Nephrologists

[Hily]

I have not seen my Neph since July this year.

My bloods were done in June. 15 efgr.

GP's took bloods in August. 14 efgr.

My bloods were taken by another dept this month November. 16 efgr.

No booking yet!

[Ziggydoodah]

Hi HilyI see you are based in the UK. I am in Scotland and I find your post extremely worrying. I am now on haemodialysis (since May) however when my GFR was as low as yours, I was seeing my consultantant every month! When it went down to 12, I had to see him every 2 weeks. How are you feeling? Its great if you are feeling OK, however there are lots of things, your consultant should be discussing with you. Has he discussed what type of dialysis, you might want to go on? Is there the possibility of a family member donating a kidney? What about your fistula, has a date been set for that? I was feeling fine and determined not to go on dialysis. However after a bout of covid and a bad chest infection my gfr went down to 9. Still going to work etc. However one morning I woke up and felt dreadful. I then knew it was time for dialysis. I know the NHS is in chaos just now, however I would be insisting on seeing your consultant more. Even if it is just to do preparation work for dialysis. I got my fistula put in 6 weeks before dialysis started. It was a good strong one. However i had lots of issues as it still hadn't matured in time. I am not trying to scare or worry you. However you need to put your foot down. Its your health, not the doctors. Wishing you all the best x

[Hily in reply to Ziggydoodah]

Thank you Ziggy, North Wales is seriously in trouble. Starved of funds by Cardiff as they spend all the money in that area. The Health board has no specialists in heart, vascular or colorectal depts. plus others no doubt. I don't trust any of them now. My GPs are even worse.

[4to3]

Start investigating Kidney friendly foods and Kidney enemy foods on this site and others like it. Then make it your number one goal to avoid the "enemy foods" and consume ONLY the "friendly foods" or "neutral foods." In your condition you need to take matters into your own hands and do what you can for yourself. The Nephrologist will hopefully tell you the same thing. Dave

[Hily in reply to 4to3]

During the 4 years under my Neph I have not seen a dietician nor a transplant advisor. Only advice was to lower salt and lose weight. ESKF is not my only medical problem and that has conflicting food advice-given no help on this. Underactive thyroid as well. Vitamins not advised on.

[Ziggydoodah in reply to Hily]

I didnt see a dietician until 3 months before I went on dialysis. All she did was tell me to eat more ham??? My consultant discussed briefly asking family about living donation. I have been on dialysis for nearly 7 months and I still haven't had an appointment with the transplant nurse. My husband got tested to see if he was a match. Unfortunately he wasn't. However he had to wait nearly 2 months before getting a phone call saying he wasn't suitable. The transplant nurse eventually came to see me. Plonked herself down and cheerily said..oh he isnt a match. I said..when did you find this out....oh 3 weeks ago, i just couldn't get your husband on the phone, to tell him. I was not impressed with her lackadaisical attitude and told her so. Havent seen her since. Its been a real eye-opener regarding the different staff. Some are amazing and do a great job and some just irritate me, with their attitude. Sorry for rambling on. Just wanted to tell you about my timeline for discussing certain matters.

[Hily in reply to Ziggydoodah]

I know exactly what you mean! xx Happy Christmas.