Just started all of this June last year, love all of the info you share

[BigDino]

Had my driver medical blood test done April last year. I get called in and was told 1 kidney had level 2 cancer and blood clot in superior vena cava, and that I needed immediate surgery. By mid June it was done with and I was hoping that was it. So when I went for a check up I was surprised to find out I had level 4 ckd and the one kidney I had left has only 16% efficiency. Had fistula surgery last week, but was given a 2 year lead time before dialysis. My problem is I get cold very easily and have no energy. I am frustrated, as I am retired military and hate slowing down so much. I do have a very low pulse but that is being looked into.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

HI BigDino,Glad to hear the surgery all went well. The cold may be attributed to anemia. it is a common condition for late-stage CKD. It goes deep and it is hard to get warm sometimes. I find a hot liquid, tea or even warm water helps. Please have your hemocrit and hemoglobin checked to see if that is the cause. It can also make you feel drained and no energy.

Here's the good news. You might be able to put off dialysis with diet. Have you seen a renal dietician? By using low protein, mostly vegetarian diet you may be able to keep or maybe even improve your GFR. I would tell you to go whole foods, plant based, but many people are put off by that.

There are some basic changes that can make improvements. No red meat at all. No sausage or bacon or other processed meats. Chicken and fish in moderation might be ok. Cut down dairy. Things like cheese, cream and milk are hard on the kidneys. Add more fiber to your diet. Drink lots of water and watch caffeinated drinks such as coffee and colas. And of course, limit salt.

Whole food basically means nothing processed. It is very hard to do because so much of what we eat is processed somewhere. The less the food has been handled, the better for you.

For energy, try exercise. Try to do as much as you can and build up your strength slowly. After a major surgery, the body takes a long time to rebound. Try doing exercises that are not too over taxing such as walking and even swimming.

There are many of us who have gone with a more vegetarian diet, plant based and whole foods who have seen some really wonderful improvements in the CKD. I was at a GFR of 13 for over 2 years and I have brought it up to 18. I was told in 2018 to prepare for dialysis in 6 months. They were wrong.

If you have any questions, please ask a way and welcome to the Forum.

[Mwachibwago in reply to Bassetmommer]

Bassetmommer!Your insightful reply to BigDino,has given many of us the second opportunity to continue the ckd journey..What you've suggested,is simply"the gift of life"...Such posts lifts up our spirits.I nolonger rely on historical data from the internet.Guys, keep on posting and continue keeping our spirits.Good night and be blessed..it's 9:03pm here in Kenya

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador in reply to Mwachibwago]

Blessings to you Mwachibwago. Thank you for the kind words.

[BigDino in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thank you for your inspirational advice. Being a lifelong carnivore does not help me much, but I am learning moderation. My Renal clinic however, wants me to limit my liquids to 2 litres per day, which I find difficult. I am awaiting the results of my Holter monitor test, hoping a pacemaker will help my energy level.

[Darlenia in reply to BigDino]

It seems you're receiving good medical care. Glad your doctors are also keeping a close eye on your heart (low pulse) situation. All of our organs are so very important.

[RoxanneKidney]

I agree with these replies. Change your diet etc. It is not generally the CKS that kills you but the blocked arteries. If you are active, stay active. Congrats for beating cancer..