Happier kidneys!

[Love101cats]

I've just had a call from hospital with my latest blood results and my GFR. Is now 36.4!. Wow! Just a couple of months ago it was 25. All the other results showed improvement too. I am elated. I have not had my ultrasound results yet but not so worried. Ive not been given any meds for the kidneys but have reduced the level of diuretics ive been taking by just half a tablet and followed the basic renal diet carefully. I am slightly more breathless but hope that things will settle down for a while.

[Hidden]

Congratulations on a great first step. It can be a long journey so celebrate all the positives and don't stress excessively on the occasional down numbers.

[Love101cats in reply to Hidden]

Thank you very much

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador]

Great your eGFR results are improving. The CKD diet is helpful to our kidneys.

[WinJ3]

Congratulations Love101cats!

[apopnj01]

Congratulations!! Keep up the great work!

[Hawaiilover]

That's great news, keep up the good work!

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador]

Love101cats,

So happy to hear your news! Thanks for sharing!

It is all a process with diet, medication and exercise. Eat clean and you will be good to go.

Agree with Mr. _ Kidney, don't stress if your labs fluctuate. Hydration, a cold or even the time of day and person spinning could deviate them.

Remember that we are all behind you!

Bet

[Love100cats in reply to Bet117]

Thank you Bet. So far my biggest problem is making sure I have the right food at home as I am clinically vunerable and not going out at all due to heart failure. I was enjoying Wiltshire Farm Foods and they are the lowest in salt ive found but I forget to order and they are very strict on window for orders. So this week I tried W.W. and OK but not so low on salt. I know it would be best if I cooked but my b.p. is usually 85/45 and I'm very light headed. Im on my own so don't have anyone to remind me so im going to ask one of my friends to put it on their phone to remind me to order the food. A lot to learn!

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador in reply to Love100cats]

Hi Love100 Cats,

Gosh it is never easy. First of all, please call your doctor immediately and let him/ her know that your BP has been 85/45 and you are feeling lightheaded.

If you are presently taking BP medications they may not be right and you and you may have to have the dosage reduced. Ask your doctor or dietician if he/ she can recommend food or drink to keep this BP higher. I have low to low normal BP and experienced the same thing. My PCP lowered my BP medication immediately, I keep well hydrated and drink a small cup of coffee every morning. We are all different, so ask.

To remind yourself- I leave notes to myself on the fridge, appointments and obligations are all on the calendar on the fridge for both of us so each knows where the other is. Put a sticky note on your bathroom mirror.

My husband and I have left each other all kinds of nice notes on the bathroom mirror for years. Use the thought to remind yourself to call the grocery store.

As far as the prepared foods; as much as they are easy to deal with, they are filled with many preservatives and high in sodium- not the best for CHF patients ( My dad was one) and kidney patients.

Just a thought, could your friend help you cook good meals and freeze meals? All you would have to do is put them in the microwave. Our local Council on Aging has screened volunteers who shop for those who should not be in the stores at this time in our lives and even help with meal preparation.

Hopefully once your BP is addressed, you will be more mobile in your residence.

When when you call your delivery order get things which are on your diet.

Fresh or fresh frozen vegetables, fruits, chicken, egg whites and other foods which can be prepared and frozen. If you are able to eat pasta, order a low sodium sauce. ( Prego is good) cook and put it into tupperware/ and freeze it. Order salads with just veggies from pizza places who deliver. Add your own protein and an oil and vinegar dressing allowed on your diet.

I do a lot of cooking and freezing. I also cook foods which will keep well in the fridge and heat them up.

There are many alternatives. Oatmeal and Cream of Wheat come in individual servings. Bread can be frozen and defrosted for freshness.

Order based on your diet.

Please get back to me and let me know your thoughts and how you are doing.

It will all work out; just find the resources..

Stay well and safe!

Bet🙏🌹

[Love100cats in reply to Bet117]

Thank you Bet for your response. So much to deal with at a time when I want to be able to grieve. Its only 8 months since my husband died here at home after a long battle with heart,kidneys,diabetes,cancer and dementia. I just woke up from a dream that he was dying to be reminded that he isn't here. I'm not self pitying. Im just doing my best to come to terms with everything. Im usually a good coper unphazed by problems but I am coping as best as I can right now.

I have spoken to g.p. and heart failure nurse about b.p. I have blood tests every two weeks for kidney failure. Im in a tricky situation between two serious illnesses and they are doing their best to tweak meds to support heart and kidneys.

One thing that has affected me is nausea so I ended up eating toast as I couldn't face other foods.. im still delicate and cant cope with any salad stuff. So at least im eating and its hot food. Im still waiting for results of ultrasound so don't know whats happening inside me yet.

I did talk to my friends about my diet and they were willing but totally phased out about what you cook on a renal diet. I am too. My diet will not be confirmed till after ultrasound results.

So its complicated. I can't cook right now. It would be dangerous.

Im sure a lot will improve when I feel better emotionally but I don't know how ill feel physically. Thank you for your interest and support. Its hard being alone and not being able to get out. That's why this site is so good. It doesn't always solve problems but it helps you sort your head out and I realised today that I have a way to go with grieving yet. I will keep in touch if that's ok?

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador in reply to Love100cats]

Love100cats,

No thanks ever needed!

I am so sorry to learn of your husband's passing. He must have been a wonderful man who possessed many special gifts which he shared with his family and the world. Keep his wisdom and love close and he will always be with you.

I can well imagine how trying a time this is for you. It is a process; go one breath at a time, one moment at a time and one day at a time. Think of what he would tell you and draw strength from that. Keep that close in heart.

It is not easy juggling emotions and health issues but remember that you are not alone. You have friends there and all of us here to see you through. Of course you can communicate with me, just reach out; I will always reach back.

I am glad that you have a good and caring team of medical people to care for you. If you are unwell and not sure what to eat, mention it to them and see what help that they can suggest or if there is a service that can deliver healthy meals to you at a reasonable cost. We have that here. Your GP would be the best and first line to speak to.

Also let your local friends help with getting food etc. They love you and I am sure would be glad to support you through this journey. Perhaps one could come by and cook for you, even if it is just eggs and toast. Ask them.

Hopefully your test results will be in this week and the doctors can get you moving forward to adjust medications and help you to feel better. Most importantly, you are under medical care and being monitored. The puzzle pieces and care plan will soon be in place.

You are a wonderful and courageous woman; remember that; and as frustrating as it is, getting things in place takes time.

Take good care of yourself and stay safe.

Process and reach out here at any time. You are special.

Good and healing thoughts go with you, as well as my prayers.

Bet x 🙏