Numbers dropped

[thomascald]

Had appt yesterday. Bun is up to 38. Creatine up to 4.0. Co2 is low so bicarbonate building up in blood. If it doesn't come up starting dialysis next month. Kidney function went from 22 in January to 18 2 days ago.

[Beachgirl32]

Hello Thomas I can truly relate my nephrologist told me I may be starting dialysis next month as well. The main question is how are you feeling when my kidney function was 18 percent I was feeling great . I couldn’t even get on transplant list until function was 20 percent I thought that was standard .My gfr is now 11 percent creatine is 4.2 my co2 however is in normal range. If you are feeling ok than I would wait on dialysis but if you are not then your body may need it only you can know how you feel . I know I’m just starting to feel tired but other than that I still feel ok. I have started what so many suggested to cut down or cut off protein follow a plant base diet . I also have switch to just drinking water . We will see if I made any changes .I started my exercise program again too and walking at least a mile a day that one is hard but I’m doing it. I know thinking of starting dialysis is a little frightened. My doctor told me I want to start it when I feeling a little good not when the toxins are so bad taking over. You will have some people on here to tell you they waited until 8 percent or lower function some higher but it your body you have to decide how you feel. My prayers are with you as we both enter this dialysis journey to wait or to do it.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

HI thomascald, I agree with Beachgirl. I know there are many people here who have much lower numbers than you, including myself who have stayed off dialysis. Once you are on, it is almost never you can come off. If you are feeling ok, and not getting too toxic, well.....its up to you. Have you done everything you can like diet, exercise and medications? I have put off dialysis for four years. I eat low protein, plant based for the most part and I actually brought my lab work up. But again, it is up to you

[thomascald in reply to Bassetmommer]

I am very limited on exercise, I have heart failure as well with ejection fraction at 23%. I get winded just getting the mail. I am tired all the time and have no energy, and I'm only 48.

[Beachgirl32 in reply to thomascald]

Did they put you on any medication for your ejection fraction ? Wonder why you are so tired I know when my ejection fraction went to 25 I was exhausted . Heart doc put me on med and I got it back up to 66 . That low ejection fraction will keep you tired did your doctor say you could do anything to improve it?

[thomascald in reply to Beachgirl32]

I'm on several medications for heart failure. As of right now, I have been having palpitations for the last month all day long. My left leg from my calf down to my toes are swollen, I mean huge. I'm on Lasix and Spirolactone (sp). With no effect Tried compression socks no effect, I have even tried the massaging boots. I've already had my fistula in my arm, had the surgery this past September.

[Beachgirl32]

☹️sorry you are having so many health problems . Hopefully when you start dialysis is will help you sending you prayers