Starting my journey

[Pte82]

Last October a blood test revealed a GFR in the 3A stage. Next month is the followup and I'll know what stage it is now. Being 77, it may be chalked up to old age so I'll learn what this journey brings with it.

[userotc]

The good news is you can manage it naturally at that stage, as my mum has for years🤞. If you're unsure how, you could contact a qualified, specialised Nutritional Therapist. You may get guidance on here but most/all health treatments should be personalised.

[Pte82 in reply to userotc]

Thanks, your mum is an inspiration.

[Herkidney]

please make sure to speak to a nephrologist in addition to your primary physician. Sometimes primary physicians don’t make referrals to a nephrologist at “early” stages. Good luck!

[Pte82 in reply to Herkidney]

The primary didn't offer any guidance only I'll see you in three months for more labs!

[hope1419]

See a nephrologist that can guide you on what specifically put you on stage 3. So you know what to look for in your diet. Sometimes is the sodium, sometimes potassium, sometimes proteins. It could be a combination, but each case is different. If you attack the source and follow your nephrologist recommendations, you stop CKD from advancing. Good luck!

[Pte82 in reply to hope1419]

My primary gave no instructions just made a three month appointment for labs. I investigated what this was about and shed sugar and most carbs from my diet. I joined a gym with instructors and walk as much as the weather allows. Staying hydrated, emphasizing vegetables and neutralizing those with high oxalates. No prepared protein powders or drinks, I weigh and cook what I eat. The labs next week will reveal how my balancing act is working. Thank you for your response.

[Hidden in reply to Pte82]

You're doing all the right things, Pte82. 👍

Reckon your next labs will show an improvement.

[Pte82 in reply to Hidden]

Wunderkid, I've got my fingers crossed and all flags flying. I've spent quality time studying the sites everyone have offered and have gone on to followup on them. In my travels I came across this that may be of interest to you when I wondered about thiamine and folate deficiency with kidney disease. Magnesium is required to activate thiamine. A problem with thiamine is anti-thiamine factors that diminish or destroy it. Always consult your health care professional before using any supplement.

eonutrition.co.uk/post/thia...

stuttersense.blogspot.com/2...

[Hidden in reply to Pte82]

That is very kind and considerate of you, Pte82, to tailor your response with such relevant information.

In particular, I found the thiamine information interesting.

You are making good use of your thinking powers by linking thiamine and folate defciency with kidney disease. (It reminds me of Slowdragon who posts links between vitamin deficiencies and thyroid conditions.)

Years ago, I religiously took 200mg chelated magnesium every night but then stopped when I had malabsorption and severe ferritin deficiency. Will start again using a 1/4 dose.

Thank you, Pte82, may you continue to provide information and motivate people like me. 🙏

[Pte82 in reply to Hidden]

Wunderkid, I wouldn't squander magnesium, you may have a deficiency of zinc which aids in magnesium's absorption. Also although thiamine requires magnesium for activation, activated thiamine is needed for the brain/gut connection for release of stomach acid needed in the absorption of minerals such as magnesium.

eonutrition.co.uk/post/thia...

[Silkdog]

With our age, our eGFR does fluctuate quite often. You just have to watch your diet, drink a lot of water and listen to your body. My eGFR was 47 six months ago and now I am at 60. I have no symptoms of stage 3a CKD. I have eaten more fruit and vegetables, not on a plant-based diet yet. I have stopped all alcohol (not cold feet but just lost interest drinking any) and sodas, water is my main beverage as of now.

Keep us posted of your next test results. This site is very helpful if you have any questions about CKD. Good luck.

[Pte82 in reply to Silkdog]

Silkdog, I spoke to a friend recently who is in his seventies and he was diagnosed with third stage too. I asked what did his doctor tell him about it and he replied "It's a old age thing". Nothing more. I'm impressed with your eGFR improvement. My lab followup is next week and I hope to see an uptick.

[Darlenia in reply to Pte82]

Yes, the eGFR levels for seniors are complicated - many believe CKD is overdiagnosed in older folks. eGFR naturally declines as we age and researchers are pushing back against arbitrarily assigning a value of 60 as being the cutoff for being healthy across all age levels. The human body simply wears out naturally as time goes on making it very difficult for most anyone to reach or go beyond 100 years of age. This article explains normal aging and kidney health pretty well: academic.oup.com/ndt/articl...

[Pte82 in reply to Darlenia]

Thanks for taking time to share the article Darlenia. Regardless of methodology, as the article details, the decline in eGFR levels is a age related factor as you said however I'm looking for loopholes.

[Darlenia in reply to Pte82]

Keeping an eye on your health is always good.

[Hidden in reply to Pte82]

While not being in your age group, Pte82, I agree with your logical efforts to improve egfr kidney function and not simply accepting your friend's dr's standard opinion that it is an age related condition.

Yes, age is a factor but eGFR function can be lifted. Countless folks on here are living proof of that. (Including myself with eGFR improving by 20 points five years ago, and hoping to do the same this time.)

You will succeed, Pte82.

[FThomp]

if you are 77 on otherwise good health minus a reduced gfr that is a blessing! Good luck!

[Pte82 in reply to FThomp]

I do feel blessed FThomp. What this gfr has done is to raise my realization of kidney functions. Improving gfr means improving health both mentally and physically as stress and inflammation are components of our undoing. Thank you for your support.

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador]

I was diagnosed 5 years ago at age 76 at 3b. I was put on appropriate diet and things have levelled off . Here is a link to National Kidney Foundation article on eGFR and relation to age. kidney.org/atoz/content/gfr

[Pte82 in reply to orangecity41]

Thank you for sharing orangecity41, that link is quite a resource. I feel fortunate to be surrounded by such a giving group.