and I still very much enjoy a bottle of wine! Your doctor will monitor you and will provide guidance on things if your kidney function reduces unusually. Keep living your life as normal with a good diet and I wish you well xxx

[Gemmadoo in reply to babysaurus]

Thank you for your reassurance, and making light of it. Appreciate.

[Margie5967 in reply to babysaurus]

Would you mid sharing how long you have been CKD 3?

[saifomar]

The kidneys perform many crucial functions, including:

- maintaining overall fluid balance.

- regulating and filtering minerals from blood.

- filtering waste materials from food, medications, and toxic substances.

- creating hormones that help produce red blood cells, promote bone health, and regulate blood pressure.

So your eGFR alone is not a confirmed indicator of your kidney health. That is why some doctors would not disclose the eGFR number to patients till they (doctors) get a second result after waiting 6 or sometimes even a year later!

[marie10]

Hi Gemmadoo, like you i only found out recently that i have ckd stage 3. When i asked dr how long i'd had it i was told 2009, thats 9 years without knowing. I have made some changes to my diet and increased my fitness, nothing drastic and am feeling fitter and healthier than i have in years. Good luck and dont stress, we are all in this together

[steve680]

It's good that you're here asking the right questions about what you should do. My first advice is to try to determine (with your doctor's help) what caused your kidney disease. Diabetes and Hypertension are the #1 and #2 causes of Chronic Kidney Disease. Treating the cause of your CKD should be your number one priority. So, in other words, if high blood pressure is what caused damage to your kidneys, treating the high blood pressure will do the most good in preventing further damage to your kidneys. Even if the cause of your CKD was something else, such as a medication, managing your blood sugar and blood pressure will be extremely important to prevent further progression, regardless of the initial cause. As other people suggested:

1) getting on a low-sodium, low-protein diet

2) cutting out smoking completely (if that applies)

3) reducing drinking alcohol to 1 or 2 drinks a day (if that applies) as high alcohol consumption causes high blood pressure (if drinking in moderation is a problem, I would advise cutting it out completely and/or seek treatment). In my opinion, it would be better to cut out alcohol completely as even small amounts of alcohol are toxic to kidneys that are impaired - the alcohol puts an extra stress on them that they don't need. Healthy kidneys don't have a problem with drinking in moderation.

3) vegan diet if possible (you don't have to eliminate meat completely, but you want to limit meat consumption and avoid any "high protein" diets which can further damage kidneys if you have CKD)

4) exercise

5) lose weight (if that applies)

6) reduce stress/meditate

7) go over any supplements, vitamins, and over-the-counter medications with your doctor to see if they could be harmful to your kidneys

8) stay well hydrated/some people recommend drinking spring water (though it's kind of expensive)

9) avoid dark sodas like Coca-Cola, Dr. Pepper and Pepsi

10) get plenty of sleep (get tested for sleep apnea if you're not waking up feeling refreshed and are "at risk": a) male b) over 45 c) overweight)

11) get a kidney biopsy if your doctor recommends it

12) continue to become more educated on kidney disease by reading about it online (kidney.org is a good resource, IMHO)

If you manage your kidney disease well once it's detected, there's a good chance that you'll never need dialysis. But the more important thing is that you'll always need to stay on top of it and monitor it's progression. There's a lot of research projects happening now with regard to alternatives to dialysis, such as stem cell treatments and "artificial kidneys", but nothing is currently approved for treatment by the FDA in the USA, and those research projects always seem to be just out of grasp for those who need an immediate solution. Best of luck.

[Sparkle44]

It is shocking that your GP didn’t tell you. You should arrange an appointment just to address this and to ask any questions that you might have. The GP should be reviewing you regular! Drink plenty of fluids and stop / cease alcohol intake if possible. Sending virtual hugs 🤗

[Lucieb01]

I had the same happen to me I was gobsmacked and not another thing has been mentioned same time I was told I had heart failure and I feel if I ask about I would been wasting the GP,s time

[S_dillow]

Talk with doctor first but I avoid salty foods,sudgardark sodas if anyx I do drink regular. tea but I'd have a lott of questions, for. Your doc and a dietician

[Hello67]

Hello Gemmadoo, My story is similar except my dr never did tell me I had ckd. I went to medical records to get a copy of my labs and since I keep all records I checked my egfr and creatinine against my last labs and saw that I am now a 3b, previously a 3a but none of my results were ever discussed by drs. They said I was dehydrated or that my kidneys would last as long as I lived. When I saw the decline in my kidney function I made an appt with neph and she did blood work & urine test. She confirmed that I am at stage 3b.

I had hbp which is now under control. I’ve increased water intake and mostly plant based diet. The knowledgeable people on this site have great advice and I appreciate their input. Good luck to you and be your own advocate and ask questions of your care providers. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[Gemmadoo]

Thank you for information. Kindly appreciated.