ckd3 that has gone untreated for a year

[Shootzoo]

i have ckd3 that has gone untreated for a year.The er doctors tell me it's much worse.They want me to see a urologist but I can't afford it.a my help on what to do is greatly appreciated.

[WinJ3]

Sorry to hear about that. If you can’t afford it look into the Medicaid Options for your state.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Shootzoo,You need to get on a healthcare plan, medical insurance of some form. There are many low-cost plans but there is also Medicaid which is income based. Ask you doctor's office to help you get on a plan. If they won't, see if there is a Social Service office to help.

We are not doctors here. YOU need professional help.

[MistressMittens]

Another possible option would be to reach out to the business office at your local clinic or hospital to ask if they have a special program for uninsured patients. My boyfriend is covered fully for his chronic medical care through a program like this. This is in a US state with poor medical care for older adults not already on disability or social security. He has to re-qualify every 6 months.

[Jackiehet]

Please call and research which social services you have available. And actually the. Exchange has health care INSURANCE based on your income.. my friend pays 6.00 a month for connecticare, they cover him BETTER than my anthem blue cross..

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador]

Why has it gone untreated for a year? You can change your diet, exercise, stay hydrated avoid NSAIDS and more. Keeping blood sugars at good levels through meds and controlling bp through meds would require a doctor yes. Most states have insurance programs for everyone through health exchange marketplace. What state do you live? Why are they telling you to seek a urologist not nephrologist? Who diagnosed you with CKD and can you see them again on a payment plan?Blessings

[RoxanneKidney]

Any doc is cheaper than dialysis. You can pay your medical bill a little at a time.

[Sophiebun11]

Hi,

I never saw a Dr. for my CKD until I was stage 4.

There is no treatment as in a magic medication.

Your primary care Dr. can review any medication you are on such as type 2 diabetes med, OTC meds, Omaprozole and other meds that harm kidneys and change those.

Most of the "treatment" for Stage 3 CKD is up to you.

You need to go on a plant-based diet, stop eating meat in other words.

Drink lots of water. Stop or reduce alcohol and soda consumption.

Since you are in the US and not working, you should qualify for Medicaid/Medi-Cal. Call your county social services dept. to file the forms.

Being treated at the emergency room is far more expensive than seeing a Dr. in their office. An ER is not the way to go for CKD, it's for true emergencies. Stage 3 CKD is not an emergency.

Many with Stage 3 aren't even referred to a Nephrologist yet.

Get treated for any underlying conditions and improve your diet and your CKD will probably improve or maintain.

Do you know what the cause of your CKD is? Any other health issues? Get those treated and it will help CKD.

Best wishes.

[barbara55109]

What state do you live in? Most northern states offer income based health care options for all. Sadly GOP controlled states don't.

[Sophiebun11 in reply to barbara55109]

Not sure what you mean. All 50 states offer Medicaid/Medi-Cal. they have differing requirements but they all offer it.

[barbara55109 in reply to Sophiebun11]

Actually all states don't offer medicaid to adults without dependent children. The income limits for the other mandatory groups, children, pregnant women, parents, seniors and people with disabilities vary greatly. For example in my state, Minnesota, the income limit for parents is 138% FPG and we have a Basic Health Plan that goes up to 200% FPG. Only Minnesota and NY have a Basic Health Plan. Texas cutoff is 14% FPG. Here is a chart with the state by state income limits. medicaid.gov/medicaid/natio.... I work in health care eligibility policy in my state.

[Happy-frog2022 in reply to Sophiebun11]

Tennessee refused the expand Medicaid after the ACA passed. There are very stringent requirements for adults to have it and generally that is only if you have a dependent child. It stinks that any state can neglect the health of their citizens.

[Happy-frog2022]

Shootzoo don’t freak out honey. Stage3 is split into 3a & 3b. 3.3 is like being judged by an elbow and hearing someone say time to make changes dear. Stage 3b is where they pinch you get in your face a little like a drill Sargent and say wake up! Get a copy of your labs and office notes and do this every time you have anything done. Your eGFR is the one that I’m always most interested in. It’s the estimated glomular filtration rate or basically how well your kidney functions. If it’s 57 then that’s roughly 57% of your kidney function is still there. Call your doctors office and ge your eGFR number. Yes, there’s a ton of labs they can do but if your EGFR is in the low 50s or above you’re okay for now. Call your local Frensius or DaVita dialysis center and ask another their educational class for chronically c kidney disease patients. You can generally buy yourself time by changing your diet. That will give you time to discover what help is available for you. Even if you eGFR is inthe low 40s you can change your diet and exercise routine to slow or stop progression. CKD is not a death sentence unless you don’t change your lifestyle. Your family doctor can monitor you while you work on getting coverage. Look for a community health center where they are funded by the government and have a sliding scale fee. I know how a diagnosis like this can throw you off balance. Educate yourself. Get a 3 ring binder and keep every office note, lab report and bill in it. Everything will be easy to find and to be able to see what your previous lab results were.