Hello I’m new and my first post….stage 3a CKD out of the blue

[Miss-guineapig]

Good morning, 2 weeks ago I had a blood test due to feeling very tired. I don’t have diabetes or high blood pressure. I was really shocked when the results showed stage 3aCKD. My GP said she would ‘monitor’ however after reading about this, I have an appointment to speak with her. I was a nurse before retiring, but I don’t know a lot about CKD, it was not my expertise. So I am on a mission with my diet, by chance I had started ‘healthy’ eating. What would be good stating questions to ask my GP, thank you x

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Things to ask your Neph: Check all your medications and supplements to make sure they are not nephrotoxic. Was there medications in the past or OTC like ibuprofen? How much water should you be consuming daily ( usually between 60 and 72 ounces) Ask for a renal dietician referral. Get rid of red meat and lower your total consumption of protein. This is where a good RENAL dietician can help. Find out what was the cause of your CKD.... such as FSGS or other disease if any..... and if not, what did caused it? How often should you do blood tests? Since you said you were tired, is there anemia? Have that tested? (Hemoglobin and hemocrit) and how's your VIT D level have that tested? If there is no evidence of hereditary or other disease, should you have a biopsy?

Let us know how you make out. We are here for you.

[Miss-guineapig in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thank you so much, very helpful x

[bumblebee_tuna]

First, there is no need to panic - GFR always goes down with age, and 3a could just be natural decline. Your doctor might just want to monitor you. That said, it's good to get educated and clean up your diet.

Things to remember -

- Avoid taking NSAIDs

- Drink lots of water

- Moderate red meat consumption

- You need protein, just make sure to consume in moderation.

There are renal protective drugs to ask your doctor about -

- ACE inhibitors and ARBs

- SGLT-2 inhibitors (FARXIGA)

Don't fall for magic "remedies" - remember, Creatinine is just a marker and artificially lowering the Creatinine level doesn't actually improve kidney function .

[Miss-guineapig in reply to bumblebee_tuna]

Thank you so much for this, feel abit reassured x

[otis2321 in reply to bumblebee_tuna]

I was shocked two days ago to discover I had typed three A kidney disease. My doctor thinks that the reason was I've been taking voltaren (NSAIDs) for many years. If that was the cause and if I stop taking Voltaren what can I expect? Stay the same get better get worse? It's a big downer.

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador]

Here is a link to National Kidney Foundation article on the eGFR test results. This may assist in questions on the test results. I also had similar symptoms when diagnosed at CKD 3b. Please keep us posted on your doctor visit result.

kidney.org/atoz/content/gfr

[Miss-guineapig in reply to orangecity41]

Thank you so much, will read this today x