eGFR/Creatinine/BUN/Diet - So Confusing! - Kidney Disease

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eGFR/Creatinine/BUN/Diet - So Confusing!

JohnInTexas profile image
10 Replies

Hi! I'm JohnInTexas with my sweet Calico, Ms. Stevie Nicks. We're both new here and searching for support and learning more about my condition of Stage 3 CKD. Howdy and nice to meet y'all!

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JohnInTexas profile image
JohnInTexas
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10 Replies

Hi and welcome to the community.While there is no cure for CKD but there is a lot you can do to slow the progression.

First, you need to meet with a nephrologist if you haven't already done so.

While waiting for that appointment go to davita.com and register for a free, virtual, 90-minute Kidney Smart class. You will receive lots of information and resources that will help you with this journey. Any questions you have should be directed to your nephrologist.

Also on the DaVita site, you will find many RECIPES. Switching to a kidney-friendly meal plan will allow your kidneys to process waste more efficiently. Each recipe will need to be adjusted for your wants and needs.

To accomplish this, collect as many of your previous lab hard copies. When you meet with the nephrologist, ask for a referral to meet with a renal dietitian and bring the hard copies with you. The RD and you will review the reports and advise you on your meal plan.

No smoking, no NSAIDs, no red meat, no processed foods, no cured foods, and limit alcohol.

This community has a lot of knowledgeable folks who will help you, so stop by as often as needed.

It pays to do your own research as not everything you read on here is accurate, despite being well intentioned. Don't panic as it is only a disease not a death sentence, as most of us believe initially. Generally at stage 3A it is time to start the CKD changes. Once you hit 3B it becomes a little more important to know what you should be doing and to have specialist advice and help, then stick to it. With dietary and lifestyle changes life continues. The goal at stage 3A is to slow or stabilise the decline of your kidneys as much as you can. From there on in it becomes more important as the function declines. Be aware kidney function declines with age naturally anyway. I have my bloods done every 3 months to track the kidney function. This gives me a record to see how I'm managing my kidneys. It gives me the opportunity to adjust my diet as required to keep myself in stage 3A. You will experience fluctuations but as long as they are small they are normal. Occasionally I dip into stage 3B and it is time to take more action be it, diet, lifestyle or stop eating what I'm not supposed to have eaten! On average I have a very small decline and that appears to be the best I can expect although, I'm always optimistic of seeing stage 2 again, some time. Sadly not realistic though, but that is my target which keeps me on the straight and narrow for the most part.This certainly is the best forum I have found for support, there is also an Early CKD Support forum as well, on here.

Bet117 profile image
Bet117NKF Ambassador

Hi JohnInTexas,

Welcome to you and your very lovely Ms. Stevie Nicks to our community of knowledgeable, compassionate people.

We may discuss, share ideas but the bottom line is that your first line of communication must be your doctor.

Set a team who listens, communicates, explains things in simple terms, is willing to involve you in putting together a health plan which meets your needs and also consult with your other doctors.

This is all a journey and a process, we all see each other through.

You will see many opinions on here and books found but the base line comes down to you.

Mr._Kidney has given you some great direction to take and reliable resources.

Bottom line is good medical, watching your labs, kidney smart diet, and a bit of exercise.

The goal is to prevent progression.

Remember that what may work for one person, may not work for another. We are all different.

Please reach back at any time as we are happy to have you both and will always answer.

Bet

JohnInTexas profile image
JohnInTexas in reply to Bet117

Thanks to ALL for your replies! I am under the care of a great Urologist and Internist and healthy eating and exercise is at the top of my list to slow progression! Luckily I'm not at the Nephrologist stage yet - Stag3 3 labs have been stable for 3 years! 😃

Bet117 profile image
Bet117NKF Ambassador in reply to JohnInTexas

Amen! Keep in touch ! 😊

Jayhawker profile image
Jayhawker in reply to JohnInTexas

Great news on your stable labs!

I’m including a picture of Izzy, my little one🐶

Jayhawker

Bet117 profile image
Bet117NKF Ambassador in reply to Jayhawker

Jayhawker,

Izzy is beautiful! Thanks for introducing to us! Good thoughts!

Bet

Meettheparents profile image
Meettheparents

Hi John, there is hope! You have the power to improve your kidney function. I am a registered nurse and after I found that I had an elevated creatinine (1.85) in February of 2020, I did my own research. The most striking factor I found was that animal proteins are hard on kidneys. I now eat whole food, plant-based and avoid meat, fish, eggs and cheese. This change in diet has returned my creatinine to baseline (1.03). I also do aerobic exercise daily and avoid NSAIDs, processed foods, salt and fat. I have learned that too much fat in the diet is harmful to the endothelial cells in the vascular system, which includes the kidneys. My physician is impressed with my progress. A good place to start is to watch the Forks Over Knives documentary and YouTube videos of Dr. Neal Barnard. Best wishes.

Bassetmommer profile image
BassetmommerNKF Ambassador

Howdy John and welcome. We LOVE to talk food so anytime you have questions or want some ideas we are here for you. It is confusing in the beginning but getting a handle on things at this stage provides great hope and benefits.

Helloyall profile image
Helloyall

See kidney.org and Davitas.com

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