vitamin b12 supplement

[promethes]

Hi, I'm new here & need some help. I think I'm still stage 3 CKD & have been watching sodium, potassium, phosphorus & protein. I am concerned that I'm not getting enough vitamins. I already had multiple food allergies before CKD but my B-12 levels had been normal. Can anyone suggest a brand of supplements that would be suitable? Thanks

[Hidden]

Hi and welcome,

Supplements are a largely unregulated industry. Before you take anything like that, especially with CKD run it past the physicians on your Care Team. Personally, I take five different ones. Each of them, including the multi-vitamin, has been approved by the doctors on my team. Usually by more that one. Also, make sure the brand you purchase is a reputable one and not some fly-by-night company sold only on the internet. In your specific situation, based on what you've said I'd suggest you begin with both your nephrologist and PCP. Best of luck.

[promethes in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your reply. My PCP has not referred me to a Nephrologist yet & about the only advise he gave me was to drink a lot of water. I have a lot of health issues & am 76 yrs old so I guess he figures why bother. I haven't been able to locate a dietician/nutritionist in my area so that is something else I will ask about at my next appointment.

[Hidden in reply to promethes]

If that is the advice you are receiving from your PCP then the next step you take should be to find a more qualified one who will treat your health as a top priority. You don't necessarily need a nutritionist. What you need is a renal dietitian. Someone who is knowledgeable in the function of the kidneys and has knowledge of nutrition. You might want to contact your local hospital(s) and see if they have one you can speak to. I had to travel 2 hours to see one. I made two visits and since then, over two years ago, I contact her via e-mail with any major changes to my labs and we make changes to my meal plan by e-mail. A renal dietitian will look at your labs and with your input be able to develop a meal plan that will work for you. I was diagnosed two and a half years ago when my GFR was 32. I did research by collecting hard copies of my past labs and found I had CKD well before I was told. I contacted an RD and established a plan and since then my GFR has risen to its highest (65). and my average over this time has been 51. Even if you have to pay for the visit yourself, it's worth it for the benefits you'll receive.

Best of luck.

[apopnj01 in reply to Hidden]

65 - u area rock star - some research says this maybe normal - kudos to you

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to promethes]

I am 78 years, old and on Medicare in FL and CKD level 3. Medicare will not approve referral to a Nephrologist until reach level 4. I agree with Mr K, in not taking any supplement unless your Doctor approves of it. I even give the brand name when asking if can take a supplement.

[apopnj01 in reply to promethes]

Why F***ng bother? get a new physician - if he doesnt think you are worth it - move on - you deserve as much care as anyone else

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

To Promthes and others:

Why would you use a doctor who dismisses you? And why in heck would you stick with someone who dismisses your health needs because you are_________________(fill in the blank). I have seen a lot of people here on this site who feel their doctor dismisses them because they are old. What you need is a doctor who values the patient for whatever age they are. And if they aren't competent in geriatrics, then find someone who is. If there is not a large selection within your area, then protest with your doctor and demand the care you need. They are getting paid the same for you as they would for any patient. (I know some doctors won't deal with Medicare patients and that's a doctor you don't want at all.)

Most doctors are affiliated with what is called an ACO...Accountable Care Organization. That means they are connected with a medical system, usually a hospital. Most ACOs have a Patient Advocate or Patient-Family Care practitioner who is there for the patient only. If your on-going care is not what you need, this is who to contact. Also, most ACO will send out a survey on the doctor you saw. Fill it out honestly. There is someone reading that and if you put your name and contact info, they will get back to you. I know because this was something I headed up with my agency. Doctors get reviewed by patients and that affects their situation as far as getting reimbursements and referrals.

Meanwhile, be prepared for your doctor visits with a list of questions. Doctors can seem gruff and uninterested and usually they are just overwhelmed. They are also not mind readers. So if you do not tell them about things, like fatigue or pain, they do not know. Demand the lab work you need and then have a thorough explanation given to you with the results.

You said you thought you were stage 3. Take the time yourself to learn what that means, what you can do to help yourself and don't self medicate or take things without checking with the doctor. When you take certain vitamins, even OTC, they can become toxic very easily with an impaired kidney function.

[Jayhawker in reply to Bassetmommer]

Bery well stayed! Thanks for sharing this with us🐶

Jayhawker

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to Bassetmommer]

I recently in an ACO, and changing Doctors who are not in the group. All your medical records too are available to the ACO Doctors. I agree some Doctors have an odd attitude on seniors and what diseases/conditions will have that pre-empt a treatment for a condition.