Stage 5

[Jmccool]

Hello my husband was diagnosed with Stage 5 His GFR is 12.5 it was 16 only 2 years ago. His Bun is 33 and Creatine is 4.92.

His grandmother, mother and Aunt passed away from it. We go to the kidney doctor next week. He’s only 52 and refusing dyalisis if they tell him. I know he will not make it without it.

Just curious of anyone’s thoughts on his numbers. Thanks for listening

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Hi Jmccool,

Well that's a sad situation. Why would he refuse dialysis. He should really go to a center and see what is new out there.

But his numbers indicated he has serious kidney issues. At 52, he has a lot of life left. He might be able to slow down the progression with dietary and lifestyle changes but it is all up to him. I think he would benefit with counseling. Just my opinion.

[Jmccool in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thank you for your reply. He’s terrified of any doctors he can’t even handle giving blood. But I am not going to stop until he gets help. He thinks maybe he doesn’t need dyalisis. But from what I’ve read he will I guess we have to wait and see next week. Just wanted some opinions. Thank you

[Carillon]

i am about to begin dialysis. its not for me, but before I give up, I will try to see if I can still have a good life. Your husband should do the same. Just try the one type that he thinks he can do. There are also some companies now doing research on portable machines (awak.com) and I am sure we 'll see great changes coming soon with technology.

[Jmccool in reply to Carillon]

Thank You I’m begging him to try. His mother was on the one at home she hooked up every night and was able to still work. If you don’t mind me asking what are you creatine and GFR numbers?

[Carillon in reply to Jmccool]

GFR 16 Creatinine is 320

Borderline

Will watch my diet and try to stay off as long as possible. Diet is very important!

[Jmccool in reply to Carillon]

Yes that’s next to find out what diet for him.

[Marvila45 in reply to Jmccool]

Hi, your husband must feel sick all the time. His toxin build up can make him feel this way. Dialysis will make him feel better. My GFR is 25, I have already got my fistula created in advance so that when my kidneys get to GFR 15 or lower I will be ready for safe dialysis. It seems he has waited too long, he needs to get it now! I have had CKD for 30 years and with diet and treatment have been able to keep dialysis off for the longest. I am 64 years old and hope to never need dialysis, but if I need it, I am ready. Having CKD is not easy, you usually don't look sick, but you go through a lot of pain and symptoms. A demonstration of love is to take care of yourself so that your love ones don't suffer the pain to see you sick. Tell your husband to get up and fight for himself, he will feel better and his family will have peace. He is too young to give up! I hope all goes well for you and your family.

[Jmccool in reply to Marvila45]

Thank you and he is truly too young! We’ve been married 3 years and I honestly didn’t know how bad he was i see him in pain everyday. He gets yellow at times and cramps in his legs, sick to his stomach, always cold. He always said it was his RA but it’s not I went with him to the lab and got all the results and am now trying to keep him alive! We have only been married 3 years and now I will be his care taker it seems. But I love him with all my soul and pray we get through it. Thank you so much for your reply!

[JandD4ever]

My husbands GFR was 20 two years ago. April 2018 GFR 10. April 2019 GFR 8, Creatinine 6.8, Bun 66. He was diagnosed last year and refused treatment. He is 73 and still gets around pretty good. As well as he is doing, I believe he could have brought up his GFR with a change in diet and giving up cigarettes. He is set I his ways and eats whatever and most of the time it's stuff that's bad for him. I know he will never quit the cigarettes.

Maybe you can talk your husband into trying a plant based diet, just good wholesome food with nothing fried and very little meat. Also he should drink purified water. I was at 20 myself 5 years ago and the past 3 years I average about 38 with the GFR and the other numbers are very close to normal.

Age 52 is very young. If he is sure he doesn't want dialysis he should use food as medicine...it can't hurt. The doctors will encourage dialysis but I know from my husband that it can be delayed. All the best to you and your husband.