advice and similar experiences request ckd stage 5

[VindevT]

hi all.

hope you are all blessed.

M reaching out for my father.

he is 67, Indian , suffering from diabetes , thyroid , blood pressure and ckd stage 5.

his gfr and creatinine are around 7.

He is currently on medication.

he is weak and under weight. Currently following renal diet.

Doctors have asked to make av fistula in preparation for future however is that necessary now as I understand it’s painful. Can we maintain his numbers with medication and diet. Where can I get best medical advise from about this please !! I really appreciate your feedback and response. Sending my blessings and prayers for all.

[anusai344]

hi Vindev,

Just read your post. My husband is 68, diabetic, hypertension n CKD stage 5. his egfr is around 9. He got the av fistula done on 24th Aug. yes it is painful but it is a life saver. My husband had to start with dialysis due to fluid overload. His fistula was not ready so he has to go for neckline dialysis. which is not just a painful procedure but prone to infection. So I would say your Dad needs to get the fistula asap. You can not control ckd stage 5 with only medication. The creatinine, urea all goes up n he will feel very sick. We are in Delhi so I can share with you the doctors n the hospital we go to.

[Darlenia]

Agree with anusai344. My husband, also a diabetic, ignored his nephrologist's advice to start the process for dialysis (and also transplant). Then, his blood pressure suddenly skyrocketed. To save his life, my hubby was immediately sent to the emergency room at our hospital. He wound up there with a temporary chest catheter and emergency hemodialysis - the only way that his blood pressure could be lowered. The temporary catheter was later switched out for a catheter suitable for peritoneal dialysis. When steps are taken as suggested, a lot of disruption, interventions, and additional steps and costs are avoided. All procedures leading to dialysis can usually be scheduled and done on an out-patient basis. Like your dad, my hubby was also losing weight, not sleeping well, wandering around, etc. - it was quite clear the situation wasn't improving. Not only should we have started the process toward dialysis when it was suggested, we should have also started the process for a transplant then as well. My hubby managed to get a transplant a year later at age 71 - a transplant done sooner would have prevented dialysis. (You may want to look into that option too.) So, my recommendation is to listen to your dad's nephrologist. Sadly, diabetes damages the blood vessels inside the kidneys (as well as other organs) and that damage can not be undone. But he may be able to make the numbers look better through diet and so forth for a little while. Personally, I would be proactive - when you look at risks versus benefits. I trust that you and your dad will find the right solution for his situation.

[oceansplash]

Natural Kidney Journey on facebook - I've heard of success at prolonging dialysis. Very strict diet.