Hello, does anyone else feel like they are in panic mode knowing it is time to have blood work done. I am so afraid to see my numbers. I have been drinking my water and eating a mostly vegan diet (I eat no meat, no poultry, no processed foods, and watch my sodium very carefully). I will eat a piece of fish once in a while and my big cheat is a small serving of regular ice cream. I am worried about the potassium due to all the beans and nuts I eat for protein. Thanks
Yankees 28
No, I do not go into panic mode for bloodwork. If your potassium is too high the Doctor should tell you how to modify your diet. Have you discussed the need for a diet with your Doctor. What is your eGFR?
Hello. It was 29 last time I went. I saw a nutritionist but she was not helpful in regards to following a plant based/vegan diet. I would like to find a renal nutritionist who specializes in plant based/vegan eating but haven't had much luck in my area.
There might be a renal dietitian in your area who does virtual visits also.
I will confess that I have anxiety before each lab. It is such a gamble, those numbers..... But as my nephrologist explained, it is just a caption of the moment the labs were done. Being stable is what is important, even if it with a low GFR.
So true, not progressing is key
Yep me too….anxiety with labs. I been eating mostly plant based but my labs didn’t improve. Maybe in time, or maybe it will decline slower. You know I think everyone needs some treat they enjoy. I read many candies are not the best with CKD, I’ll pull back but I’m going to eat them sometimes
I sympathize with you. I am terrified to see my numbers. It takes all my strength to go to my chart and see my results. I do cheat so maybe that is why I feel intense fear.
Yankees,
Your reaction to having labs drawn is perfectly normal.
I think that all of us feel like we are sitting on a goose egg waiting for it to hatch until we see the actual lab results.
Bear in mind, that an increase by .2 or even 1 may be determined by hydration, who is spinning the specimen, time of day or even the lab itself.
When you get your results, print them out and jot the results from your last draw next to them to note stabilities, patterns etc. Any thing that flags high or low based on the labs ranges, make a point of checking it off and discussing it with your doctor to allay concerns; and as Orange City indicated, make tweaks if needed.
Asking about seeing a renal dietician may be a good idea as they will take a look at your case, labs and recommend food choices and portions to you which are both appetizing and nutritious.
Bassetmommer said it well, that labs are a snap shot of one day. Labs can always be repeated.
Hang in there and think positive!
Bet
I am sorry the blood work is causing you such anxiety. Over the years, I have come to peace with my diagnosis and the inevitability of dialysis/ transplant - now I get blood work done every 4-6 weeks and see it as empowering so I and my doctor can make the best decision for my treatment. But its taken me a while to get here. I'm in my 40s and my GFR is down to 13 (was 20 last year, so significant decrease), and because I only have 1 kidney, they will not preform a biopsy(too risky) so we have no idea why it is failing. I am healthy otherwise (no co-morbidities).
There was a study done in Norway back in 2006 that found a sense of humor was linked with better outcomes and longer lifespans for patients with kidney disease, controlling for all other factors (age, gender, stage, education etc). So sometimes laughter *is* the best medicine.
Here's to more laughter and less worry, blessings to you.
It's great to see this attitude from a CKD patient because it suggests that it is doable. Everyone around me is saying that morale is one of the most important things when you have a disease. I don't know the line between wishful thinking and being positive. But I am sure that accepting your disease, slow progress, and future possibilities is the key here. Congrats on your bravery! I am, too, trying to adjust to this disease; so that I can control it, rather it controls me.
I still get anxious. I try to do everything right. I understand your feelings Just keep doing the right thing diet wise for your kidney health. Be mindful
Of everything your lab results show. It is your guide of what to do and what
Not to do .
The anxiety of a lab draw does not go away even after a transplant. I am 22 years post transplant and almost "hold my breath" waiting for my results
I’m always nervous about lab work. I have my test in March and I’m nervous about it. I was at a 59, 57, and a 52. That’s when I was first diagnosed so I’m hoping it gets better. I try to remember that the gfr can vary from test to test. Keeping my fingers crossed.
I'm right where you are. Exact numbers. I hate when it drops 5-7 points. Strange as this may sound but I think cold weather affects it. I was 57 then 57 in summer when I was in the sun all the time, then winter down to 52. Hibernating when it's cold (even here in Florida lol) I think it slows my circulation/less excersize. My diet hasn't changed.
Hi I've never replied on here before, but seeing your post decided it would be a good time. I do worry about labs. As a matter of fact I'm waiting on mine to come in which should have been today, but due to weather it will have to wait. I don't know why I get anxious, nothing I can other try my best to eat correctly and get some exercise etc. Good luck I know I need it sometimes too.
Hi, I agree - nerve racking! I understand about the bean/nut issue. My potassium is o.k. now but I hate eating lectins all the time for protein. I don't think it's healthy, but what else is out there for protein besides tofu without eating veggies all day long?? Amino's. I'm seriously considering doing amino's partially for now. My gfr:52-57.
I think everyone...no matter what Stage you are...stresses about Lab Results...I wish they would make a wearable device that would give us our basic lab readings a few times a day like they have for Diabetics Glucose Readings...for example. .If you see your phosphorus increasing, you could be more mindful immediately.....I asked my Neph about that and he said they could easily make them for Kidney Patients...but more people have Diabetes, so right now they cater to them....frustrating
Thank you for responding. A device like that would be amazing. I do urine tests but they don't give a lot of info. Also not sure how accurate they are.
Right...a Urine Test really doesnt tell you much on your Kidney Health....I know it's hard not to stress about Labs...I still have to work on that myself...try to look at them for what they are, a tool to let you know what you can try to Improve on...and a reward for when your efforts show improvement...
P.S. Icecream was hard for me to give up also...but sorbet is Kidney Friendly and they make some fabulous flavors, I actually like it better anymore...I bought some Coconut Sorbet one time...and my Huband ( an ice cream fanatic) ate most of it because it was delicious...lol
My guess beans and nut protein is not a worry, but actually a benefit. You do need protein so this is a good source. Good luck, my suggestion is make sure you are hydrated before test, and don't stress. Stress makes everything worse. God bless
I don't have anxiety about lab work or the results but I have developed a bad case of anxiety related to food. I've never been overweight and always ate whatever I liked. Now I obsess over sodium, potassium, now it's protein. I'm at the point where thinking about food makes me nauseous. I see my neph on June 7 and have requested a referral to a renal dietician so he/she can help me decide what is best to eat.
Yes, constantly.
Yes I get very anxious...I do not like getting blood tests done...sometimes potassium to high...and vitamin to low...and other things...I have ckd...my creatine is 2.17 and my efgr is 22...so see what happens in a week..
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