Stage 4 chronic kidney disease

[Theblvd1958]

I have stage 4 kidney disease. What causes the pain i have in both my calves in my legs. Hurts to just walk. Is it because of the kidneys or something else?

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

HI Blvd,

We do not diagnose here. I would recommend you see your Doc and tell them what is going on. It could be a vitamin deficiency. It could be you are not drinking enough water. Your chemical/mineral blood balance might be off. It could be circulation. You might want to log your fluid and food intake to see if there is a trend.

[Theblvd1958 in reply to Bassetmommer]

Ok thanks for the advice

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

The problem when you have CKD is that your kidneys are getting rid of some of the "good" stuff you need and hand onto the "bad." I know, not very scientific sounding. Ha, ha.

Low magnesium and potassium can cause the leg cramps. For you, this would have to be proven by your doctor and blood tests. Even though I am 20 years post transplant if I don't drink enough water, I can get low magnesium and potassium and get horrible cramping.

So, try drinking more water everyday, but also need to tell your doctor what you are experiencing. Might not be related to your kidneys at all?@#

[paulyrxman]

Find a gym that has Power Plate machine

Use regularly

[JimVanHorn]

My nephrologist recommended I drink a small bottle of tonic water (contains quinine). He also said I should drink more water before I go to bed.

[SadMad]

I have the same problem in my left leg and am using a crutch to walk long distances. I have been taken off of magnesium and potassium and ended up in the ER last week with both being critically low and had to have IVs. So now if I feel bad, I go ahead and take a magnesium and potassium. Levels change so much from week to week and doctors don't see you every week and can't predict everything. I had started eating the renal diet but am reconsidering that. Will have to do the diet once I start dialysis though which will be anytime now.