new to this

[gpvg]

Hello ,

I recently was in hospital and at the follow up with mt GP he told me I reached Stage 3 during my stay. Since I have had issues with vision and I am so panicked almost crippled with anxiety over possibly dying soon. I have appointment with nephrologist in 2 weeks. I am just getting over Covid. Are there connections with covid and ckd. Thay had me on high doses of steroids. thanks

[Hidden]

Hi and welcome to the community,

I'm happy to hear that you are getting over COVID. If you made it through that you should have no problem adjusting to CKD.

I'm providing you with a link to a very good site for you to learn about CKD. Please go to kidneyschool.org and watch the learning modules about kidney disease. Any questions you have after viewing each module, write them down. When you meet with your nephrologist in two weeks ask your questions. If possible, bring someone with you to take notes and help you. Be sure to understand what your doctor tells you so that you can make the necessary changes.

The main thing is to understand your lab results so you'll know what foods you should eat and which ones to avoid. You will need to avoid red meat and processed foods.

Your labs for protein, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and calcium must be carefully watched and within the limits of the reference range on the labs.

Your doctor will speak to you on any more specific limitations.

Ask about an exercise regimen that will help you stay active and not harm any other health issue you may have.

Please use eatright.org to look at some ideas about foods that will help your kidneys work more efficiently,

Come back here often if you have any further questions.

Best of luck.

[Jayhawker]

Welcome🐶

It’s truly good news that you’ve recovered from COVID. It’s unclear from your post whether your kidney data had been alright before COVID or not.

Mr Kidney is right, there are several good online resources with good information about chronic kidney disease.

However, specifically due to the possible COVID connection and your renal function, if it were me, I’d wait to see the nephrologist before doing a lot of research. I’d definitely pull my questions together before the appointment though. I’d also find someone to go with me to the appointment.

My questions would include:

1. What has caused the decrease in my renal function?

2. Is it permanent?

3. What course of treatment will you pursue?

4. What treatment goals (i.e., immediate and long term) do you have for my case? Increase renal function? Stabilize function? Other?

5. What do you need me to do to facilitate these treatment goals? Medications? Dietary restrictions? Fluid restrictions? Exercise recommendations? Labs? Follow-up appointments?

6. And finally, what resources would you recommend that I access to learn how I can support my kidneys?

Again, this is just what I’d do. I’d also do a few things I really enjoy daily to celebrate surviving COVID 19🐶🐶 The nephrologist appointment will occur soon so I’d just sit tight for the next few weeks and try to enjoy life while eating as healthy as possible...

Jayhawker

[gpvg in reply to Jayhawker]

thanks Jayhawker. All good questions to keep in mind.

[Hidden]

Whether you have CKD or not, it does not necessarily mean you are dying. First, do not assume the diagnosis is correct (doctors and nephrologists misdiagnose people all the time). 2nd, according to the Kidney foundation, 15% of the population has CKD and 90% of those people have no idea. Less than a million people are being treated in the US in any year for end stage renal failure. If that is true, most people who have CKD never progress to ESRF, even if they never know or do anything about it.

[Peavey]

I wanted to address your panic mode. I lived that way for years until it dawned on me that I was still alive after 10 years of wating for a dialysis prophecy by my doctor that never came. 19 years later, I am at stage 4 and hanging on. Don't let it frighten you out of living your life.

Also, if you didn't have kidney problems before this, it could be a temporary thing. My sister was hospitalized after knee surgery, had sepsis, had a heart problem, had a stomach procedure and her kidneys shut down completely. She has recovered from that and her kidney function is normal for her age.

Just don't let fear control you.

[gpvg in reply to Peavey]

Thanks I am grateful for your responce