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[juliotoa]

I was diagnosed with a CKD but my family (who live far away) nor I want to admit I have it. I hate going to the doctor as hospitals creep me out. I miss my appointments because I am afraid of what they will tell me. My doctor last week told me - only 40 percent of my right kidney is working and I almost passed out. It makes me sad every time I think about it. I am 24 living in Chicago. I work out at least 3 times a week as I believe this will help me live longer and try to eat healthy. Thank you for accepting me in this group.

[Hidden]

Welcome to the community. Denial is not going to help you slow the progression of CKD. All you can do is slow it down as there is no cure.

The first thing to do is to start the learning process. Using the davita.com website register for a free, 90-minute Kidney Smart class in your area. They'll provide you with lots of information and resources to help you accept and understand what you have to know and do to keep a healthy CKD lifestyle.

You didn't mention any causes of your CKD and any other health issues you have, so you need to ask your diagnosing physician for a referral to a nephrologist. A kidney specialist will begin the process of determining the cause of your CKD and help you move forward.

Not keeping your appointments or ignoring the facts you are presented with will only make your health worse. If you don't take action now the alternatives will be much more damaging. Best of luck.

[juliotoa in reply to Hidden]

Thank you! I am seeing a nephrologist and they are not sure the causes of my CKD. No one in my family have had a kidney dissease. But thank you, I will definitely check out davita and continue to learn more about my CKD.

[Hidden in reply to juliotoa]

Since you are seeing a nephrologist ask the doctor for a referral to see a Renal Dietitian. When you meet the RD bring as many of your previous lab reports with you.

Together you can review the labs and develop a kidney-friendly meal plan that will help you eat appropriately.

Share what you learn with your family and you can get them to accept your new reality. If they live in the USA they can find a Kidney Smart class in their area. If not, they can go to kidneyschool.org and view the learning modules there to better understand what you will be dealing with. Again, best of luck.

[AnneEG in reply to Hidden]

Hi there, can you tell me what tests a neurologist does please.

[Hidden in reply to AnneEG]

Here is a link to an article about what a neurologist does. I hope it helps.

aan.com/tools-and-resources...

[AnneEG in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Mr Kidney.

[FlowerPreciousLover]

Hi, Juliotoa, I was diagnosed with CKD a few months ago and it can be pretty scary and overwhelming news at first.

However, joining this group was a great early action in learning more about real steps we can take to better manage CKD. Some of the "seasoned" members in this group at various stages have been living very productive lives for years by educating themselves and becoming self-directed patient advocates as they work with their doctors.

Please follow Mr. Kidney's suggestions and start learning more about how to continue your best life by becoming more informed, adopting a renal diet for your particular stage and keeping those doc appt's.

While there is no cure, it is incredibly reassuring to learn that it doesn't have to be a death sentence either. We just have to become determined to do all we can to let it know who is Boss! Your discipline in working out each week proves you have the spunk needed on this new journey. Hope to read more of your posts as we continue to ask our questions and share experiences along the way. The more we know, the better we can help ourselves.

[rabbit01]

Well you would not be normal if you liked going to the doctor or hospitals! Having kidney disease is a big shock. I am not sure how they have worked out that only your right kidney is affected? Perhaps it is smaller than the left and you have had an ultrasound?

Please don’t miss medical appointments as it is there that you will find out about your latest blood results and potentially get medication and advice that will help you. Please don't stick your head in the sand and hope it all goes away as it wont and you may end up having further damage to your kidneys which could have been avoided with treatment.

Keeping healthy is great and eating a kidney friendly diet will really help preserve your remaining kidney function which is still pretty good by the way. You should be able to see a renal dietician who can look at your blood results and help guide you on what to eat and what to avoid. Diet is one of the key things to maintaining your kidney function.

I was diagnosed will only 17% working kidneys and told I would be on dialysis within 6 months. Through diet and lifestyle changes I made that 6 months into 5 years before I needed dialysis.

This group is really supportive and knowledgeable, but it is key that you work with your medical team to keep yourself healthy.

[Jayhawker]

Welcome to the group🐶

I agree with what you’ve heard from others who have posted. Definitely get to your doc appointments. Learn as much as you can. Develop a good relationship with your medical team. This includes your nephrologist and your primary care physician. You’re a key member of your medical team. And, yes, it’s imperative that you take control. You can, with an effective treatment plan, either reverse, halt, or slow progression of your CKD.

Naturally you’re in shock. We’ve all been there. But you can’t afford to wallow in shock. You need to take control of your treatment plan as soon as possible. I think you’ll find that you can and will live well with CKD.

Let us know how things are going.

Jayhawker