Kidney disease and anxiety

[crackers2]

I have been diagnosed stage 3 with kidney disease. Very nervous what to eat. No appetite. Family dr gives no help. Can't see her for three months. I am alone and over 65.I need emotional support please.

[userotc]

I suggest you consider seeing a qualified Nutritional Therapist specialising in renal. As you indicated, medics are generally limited so no help at stage 3 since there's few/no relevant drugs. But a NT can, should be able to prevent it worsening and also help with appetite.

My mum has successfully managed her ckd3 for 6y🤞via a Nutritional Therapy protocol. I can send links to qualified NTs if you want.

[itzmich in reply to userotc]

It is scary at first but you get used to it and it will get easier. Please seek some emotional help through a therapist as well. It will help. You are not alone. We've all felt what you are feeling.

[bestmom24 in reply to itzmich]

I am 70 and also live slone. Yes it is scary, but so is getting old. Iam on hemo dialysis now. Watch the phosperous, and potassium and most nephrologist either have or know a qualified renal nutrionist. You can do this! We all have you back here.

[userotc in reply to itzmich]

I think you meant to reply to OP crackers2?

[itzmich in reply to userotc]

Yes...so sorry.

[crackers2 in reply to userotc]

I'm so new to setting this up that I may have sent it to wrong person.I am still trying to figure out something a nine year old does in his sleep.

I wish my grandson wouldn't be so far away.

☺️

[crackers2 in reply to itzmich]

Yes. I have arranged for therapist for next week. I hope it will help. Thank you.

[itzmich in reply to crackers2]

Wishing you only the best.

[CuriousCKD]

At stage three, there are so many things you can do to improve or at least stay status quo. There are many good videos on YouTube with sound nutritional advice. Nutrition is extremely important now. Definitely request a referral to a renal specialist ASAP, if you feel your primary care physician is apathetic. Go to DadviceTV.com. A great website. It is very daunting, when a person is given a diagnosis like this. It is frightening, and can be overwhelming and lonely. Take one step at a time, drink at least 2 liters of water a day for hydration, (So important) make sure you get copies of your lab work, have your physician explain what to look for, so you can see your numbers, and use them as a guideline for what to work on, nutritionally. I have my blood work done every three months. It can feel like your would is turned upside down, and it can be a real struggle, but you are your own best advocate. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, because you have to have answers for peace of mind. You may be in denial now, but the sooner you start a healthy regimen, the better off you’ll be. I feel for you 100%. God bless you in your journey. Oh, I also pray and talk to God a lot. It helps me.

[crackers2 in reply to CuriousCKD]

Thank you for the good ideas, yes. Confusion reigns but I educate myself everyday and try to keep the depression and anxiety down Exercising is hard with fatigue and I hear it's important.

I also wish you well and good health.

[CuriousCKD in reply to crackers2]

Thank you! Exercise is SO hard. I started out with just a few steps. Now, within a couple months time, my longest distance has been .81of a mile. I congratulated myself like I had won a marathon. I would like to point out that I have to use a Walker, if I have to go any distance at all. I have invested in a new fairly device called an UpWalker. (UpWalker.com)It is the best purchase I have ever made. It has arms with arm pads that you can extend up or down, so that you are actually walking upright. I bought the Premium light. It comes with lights for night strolls, a seat if you get tired, and a pouch for carrying your phone, purse, water bottle, etc. It is not cheap, (6 hundred and something), but for me, it was worth every cent, because it supports me better, and I can go much further. I have to say that I definitely have some energy that I didn’t have before, and I am more stable on my feet, because I am gaining some muscle back. Hope this helps a little.

[crackers2 in reply to CuriousCKD]

Thank you. You are right about advocating for myself. I need to improve this.I need referral from my Dr. who is hard to reach, to get a nephrologist.

I also will look for a different Dr.

Many good ones, are not taking new patients.

So many things have changed since covid

I wish everyone who reads this post, improvement and good news.

