Proteinuria and CKD stage 4

[tara2020]

hello everyone

I am new here and I have stage 4 kidney disease with only one kidney and have diabetes 2 as well as other conditions

is there any practical steps to helping proteinuria ??

[Sammi_n_Munk]

Hi Tara! Welcome to the forum! Well, in answer to your question, a diet low in protein would be what’s required. I too, am a type 2 diabetic (for 35 years), and have high blood pressure, with gout and other chronic pain issues.

I think you’re going to find, as I also have, that managing more than one diet-dependant health issue will be a little tricky and frustrating at times. In CKD, the idea is to slow the progression, which means following a proper kidney-friendly diet plan as well as exercise regimen. This usually means a diet that’s low in protein. The problem is, that with diabetes, consuming a fair amount of protein is what is encouraged.

I would say, stick to a diet plan that includes lots of low-potassium vegetables and fruits, but with some lean proteins also, like fish and poultry (with the portion size no bigger than a deck of cards). Try to steer clear of red meats, protein powders or bars, chocolate, nuts and seeds, any whole grains, dairy (unless your doctor or renal dietician advises you otherwise), high sodium, potassium or phosphorus items, and any alcoholic beverages.

If you smoke try to quit. Stay away from over-the-counter meds like Advil, Motrin and Aleve. These are evil to us. Lol! Always discuss any prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs or antibiotics with your doctor first. For pain relief, try Tylenol instead, as long as you have no liver issues or allergies to acetaminophen.

Also drink a fair amount of water daily to flush your system. If you’re unsure of how much is right for you, ask your doctor, as you wouldn’t want to overdo it either. Try to steer clear of any weight-lifting exercises as these can raise creatinine levels by releasing protein from your muscles into your bloodstream. Just do some light and easy cardio exercises daily (like walking) to maintain a good heart rate.

And certainly discuss with your doctor a referral to a renal dietician as they will be able use your most recent bloodwork results to put together a proper diet plan especially for you. It will take some adjusting to, but it is manageable.

Once again, welcome to the community! I wish you all my best, dear. Please keep us posted as to how you come along. Stay well and be safe! God bless. 🙏😊👍

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to Sammi_n_Munk]

I agree with you Sammi, on the diet planning. I was put on a CKD diet that is limited on phosphorus, sodium and later potassium,; and portion size (deck of cards or less). I track my diet using Davita web site. I am also pre-diabetic. Diet is working even though it is a big challenge it is worth it.

[Sammi_n_Munk in reply to orangecity41]

Hey orangecity41! Yes, I can completely understand about the challenging part. I must admit, I don’t always follow my diet to a T. Lol! In fact, I’ve recently been struggling with high creatinine, urea and red blood cell count, because, for a few months prior, I had been consuming too much protein (chicken and pork chops - I’m terrible! Lol!)

I’ve also been doing my best to bring those levels down as I’ve also been retaining fluid as a result of that.

I’m glad that everything is working well with the diet and all. Kudos! And you’re right. It does work, if we follow it properly. That’s something I need to be reminded of from time to time, I guess. Lol! Take care! God bless. 😊👍👍

[tara2020 in reply to Sammi_n_Munk]

thank you Sammi_n_Munk , orangecity41 , Hidden for you replies

like you I also have high blood pressure, Arthritis, leg cramps , aches and pains and other chronic pain issues.

yes I am trying to be firmer with myself with my diet , ect

I love my cheeses

and it is hard too that my very supportive husband loves his meat , and sometimes I will eat too much and pay for it that night

I am now going through the procedure of being placed on the transplant list