Dietician and Peace of Mind

[SunshineGardener]

I am CKD Stage 3B. I finally had a meeting with a Dietician whose training and knowledge base includes CKD, cardiac issues, and Prediabetes. What a relief. Even though I found I apparently have done a good job researching and altering my daily diet to encompass my health issues, the meeting took a weight off my shoulders and relieved me from some self induced anxiety. So happy I persisted.

[Hidden]

Congratulations. Continued success. Were you able to arrange meetings in the future online and/or with e-mails? I'm two hours from my RD and we've done that since I've learned to make adjustments.Your persistence has paid off.

[SunshineGardener in reply to Hidden]

Yes. I am approved for three hours consulting with the RD, so we are going to do that over time in 30 minute increments. I am also a leukemia patient now eight years in remission, and through all of the medical crises, I have learned that being your own best advocate and tireless researcher means so much. So does knowing you are not alone. Thank you.

[ntsgls11]

Thank you for this msg. I am so anxious about diet. I have so much researched info, but I can't get my head around what to do with it all. Also very discouraged about enjoying life on a CKD diet. I panicked after I threw caution to the wind and ate 1 slice of pizza a few days ago. I'm not sure I can do this. Depressed.

[Hidden in reply to ntsgls11]

I understand what you are going through and there is a way to make it happen. Having any chronic illness, especially CKD, requires lifestyle changes. How many times in your life have you or someone in your family gone on a diet and a week later the diet is not being followed? If you make all of the lifestyle changes, meal plan, exercise, medications, it becomes easier to be successful. By knowing that if you stick to the kidney-friendly meal plan, do your medically approved exercise regimen, and take all of your medications you can adjust and thrive with the changes. I still miss my ribs and a cold brew but I'm healthier and enjoying my new life spending my kids inheritance.

I miss an occasional slice of pizza and someone passed a recipe on to me you should try. Instead of tomato sauce, take red bell peppers and slow roast them at 500 degrees, peel the skin and take out the stem and seeds and cut them into pieces and puree them in a blender or food processor and puree them. Use that instead of tomato sauce, and try using brie or low sodium mozzerella cheese to top it off. Keep off the meats and use a pita for the crust. It's not the same but it is healthier and causes less anxiety at lab time.

Best if luck.