Hi, I’m new to this site but not new to CKD.
I have an eGFR of 24. I really struggle with low energy levels. I work full time but I’m played out for anything else!
Is there anything I can do to boost my energy?
I’ve been told to exercise but I’m just way too tired!!
Help would be greatly appreciated.
You didn't say what you do at work. Some folks get a lot of exercise at work, but don't think of it as work because, well... it's work. If you don't have a physical job, then try to make some changes in your non-work hours. When you get home from work have a small meal, and then go for a short walk or spend 10 minutes on a treadmill. When you're done, shower and relax for about a half-hour and then have another small meal.
Do this for a couple of weeks until you build up your stamina and then lengthen the walk outside or the time on a treadmill.
Eventually, you can build up your energy level to the point where you change the routine if you want to be doing something more vigorous. That's up to you.
On the days off you have do the small meals several times a day and try to get in some simple exercise activities between meals and build your energy and tolerance levels between meals.
You have to change your mindset from something negative to something positive. You do that by taking small steps that will eventually lead you to bigger steps. One final thing is to keep a positive attitude, and not let one "tough" day at work keep you from your non-work activity. Best of luck.
Hi, thanks for your response.
I’ve tried all the different exercise routines including the ones you mention but to no avail, I still feel fatigued!
I work as a delivery driver so I do, not heavy but physical duties. I don’t feel too bad at work but it’s when I get home at the end of the day and on weekends I feel so tired and fatigued I don’t feel like doing anything else. I am literally played out!
Assuming there are no other medical issues you are dealing with and you do have some degree of physical activity in your weekday job, why not try the small meals multiple times per day and try to put some additional exercise in-between. We aren't talking about running a marathon or kayaking a Class III rapids, try a short game of 1 on 1 basketball, bowling, walking around the block, build and launch a kite, and initially you may have to do something only one of the two days on the weekend. Start small, be consistent and if that fails, talk to your PCP and find something you can do that won't have a negative impact. Best of luck.
Hi Stevie,
Welcome. Your GFR is very close to mine. Energy will come and go. I get it. Some days I am a ball of fire and others...well, my reading gets caught up. Do not try to over do it. The guilt we feel from not hitting the gym like society dictates is part of the media hype about everyone being the "perfect" image. Let it go.
The days you can, do what you can and be pleased with that effort. The days there is nothing there, then rest. Even a small walk in the house or at the store is helpful.
I would suggest that you have your doctor check for anemia and also your level of your Vit D. Those are two common situations that can cause fatigue in CKD. Both are easy fixes. Also, sometimes drinking some more water will help you feel more energetic. Not sure what you consume but check with the doc on water consumption. There are more factors to it then just being hydrated.
Hang in there. Ask as many questions as you need.
Hi Bassetmommer,
Many thanks for your response and advice.
I do keep myself hydrated as much as I can but I’ve never thought about my vitamin D levels. I think it would be a good idea to get my doc to check this and other vitamin lev els.
Thanks again.
Have your thought about PIlates ?
The first thing that comes to mind is Anemia, which is extremely common in those with a lower GFR. The great news is that most cases of Anemia can be managed or completed elminimated at your GFR with some diet changes. You will want to talk to your renal dietitian and look at your red blood cell count (RBC) and hemoglobins (HB). If either are low (and usually both are aw our kidney function declines) then you can suffer from Anemia. Eating foods higher in Iron, getting some vitamin C and the B vitamins helps your body in creating red blood cells and hemoglobins.
Adding Iron to your diet is usually where most people have difficiulty. Tablets can cause constipation - so I prefer cooking using cast iron. Cast iron cookware will infuse the food you cook with a little iron, which will help you hit your daily target set by your dietitian. Your doctor and dietitian may also recommend a super B complex with vitamin C tablet to help supplement your diet for the other nutritents,
Red blood cells and hemoglobins work together to pick up oxygen from your lungs and deliver it throught your body. A common symptom of low RBC and/or HB is fatigue. And fatigue is different from being tired - tired goes away with rest, fatigue doesn’t.
So take a quick look at your last labs and see if you are low in your RBC or HB results and talk to your health care team about preventing anemia.
Good luck!
James @ Dadvice TV
I too have signs of anemia and experience low energy and at times exhaustion. I am CKD 3b. Thanks for the pointers. Am going to discuss further with my Doctor as have low RBC on recent bloodwork. Have you tried vegetarian iron pills?
I have tried them. But I was taking Spirilina and it also brought my blood count up. I had stopped taking them and now my blood count is back down I am starting back on Spirilina again.
I had looked into taking some vegan iron pills, but switching to cast iron cookware and picking veggies higher in iron got my labs up into range. There are some really good options out there with vegan iron pills to help supplement a diet with Iron, C, and the Bs - usually, these seem to be marketed towards mothers, and the manufacturer overlooks these as an excellent option for those with Anemia.
James @ Dadvice TV
Little worried!
Hi I'm new here... a little question :)
Fatigue and lethargy 
Just received blood test results 
Acute kidney injury that went untreated for years…
