New member - Stage 3

[Feiann]

I am newly diagnosed Stage 3 following 2 episodes of ecoli in the blood which effected my kidneys and liver. I have switched to a plant base diet and my edge #s have improved dramatically. Going from 44 to 67. Now my RBC has dropped and my ALT have gone up.

Anyone else experienced this? I also have RA and hypothyroidism.

Many of you have talked about potassium. How do I know I am ok with this?

[Feiann]

Sorry for typo. Do not know how to edit. It should say. My eGFR went from 44 to 67 on plant base diet

[Jayhawker in reply to Feiann]

That’s a fantastic improvement on the plant-based diet!

Jayhawker

[EchoMax1012 in reply to Feiann]

It is well-known that plant protein is easier on your kidneys than animal protein. I applaud you for taking this step, and am happy your numbers have improved so dramatically. Wel done!!!

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

HI Feiann,

Welcome to our community. First of all, congratulations on improving your GFR. That's wonderful. It takes a while for the body to adjust to a new diet. I am not sure why your RBC has dropped and we do not diagnose here. However, the labs are a picture of the day you had them done. It could be something that will balance out. However, you do want to let it go because people do get anemic, especially when they stop eating a lot of red meat and protein. Potassium can increase as well when you eat a lot of greens and other vegetables. This can be measured in blood along with your other labs.

Because of the other things, RA and hypothyroidism, make sure you get on a regular schedule for lab work. I was doing them every three months at first. See also if you can see a dietician. It will make your life in the long run easier if you get some help with diet planning.

You are among a good support group here. Ask away.

[Feiann in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thank you so much for your feedback. I do understand that we cannot and should not attempt to diagnosis on here. I was just wondering if anyone else had experienced this change in lab work up after switching to a plant base diet.

[johngo in reply to Feiann]

Well done, do you eat any chocolate or sweets?

What drinks have you been having.

Thanks

[JimVanHorn]

You need to talk with an endocrinologist about hypothyroidism and the Alanine transaminase (ALT) test results, we do not diagnose here. I can tell you that there is a hormone that a healthy kidney gives out that tells red blood cells in the bone marrow to mature (loose their nucleus) and enter the blood stream. Well my kidneys are not healthy so I have to have a shot of an artificial hormone about every 2 months or so. Without this shot my hemoglobin level my go down to 9.4 and under 10.0 is not recommended. You would have to talk to your nephrologist about this problem. RA is in most Americans and is an autoimmune disease. Scientists have found that most autoimmune diseases have one thing in common, stress releasing Adrenalin in high quantities and the patient being "keyed-up all the time about one thing or another". So these diseases and be treated by learning to relax, staying calm and meditating. Try to at least once a day act like a person who is instead of adrenergic (under the effects of Adrenalin - fear and flight) like a person under cholinergic (Acetylcholine - like a fat old man sitting in swivel chair relaxing in a dark room and letting his body relax completely. I have had three of these diseases in my life and I have learned to be comfortable with what life throws at me. Good luck my friend.