CKD

[htpi1543]

Hi, I am Sam, 74 yrs. Have CKD for last 10 yrs, GRF was 55, creatinine was 1.6. Mayo started me with BP meds, Grf started declining slowly initially. Asked my Nephro how much time I have for Dialysis and he said never!. I live in Chicago area. Now my GFR is between 17-20, creatinine 3.2, BP is high 140/80, potassium, sodium, phosphorus is within limits.

Scared to think of going on Dialysis can some share his / her know how as to how to prevent going on Dialysis I am thinking of doing STEM Cell treatment, but not sure Any input will be highly appreciated. Kind Regards

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

HI htpi,

As scary as it may seem, you can put off dialysis for a while with diet. Following a renal diet can help keep things from declining. Not a cure, but a help. There is a lot to a renal diet and it should be tailored specifically for you. Can you get a referral or see a Renal dietician? There is a lot of information on the intranet and well as here under Topics: Diet and Nutrition. There are many of us who are at a GFR around 20 who have been helping themselves with their diet and keeping away from dialysis for years. As far as a miracle cure, let me know if you find one. All of us here would love to know......

Along with diet, make sure you drink enough fluids and I am taking about water mostly. Be careful with coffee and tea as they are diuretics and can put stress on your kidneys. Talk to your doctor about how much, but usually at least 1-2 liter(s) a day is warranted. If you drink soda or pop...stop! Not even diet soda is good for you. And watch your salt.

And then check your medications and any supplements you are taking. I will post a link.

If you have other issues such as high BP, ( which yours is slightly high) more medication might be indicated to bring it down.

Make sure the BP meds are good for the kidney and not harming you.

Also keep your sugar in a normal range and watch your other lab values such as cholesterol and other lipids and iron.

Be careful about things that promise cures or remission. Unfortunately, in CKD, it does not happen very often if at all. Hang in there and let us know if there is more we can help you with. But like I said, many of us live full and "healthy" lives with our CKD.

kidneyfund.org/kidney-disea...

webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/die...

webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/med...

[htpi1543 in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thank you for providing some good info. I have down loaded the book and reading it.

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador]

I am male age 77 and diagnosed at level 3b at age 74. I was put on renal diet. So far the progression has slowed down. There is hope that dialysis can be avoided. You have come to a good forum for sharing.

[itzmich]

First thing is you have got to get that BP down. Keep bugging your doctor about it. You must be your own advocate and do some reading and research. This forum is good to keep you informed. To help you will have to change your diet. Low protein, low salt, lots of veggies and fruit, lots of water, no otc pain relievers, moderate exercise. Question your doctor, your gfr should not be declining if what he said is true. Just because you potassium and phosphorus are normal you still need to watch these things because they make you kidneys work harder. Look there is no magic pill you need to do what you can. Good luck on your journey.

[MICHIGANDAVID in reply to itzmich]

Yes, watch sodium content of processed (frozen, etc) meals.

[MICHIGANDAVID in reply to MICHIGANDAVID]

I’m trying to make more use of my NutiBullet.