Starting again and questions

[Allank]

I hope you all are well and managing to get the right food and exericise despite all the restrictions . The Jewish holiday of Passover , not eating bread , but matzah - not great for sandwiches , no quaker oats , not being too competent in the kitchen and most important not taking ownership my diet went out of the window- plenty of meat , I am terrible with quantities . I have a blood test and my first nephrolog appointment 25th may , so I am now doing my best to salvage some of my good work , when I was a good boy. I was wondering if anyone has gone through this , what were the results 2 . I have been seeing lots of video clips talking about baking soda for CDK - saw also Dr Berg against baking soda as a regular thing. 3 How much does blood pressure tablets impact on your blood pressure - by how many points does it drop if you use x amount tablet .Thanks for your kind attention and good health

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

HI Allank,

Falling off the wagon is easy to do but it is wonderful that you are back to managing your diet. None of can predict what the results are going to be for your labs. So try to stick to what you know works for your diet. Maybe seeing a renal dietician might be good to help you.

Baking soda is a remedy used to change blood ph levels. Unless prescribed by the doctor, you should not just randomly take baking soda. Do you have high acid levels in your blood? If so, speak to your doctor about treatment.

Good luck with your appointment. Make sure you are hydrated for the labs.

[Ladybug_05]

Hi Allank,

I can assure you that none of us are perfect when it comes to managing our diet! I've found that my body resets itself to normal levels after a few weeks, but it's very personalized and everyone is different. You might surprise yourself and find that your labs haven't been impacted at all due to the amount of time that has passed and your dedication to dietary restrictions; you just don't know! I wouldn't worry too much though and if your nephrologist is concerned with your lab results, just explain what happened and ask if you can have them redone a few weeks after the appointment.

Baking soda for CKD is individualized and ensures that your blood isn't too acidic. It should only be done under the direction of your nephrologist to prevent new issues. As for blood pressure tablets for blood pressure regulation, everyone is different and require different doses based on their weight, height and their sensitivity to this medication. Eating healthy, practicing mindfulness/good mental health habits and exercising are the first line of defense in preventing the need for these medications! Good luck

[Hidden]

I was diagnosed in June of 2017. At the end of next month, I'll have known about CKD for 3 years. I saw an RD shortly after that, attended a Kidney Smart class the next month and my GFR went from a 32 at diagnosis to it's current 51, which also happens to be my average over the last three years. That's with sticking to my meal plan, taking no breaks or little celebrations, staying on my meds for all other health issues, exercising, and getting all supplements approved by the members of my Care Team. It isn't easy, or at least it wasn't for me. Now, it's just the normal part of my life.

You have to take it seriously all the time. You're lucky to have a second chance to get it right. Make the most of it and stick to the plan approved by you and your doctors.

Best of luck and stay safe.

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

I agree with your post and have had similar experience with my CKD diet. I can tell if I have been off my diet. I do splurge every once in a while. I feel the diet is worth the effort as negative impact could happen. It is about quality of life as well as quantity. The CKD diet has become part of my routine.

[Sammi_n_Munk]

Hi there Allank! Believe me, I hear ya! I’m actually going through something right now with fluid retention issues, which I believe is due to my high creatinine levels. I tend to also be bad with meat proteins and quantities. Being a diabetic, I suppose my first intuition is to always get my protein, but I overdid it. (Bad, bad, bad!) Lol!

When I did some research online, the advice seems to be to get plenty of fibre in your diet. Try to incorporate low potassium and low phosphorus fruits and veggies that also contain high amounts of fibre. I know that beans were suggested in place of meat proteins. Fish and meat tend to raise creatinine levels. Beans are high in phosphorus, but from what I’ve read, they also contain something called, “phytates” which apparently, bind the phosphorus, disallowing it to be absorbed by your body. Also, try to lay low on high sodium foods to the best of your ability, and no strenuous exertion. Walking is fine though.

You mentioned your blood pressure and medication. I believe that blood pressure meds need to be taken consistently on a daily basis (and usually best taken at roughly the same time everyday as well). But it’s really not something that should be doubled up on if you’ve missed a dose. I don’t think it works that way, in fact, it may be very harmful to you to do that. Do as Bassetmommer said, and try to speak to your PCP about your concerns. Keep yourself well hydrated. That is very important.

I know how you feel. I’m trying also to reverse some mistakes that I’ve made recently. Just hate the fluid retention. It’s always a sad reminder that I’m not as healthy as I would like to be.

I hope these suggestions will be helpful to you, Allank. Please do keep us posted on how things come along. I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers. All my best to you! God bless. 🙏😊👍👍

[Hawaiilover in reply to Sammi_n_Munk]

I also am trying to find the right balance of foods. Next Dr visit I need to ask about seeing a dietician. I'm stage 4 and he never suggested this to me! I was really watching closely what I was eating and eating more fruits & veggies along with drinking lots more water, however it got me constantly running to the bathroom & diarrhea....therefore dehydrated me more & level dropped. I thought I had been doing good, however it was the opposite effect. I got angry that all my hard work did reverse of what I was trying to make happen and really went off the diet. I can tell now it's not good. I feel very fatigued and just not well. I'm trying to get back & find the right amounts that work for me, but feeling discouraged.

[Sammi_n_Munk in reply to Hawaiilover]

What does your doctor recommend for you right now? Has she / he referred you to a renal dietician? You can still rectify some of what has been happening. I went through the same thing. Keeping hydrated is always a good idea, but your PCP should be advising you on how much to drink in a day. Their advice is usually based on the results of your bloodwork.

I can definitely identify with going off the diet. Trust me. The fatigue your experiencing could be because your levels are off. But low impact exercise (even though you may not feel up to doing it) can help with that. I’m stage 4 too. This is a difficult journey we’re on, for sure. I’m sorry you’re feeling so poorly.

I haven’t been altogether well myself with my kidneys either, so I completely understand where you’re at. Try not to allow this setback to discourage you. It’s as you said. It’s all about finding the right balance. Once you see a renal dietician, they will use your results to draw up a good diet plan that will regulate everything better.

Please keep me posted on how you come along. I do wish you all my best, dear. God bless. 🙏🙂👍

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to Sammi_n_Munk]

I agree with you Sammi on the diet, amounts of food and amounts of water. A balance helps. I think other medical conditions enter into the appropriate diet also. The diet tracking helps me.

[HealthBuddyMelissa]

So, we really can't tell you the medication answer. However, you can look each drug up and see if it is filtered in the kidneys and then ask your doctor if you could try another. If you have high blood pressure, the doctor may be reluctant to change if the medication is actually controlling your blood pressure. As to the Sodium Bicarb, my Nephrologist prescribed it to me because I had Metabolic Acidosis, and it did work like a charm, and I take it to this day. However, you should not take it without knowing your labs, and where you are at. You don't want to push your body into Metabalic Alkalosis.