Update on CKD

[Sassysmom]

Hello all, I can't remember if I've posted an update or not so here goes.

The nephrologist ordered 1100 tests. Not really but sure seemed like it. A renal ultrasound showed scarring at the top of bilateral kidneys. He asked if I'd ever had a UTI that wasn't treated, I told him no and then thought about it after I got home. I did have a problem for about a year in the late 90s. I'd go to the doctor and tell them that my urine was stinky. They'd do a urinalysis but everything was fine. Finally sent me to a urologist who did a cystoscopy and cleared out some scar tissue and I never had a problem again. Now I wonder if that caused it. All the labs came back ok except I'm low on calcium so he said to add cheese and yogurt to my diet. I am stable so I don't have to see him but a few times a year. So I'm watching my diet and trying to figure out an eating plan. One doctor I'd pushing plant based and that is a learning curve for me. Now with other health issues I have zero energy and just can't find the drive to prepare anything. I'm taking it one step at a time and working towards a healthier life but I'm beginning to wonder if this is all there is or is it possible to improve,the quality? Sorry I'm not in the best frame of mind right now. I really hate going to see a doctor for fear of what they'll find next.

[Sammi_n_Munk]

Hi there Sassysmom. Wow. What you said in your post now has me wondering about my kidney troubles possibly being attributed to some of my UTIs over the years. As a diabetic, bladder and UT infections were aplenty for me, and had been for some time. I didn’t know that these could actually cause damage to the kidneys. I must admit, I’ve never had this type of testing done on my kidneys. Perhaps this is something that I should also look into.

And, I understand completely how you feel about going to see doctors. With me, it’s pretty much the same thing. I rarely come out of their offices feeling great. In fact, I don’t even remember when the last time I felt good coming out of their offices, was. Lol!

But with regard to the low energy feelings you’ve been getting, I’m pretty certain that most of us here in this forum are, or at least, have been there, trust me. Don’t know if you incorporate any exercise in your daily regimen or not, but if you don’t yet, I would suggest that you try. Believe me, I know it’s difficult to get started on it, but once you do, you should begin to feel more energized as your oxygen level goes up. I hate to sound as though I’m preaching here, but I usually tend to push some daily movement on people (my siblings can attest to that. Lol!), but only because I know the importance of it on our overall well-being. Especially for those of us with chronic illnesses that often cause fatigue. Ask your doctor what the proper amount of exercise would be for you. We’re all different. All I really do is a little walking, but it helps me tremendously in revitalizing my energy levels. I hope it works for you as well.

Also, if you’re interested, DaVita.com has some good recipes for kidney-friendly meals. Give those a try. You might enjoy them. I hope you’re feeling better soon, dear. Keep us posted. God bless. 😊👍

[Sassysmom in reply to Sammi_n_Munk]

Thanks for your input. I'm finally pain free enough that I actually can exercise. Prior to the gabepentin I couldn't stand for more than a few minutes because I hurt so badly. I actually was able to groom my dog yesterday. It took 3 hours with many periods of rest but that's definitely a border off my shoulders. She still needs more work but her coat really was in bad shape because the lethargy was so bad. I can actually walk her and work on training so I'm good for now.

I never considered a kidney infection causing kidney problems years later. But the nephrologist believes that where the CKD comes from or was at least influenced by it. My family doctor ordered the renal ultrasound so he could satisfy insurance I needed to see a nephrologist. Its irreversible damage but at least I can see what could have caused it.

[Sammi_n_Munk in reply to Sassysmom]

Hey Sassysmom! I’m glad to hear that you’re feeling a little better. Yeah, pain is the worst. I always have trouble keeping myself together when I’m in pain. Today happens to be one of those days for me, a little. It’s raining, plus my gout is also screeching. I try to stay positive, but not always does it work! Lol!

I actually have an appointment today for labs. I must admit, I’m somewhat nervous. Oh well. Comes with the wonderful CKD territory, I guess. Lol!

I’d be willing to bet that my CKD issues also stemmed from all my years of UTIs. That fact also makes me wonder if this could be the issue with others as well. CKD seems to be a very common problem. I would need to speak to my doctor about my situation also. I’m curious. Oh well.

Thanks for keeping me posted. I wish you all my best, dear. Keep your chin up and God bless. 😊👍

[Sassysmom in reply to Sammi_n_Munk]

Hi, I would never have thought about a UTI causing kidney problems. I've had one kidney,infection in my life and that was 3 days after having a baby.

I'm learning that knowing something and living up to are two separate entities. I'm still doing the no added salt diet and low meat consumption but I emotionally am having a tough time with finding a diet that fits both diabetes and CKD. I look at one diet and it calls for one food but that's prohibited on the other. I'm just overwhelmed with too many medical problems too quickly. I'm like you with the weather. My mood is low and I lack energy. I'm looking for the sun to come out for awhile.

[Sammi_n_Munk in reply to Sassysmom]

That would be nice, wouldn’t it? Ah. If only. And I’m with you on the multiple health issues thing also. It is really difficult trying to juggle so many at one time. It sounds as though you and I share a lot in common. I’m a diabetic with kidney issues and gout. My shopping list these days is pathetic! Lol! It looks more like a lady bug’s shopping list than a human’s shopping list! So much lettuce and not enough stuff, you know what I mean?

I must admit though, I still eat chicken and sometimes, pork chops. I’m bad. But, I don’t do it often. It’s just that sometimes, it can’t be helped. Like you say, the kidney and gout diet are not accommodating to the diabetes diet. Where do you turn? Oh well. I guess we should at least be thankful that we have this forum to come to whenever we need to reach out for support and to gripe once in awhile. Lol!

I suppose sometimes, the only sunny spot we have is right here, huh? Wow. As you say, so many changes too quickly. I have to tell you, I know many people who have also had multiple bladder and UT infections. But I really don’t want to scare anyone. I wonder if maybe I shouldn’t say anything, just not to create any panic. Don’t know.

Thank you for sharing your story with me. It helps, believe me. Until next time, stay well and God bless. 😊👍