Do you supposed to feel anything for CKD? And what are the symptoms?

[howietung]

Hello everyone

I found out I have CKD in the last October with 1.48 creatinine, I met a very unhelpful doctor who just told me to have a low protein diet, and I didn't know what it was so I had to go online googled, then I found out CKD patients shouldn't eat high potassium, high phosphorus, high sodium and high protein food. I didn't know what to eat for 2 months and lost a lot weight, which I later found out it's very bad for the kidneys too. I am not sure if I damaged my kidneys more by dropping weight so fast. I later asked the doctor to assign me a dietitian, I don't know why he didn't do it in the first place. Later he told me I shouldn't felt anything until late stage of CKD, I don't know if it's true since I have been feeling different things but just not sure if it's related to CKD. Does CKD makes you pee more frequently or less ? Last time I checked my creatinine was 1.38 last month, but I have been feeling my heart beats fast sometimes or pee less lately. Can anyone tell me from the experience? Thanks so much whoever can help me!!

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Hi Howietung,

Everyone is different. You do not say what stage you are.

I felt nothing at Stage 3. But then I had a lot of other things happening. At stage 4, I was tired and that was from anemia. As far as pain goes, I had kidney stones so that was painful.

Today, with modifications to my lifestyle, I feel pretty great and have for over two years.

Have the doctor go over your labs. Not everyone needs to modify their potassium or phosphorous. It all depends on the individual and what your lab readings are. I hope you do go see a dietician because that can make all the difference.

[howietung in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thank you so much for your respond!! I am at stage 3

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to Bassetmommer]

Agree Bassetmommer, that we are different and the eGFR and lab results for potassium, phosphorus and sodium dictate the assigned CKD diet. I was assigned the diet at level 3b.

[Hidden]

Hi

There are symptoms of CKD but not everyone experiences them the same way or in the same order/time.

I'd suggest going to davita.com and signing up for a virtual Kidney Smart class. You'll receive a lot of information and find resources to help you better understand CKD.

The two leading causes of CKD are diabetes and high blood pressure. If you either or both, ask your physicians to help you get them under the control.

When you meet with a Renal Dietitian bring as many hard copies of your previous lab reports. Together, you and the RD will develop a kidney-friendly meal plan which is the best first step to slowing the CKD.

What will be looked at are your levels for protein, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, and calcium. Ideally, the numbers should stay within the reference range norms.

Also, you should be eliminating red meats, processed foods, and fast food.

I'd also recommend using drugs.com and set up a free account. List all of your medications and see if any are bad for someone with CKD. Sometimes a new med may be needed, or a lower dosage, or even taking the med at a different time of day.

To help you better understand your labs use labtestsonline.org to help you understand some of the alphabet soup on the lab reports.

I realize it's a lot of information but being proactive and not reactive is your best course of action. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!

Best of luck.

[howietung in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much for all the information!!