Pressure along diaphragm

[Jamok]

Hi guys,

I just have a quick question for those of you who are getting low on your GFR like myself (12gfr) not on dialysis, have you ever experienced a sense of pressure in your abdominal area just below your diaphragm? Along with this, the bottom of my sternum where my xiphoid process is along with the ribs attaching to that area on either side are sore to the touch. I also have bilateral pain in my shoulder blades and on my right side pain that travels from my side rib cage down into my hip. The shoulder and rib pain seem to be worse when I try to take a deep breath and feel like cricks. I don’t have any other symptoms, no fever, no nausea, my extremities are not swollen. Just a sense of not feeling well. I have an appointment with the doctor tomorrow at 7 AM. Of course I’m thinking this is the beginning of the end and I’m filling up with fluid But I don’t have any of the other signs of kidney failure. Thanks for anybody’s input. Take care.

[Ziggydoodah]

Hi Jamok. I started getting something similar a few months before I went on dialysis. It was particularly bad at night when I was lying on my side. I started dialysis at 6% gfr and had hardly any symptoms of kidney failure. I would say that was the only "pain" I had. Im not sure it was fluid with me. I was extremely anaemic to the point they thought I might need a blood transfusion. The feeling did go after I started getting dialysis and iron infusions. So im not sure what it was. However make sure you get your haemoglobin levels tested. Wishung you all the best.

[Jamok in reply to Ziggydoodah]

Thank you so much for your response and sharing your experience Ziggydoodah! I just did my labs this afternoon so will see where my gfr is currently. I was so hoping I could make it to my transplant without dialysis but grateful dialysis is a life preserver if I need it.

[RhenDutchess123 in reply to Jamok]

Kidney Disease causes Bone Pain...especially if your Phosphorus is high...Most people have to start Dialysis waiting for Transplant unless you have a Live Donor...I started PD 18 months ago and I feel so much better....its easy to do and I use the Cycler while I sleep. .they will give you Iron Injections and they encourage you to eat protien to build up your body up to it's best so your transplant can heal and fight off infections...I know it's all scary to start Dialysis...but it's no where close to all the horror Stories we hear...Best Wishes for your appointment...You got this !

[Ziggydoodah]

As RhenDutchess has said dialysis is a scary thought. However like everything else on our kidney journey, you just get on with it and adapt. I am still trying to adapt 2 months down the line. However it hasnt been as bad as i thought it would be. Dont get me wrong, there have been many obstacles along the way and trying to get your head around it all has been the worst part. I was 100% determined I would not have dialysis. I still don't feel massive benefits, however i now know I couldnt have continued the way I was going. Just keep thinking of the end "prize" your transplant!! Good luck!!

[horsie63]

I was getting something like that and thought it was my gallbladder but US and other tests showed nothing, colonoscopy was clear and then it cleared up and I've been good since. That was last year and I'm at 17% currently with no major issues other than tired but my anemia isn't bed and my iron, folate and B12 are all within range.

[chicablue]

Hi Jamok! I have been between 11-12 gfr a couple years now, and have not had these symptoms. Some of my bones are painful to the touch, but have been since I was hospitalized and bedbound for over 9 months in 1995. Hope your dr has some answers for you!