In a panic!

[carl1969]

Am losing can I get this kidney up ?can I stop this damn smoking and start losing weight am I so low and disappointed with myself that I can't save my self! Just no fight!

[Hidden]

I answered your other post and then saw that you are in the UK. You won't be able to do the Kidney-Smart class but you can look at a series of modules that will help you learn about CKD and your options. Go to kidneyschool.org

From what I've heard about the UK National Health system you may have problems in getting to see a nephrologist at this time and even a Renal Dietitian. If you use the same website I mentioned earlier, davita.com you can look at their recipes and begin to set up your own meal plan. What you need to do is cut back on items like protein, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and especially sodium. You don't want to eliminate any of those items as your body does need them but you have to cut way back to slow the progression.

Stopping smoking and cutting way back on drinking, if you do, are definite ways to help your kidneys. So much of your health will depend on how serious you are about taking control. It's up to you.

[carl1969 in reply to Hidden]

I know your so right and thank you half of this I had no clue thanks again!

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

WOW, Mr_Kidney. You really are on top of CKD. I know about (and use DaVita's materials), but I was unaware of kidneyschool.org. I'm looking forward to taking the course. Also, I was unaware that calcium is an issue. As one who is CKD4, I use dairy substitutes exclusively (almond milk, etc.). However, due to a femur fracture in Nov. 2017, I am on a bone fortification program administered by the Veterans Administration. Beginning Mar. 2018, I gave myself daily injections of FORTEO and took 2,000mg calcium carbonate daily. This month, the VA switched all of their bone clinic patients to a new daily injection drug. No change in calcium intake. Any thoughts? Thanks.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I gave up all hope of working with the VA a long time ago. I checked my files and found a good article on Calcium. You didn't mention the name of the new injectable so I'm unable to run a search on that. As to what you are doing, if it is all recommended by your nephrologist and the RD has no issues then I'd say you were on solid ground.

davita.com/diet-nutrition/a...

[Jayhawker]

Have you considered seeing a counselor? It can be pretty overwhelming to learn that you have two chronic conditions. But it’s critical to move past the initial shock, anger, dispare, etc, and start proactively dealing with both medical conditions.

The diabetes can certainly be controlled. Both Mr Kidney and I do that without medication. In fact I have several friends who are diabetics and have been able to do the same; manage their type 2 diabetes without medication. And, if not, it can certainly be controlled with diet , exercise, and medication.

Stage IIIb chronic kidney disease isn’t great but you do still have a fair amount of function left. And, with effective treatment you may experience improvement in your renal function or at least see your function stablize.

If your renal function deteriorates in spite of you following your treatment plan religiously as mine has; well, we still have viable treatment options for those in renal failure that lead to a decent quality of life.

Weight loss is also doable. That’s one of my personal issues. However, it’s something over which I’ve got control. Much of what has happened with my kidneys has been out of my control as well as baffling to my nephrologists. However, those aspects of my treatment plan over which I’ve got control I’ve absolutely managed. You can do the same.

Smoking can be tougher. I’d suggest that you reach out to your primary care physician for some help with that.

If you’re truly having trouble moving forward with your treatment plant, I hope you’ll consider seeing a counselor.

Jayhawker

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Hi Carl,

I went back and looked at your all posts. You have been given an abundance of information on how to deal with you conditions. I am not sure what else anyone can do for you. You are the only one who can control your diet and your smoking.

You need to shake off your self pity and "muster up" as they say. I don't usually practice tough love, but in your case, you need it.

So you can feel sorry for yourself or start working on your issues one step at a time. Each time you accomplish something, the more strength it will give you. Nothing is going to happen over night. It takes a long time and it should to lose weight. You don't want to do that fast. One step at a time. Cut out something that you know is not good for you. Then another and soon it will become a habit.

Smoking is such an addiction. Again, as others said, I would recommend a program that your doctor might suggest. Here is a non-medical way: Start your morning off by counting out say 10 cigarettes for the day. That's all you can have but you can have them anytime. Then 9 cigarettes, then 8 and so on. Every two days cut out one more cigarette. You are in control of when you have them until you wean yourself off. By learning to control the urge to smoke, it will become less strong.

Look at when and what you are doing when you feel the urge to smoke. For example, do you light up automatically when you get in the car? Realize that is a habit and you can stop it. Do you smoke when you drink? That was when I smoked. Stop drinking for a while and maybe you won't smoke as much. Coffee diggers you, skip the second cup of coffee. Smoke after dinner. Get up and do something else.

Most people are overwhelmed at first and try to change their world over night. It does not need to be like that. Small changes lead to bigger changes. But continuing to worry is totally not healthy for you.

[siouxbee19 in reply to Bassetmommer]

I only smoked when I drank beer. They just went together so well.😀 However, due to other health issues (prior to this new kidney situation), I just decided to quit one day, so no drinking, no smoking. I know it's not that easy for everyone, I'm very lucky that way, but I know it can be done.

[rabbit01]

I am also in the UK. I used to smoke about 14 a day since I was 13 years old and tried to give up many times with no success including using the nicotine gum which was horrible. What finally worked for me was going on to the vaping and using this I was able to give up normal smoking right away and within a few months I was able to give up vaping too.

[GERALDDAVID]

I smoked many years, to quit I cut it in half then after that I cut back by half again no problem. Got to where I could go 2 or 3 days but then would need 3 or 4 cigs. Sometimes would go on a binge and smoke a whole pack. After an allnighter binge, lit one up next morning, made me sick. That was my last cigarette, been nearly 10 years now. Wasn`t hard after that. But had been cut back for several years first. Do what you can and don`t give up!

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

You have to make up your mind to do something. It is all up to you! Stop feeling sorry for yourself and take control of your situation! We have all been there with our health issues but have done something about it. Mr_Kidney has given you good advice and web sites that will give you some good info. Now it is up to you.

Your PCP should be able to help you quit smoking. Almost 30 years ago my husband quit smoking by using Nicorette gum. Now there are many more products that can help.

Be proactive and take control! Take one day at a time making the changes you need to. Only you can take control of your life.