Stage 4 ckd eGFR of 29

[Clark22]

Hi I am new to this community. I have stage 4 ckd and I am just wondering if it is still possible to improve it to stage 3 or 2?? Thanks for your responses.

[Hidden]

Hi and welcome to the community.CKD cannot be cured but the progression can be slowed down. The best thing for you to do is to contact your nephrologist and ask for a referral to meet with a renal dietitian. Developing a kidney-friendly meal plan and following it is one of the best ways to slow the progression. Your lab reports will show where you need to restrict things like protein, potassium, phosphorus, sodium and calcium. The RD will guide you on preparing a plan that will work for you based on your needs and preferences.

The two leading causes of CKD are diabetes and high blood pressure. If you have either one or both you need to get them under control. Speak to your doctors if you need help in doing that. You should also speak to your doctors about an exercise regimen that will work for you throughout the year.

If you are taking medications for any other illness you can go to drugs.com and check out the site. You can use the MY MED LIST and enter all of your medications and check for any interactions with other meds, find any food interactions and for any one that may be harmful to your kidneys.

Also, you should go to davita.com and register for a virtual, free, 90-minute Kidney Smart class. You'll get a lot of information and resources to help you get familiar with having CKD. You can also go to the RECIPES section of DaVita and look at the meal options there

When you meet with the nephrologist bring a complete list of all your medications, including OTC and supplements. Do not take any supplement unless you get it cleared by your physicians, especially the nephrologist.

You found a great location to get support and advice. Come back as often as needed and best of luck on your CKD journey.

[userotc]

Since ckd staging is based on gfr, the answer to your question must be yes (unless someone more experienced on here disagrees). I've read some cases on here/elsewhere which indicate such improvements with diet and well-being.

My mum is 3b but were aiming for 2 via D&W. We did achieve 61 (from <40) but it dropped back a bit so we're not claiming stage 2...yet!

[Clark22 in reply to userotc]

This is very hopeful. Thank you.

[Love101cats]

Follow the advice of Mr Kidney. I have and my kidney function has not got worse in fact it has occasionally slipped into 3b from stage 4. But its a hard road in that you can't fool your kidneys. If you really want to improve kidneys health its 100% commitment. Its easy to think that just this once it cant do any harm but yes it can. It took mee about 3 months to clear out cupboards and freezer, change my shopping lists, and come up with a plan. I have just invested in a nutrionist to check it out and she has made some adjustments. But now I feel the hard bit is done and I can just follow my plan for meals. (Hate word diet). Be positive.

[userotc in reply to Love101cats]

I applaud you in investing in a nutritionist, that is our next step if things don't continue to improve (see my earlier reply to this post). Did you find one that specializes in kidneys? A good one is worth the money.

[Love101cats in reply to userotc]

No, not a kidney specialist but a therapist/nutrionist for people with chronic illnesses. So to start with she has produced an eating plan which combines my heart,kidneys,thyroid and hiatus hernia needs. Its so easy to follow and eliminates guesswork.

[Darlenia in reply to userotc]

Knowing the underlying reason for your kidney disease is very important. If you have Diabetes Type 2, for example, the diet should also focus on the diabetes as well as the kidney disease. (Indeed, if one eliminates the diabetes, then kidney damage will slow down and even stop.) Knowledge is everything.

[userotc in reply to Darlenia]

Makes sense. In mum's case, we think the cause of her CKD was BP for which she was on 1 tablet - not diabetes albeit close according to blood sugar tests. With improved diet and wellbeing, she has long since come off the medication and her BP is excellent nowadays at ave 116/72.

If/when we resolve her increasing urine protein and albumin trend, we will be happy.

[Meettheparents]

Dear Clark22, the answer to your question is yes. Please google a 2014 Stanford University research article which demonstrated that kidneys can regenerate throughout life. It will require making some lifestyle changes. Switch to a Whole Foods, Plant Based diet, as animal products like meat, seafood and dairy are hard on kidneys. Cut down on oil, salt, sugar and potassium. Drink liberal amounts of water and do not take NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen. If you have hypertension or diabetes, work with your doctor to get them under control. (If you follow a WFPB diet, this will naturally improve your numbers.) Make sure your doctor reviews your list of prescription medications and supplements and discontinues any that do not promote kidney health. And get at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise weekly. Walking counts. I am an RN who made these changes last Feb. 2020 when my creatinine was 1.85 and eGFR was 28. I am happy to say that two weeks ago these lab values were 1.03 and 56. Finally, there is a lot of good information online on the WFPB way of eating and its numerous health benefits. See Dr. Neal Bernard among many others. Best wishes to you.