Energy levels

[Holl899]

Hello, I am new here, I was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney disease in January of 2022, my energy levels are very low, and I am cold most of the time, and I have some itchy rashes just above my ankles, these 3 symptoms seem to be the most problem, the low energy seems to be the worst, as I struggle day to day with even simple things, I was wondering what I could do to increase my energy, thank you.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Hi Holl,Talk to your doctor and get tested for anemia. The symptoms of being cold and lethargic are common with anemia and anemia is common in late-stage renal disease. There are medicines to combat the issue, however. For now, rest when you need to, and believe it or not, exercise when you can. It will help to increase your energy. Even short walks are good. See if you can see a renal dietician to review your food to see if you are eating good foods for your health. Often, adjusting the diet can give you more energy. Make sure you have enough protein without eating too much. Also, drinking water and staying hydrated will help with your energy levels. Best to you.

[Holl899 in reply to Bassetmommer]

Hello Bassetmommer, thank you so much for the information.

[Turtlepad513 in reply to Bassetmommer]

It could also be a medication you are on. In September, my doc wanted me to try farxiga even though I’m not diabetic, but I was so exhausted constantly that I finally asked to get off it and my energy rebounded.

Also stage 4 ckd too.

[Holl899 in reply to Turtlepad513]

Hello, thanks for the reply, right now I am on Losartan 25 MG, although I have to admit, I probably do not eat a lot, just not much of an appetite, I have been told I should do a little more walking, however almost any physical activity wears me out, thanks so much.

[Holl899 in reply to Turtlepad513]

Hello, with me, if I do too much physical activities, when my energy starts to drop, I feel probably unstable, and feel like I will fall.

[Turtlepad513 in reply to Holl899]

Getting tired easily is no fun. A low appetite can make you feel more tired. I would just be honest with your doctors. Maybe they can switch meds or offer other alternatives.

[Holl899 in reply to Turtlepad513]

Hello, I have to admit, my doctor is not happy with me not eating enough, 2 years ago, I weighed 216 pounds, my last doctor visit approx. 2 weeks ago, I weighed 128 pounds.

[Silkdog]

Hello Holl899,

Sorry about the problem you have with your energy level.

I was thinking about taking Farxiga, I am not diabetic but heard that Farxiga can help slowing down the progress of CKD. I am currently at Stage 3. Did it help you increasing your eGFR, besides being exhausted constantly? My doctor did not want me to take Farxiga as he thinks it's for diabetes only, but it's not. I'll see him later this month and will ask him in person to see what's his reasoning.

[Holl899 in reply to Silkdog]

Hello, thank you so much for your reply, my doctor has not mentioned taking Farxiga, but on my next visit, I will ask her about it, however, I did some research, and I read that cucumbers are good for cleaning the kidneys, I hope this helps.

[Silkdog in reply to Holl899]

Thank you Holl899, for your reply.

The reason I asked you about Farxiga is because you said "but I was so exhausted constantly that I finally asked to get off it and my energy rebounded." Do let us know what does your doctor say and I'll do the same.

[Holl899 in reply to Silkdog]

Hello, my doctor says that I am not eating enough, however when I do eat even if I eat a lot, my energy levels still remain low.

[Silkdog in reply to Holl899]

Hello Holl899,

Did he recommend you to take any energy drinks, like Ensure or Boost?

[Holl899 in reply to Silkdog]

Yes, howevever these types of drinks do not agree with me, as they tend to upset my stomach.

[Turtlepad513 in reply to Silkdog]

Hi, that was me who was put on farxiga. It helped a little bit. I think my gfr went from 19-22. But it wasn’t worth it to me as I was constantly having to nap after only about 2 hours of being awake. It just wasn’t workable since I work full time in student affairs at a university.

[Silkdog in reply to Turtlepad513]

Thank you, Turtlepad513,

I guess I got confused, lol. I guess everyone has different reaction with Farxiga.

[sparkie88]

You need to talk to Dietician to modify your diet also check with your Dr to rule out thyroid issues like hypothyroidism or hyper parathyroidism or an autoimmune diseases. If you have Anemia it is best to include some meat or eggs or supplement with B vitamins especially B12 but best get from food source If you work out be sure to drink enough and not over you can use Pedialyte electrolytes if needed. Finally try to eat more often like 6 mini meals a day can be as simple as a fruit or smoothies and egg chicken breasts salad etc just keep it as fresh as you can and finally if you do not work out consider going for a walk in the morning to absorb some sun or take vit D supplement however the latter does reduce egfr a little.

[Holl899 in reply to sparkie88]

Hello, thank you so much for the helpful information.

[Lianelady]

holl899, Have you had a biopsy?

[Holl899]

Hello, Lianelady, I have not, so far just 2 blood tests, to see how my kidneys are doing, thank you so much for your question.

[horsie63]

I have some of the same issues. I've dropped weight due to low appetite. The food restrictions don't help (watch sodium, potassium, no fast food, no preserved foods) and veggies and fruits don't have enough calories so a low protein diet isn't helping. I found a Boost Hi Calorie drink but like you it also upsets my stomach so maybe one a week. I'm stage 4 sliding into stage 5 despite a renal diet and walking 30 min every other day. I'm constantly cold. I have Graves Disease (hyperthyroidism) but it's been in remission for years. It's just so frustrating. I do have anemia but not bad, my B12, Folate and Iron are all in range. My PTH is in range. The things I could eat that would help with weight gain...high in potassium and although mine is in range it's borderline high. Wish I could help you. I'm curious as to what you ended up doing.