[TableTennisMama]

What to eat is the biggest problem for all of us I think. I’m 68, and moving occasionally from stage 3B into stage four. Sometimes I’m quite upset because I really don’t see me going on dialysis. At least now I finally have a Nephrologist that has advised me to go plant-based and I have access to a dietitian. Of course it’s a whole lot more difficult than simply being plant-based since we have to go low protein low sodium low phosphorus and low potassium. It’s a minefield! I follow Mr. crafty man on YouTube. He gives me the most concrete help with diet that I have seen so far. (It took me a while to realize that I should not take advice from people who make their money from dialysis. I think you know who I’m talking about.) 😜. Best of luck to you as you navigate this mess.

[crackers2 in reply to TableTennisMama]

Dear Table Tennis MamaI m glad that you have a nephrologist now.

Thank you for the " Heads up about dialysis and watching out for that.

I wish tou well abd hope can go to lower number of stage.

Thank you

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador]

Dear Crackers,

I can understand your feelings of fright and dismay when you heard the words " Kidney Disease"; they are perfectly normal as I'm sure that everyone in this community felt as you did upon hearing those words.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for kidney disease, but with medication, diet and exercise, it can be managed with the goal to stop progression.

Being that you are in the US have you considered making an appointment with a nephrologist?

Take a look at your practice's " Find A Doctor" and look them up on Health Grades, Vitals etc.

They are specially trained in this area and will run their own specific tests to guide you.

Additionally, you may want to make an appointment with a Renal Dietician who will look at your labs and make food suggestions which are healthy, appetizing, nutritious and designed for your needs.

Call your local hospital or medical practice's patient information and see if they can recommend you to someone.

I believe that Medicare will cover it, but ask.

Basically kidney patients eat a low sodium, low protein diet which eliminates red meats, cold cuts and other high sodium foods. They eliminate the use of NASID pain relievers such as Advil, Aleve, Motrin and dark colored sodas..

They also watch potassium phosphorous and add fresh fruits and vegetables into their diet and drink plenty of water.

Every patient is different with different needs, so be mindful that may work for one person, may not work for another.

Below are several links to get you started. Please feel free to reach out again as you are among friends here.

Remember that this is a process and you'll get there!

Bet

nephcure.org/livingwithkidn...

kidney.org/newsletter/separ...

share.upmc.com/2022/05/rena...

kidney.org/category/diet-nu...

kidneyfund.org/living-kidne...

[crackers2 in reply to Bet117]

Bet 117 Hi Bet, thank you for your encouraging advice and hope.

Every day I feel a little less confused by reading about it. You're passing along good and helpful advice that I'm not getting from my Dr.

Friendly greetings and good health to you.

Crackers 2

[crackers2 in reply to Bet117]

Dear Bet 117I followed your advise and checked the kidney.org site and found recipes and advice on how to prepare ahead and store for future meals. This is one thing that gives me hope and what I can eat and have ready. I am very thankful for your contact and advice.

Wishing you well.

[Darlenia in reply to crackers2]

The renal diet manipulates your electrolytes (potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, etc.) that are essential for great organ performance, including cardiac function. As CuriousCKD mentioned earlier in this thread, please make sure your labs support your dietary changes and always seek the approval of a medical professional. If you're early in Stage 3 and in your 70s, often little needs to be done regarding diet. So check those electrolytes individually on your labs - maybe you only need to reduce your sodium for example. There is a lot of controversy regarding the normal aging process with staging being overdone for seniors. So, if your electrolytes are in the normal range - then that's good news and probably nothing needs to be done. It's also possible that your family doctor may have already noticed this and that's the reason s/he isn't in touch. However, call your doctor anyway or seek out another professional. You deserve to have your worries put to rest by having your questions answered. Sending hugs your way.

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador in reply to Darlenia]

Agreed all around.I also suggested that Crackers see a nephrologist.

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador in reply to crackers2]

Hi Crackers2, No thanks needed. Please check in with your doctor and also make an appointment with a nephrologist as well as see if you can see a Renal Dietician.

It's a process....you're on your way!

It will all work out...promise.

Bet...

[allene7]

Sorry but at stage 3 and being 65 I consider to be very good. I'm 64 stage 5 on the transplant list not doing dialysis just yet but getting very close to having to do so. Watch your diet very carefully, try limiting salt, and red meat. See a renal dietician if you can. Seems to me they don't take stage 3 very seriously. Drink lots of water.

[Miss-guineapig]

I know exactly how you feel Crackers, I am in a similar situation as you and now keep a note on my iPad of all foods suggested on this site. There are many folks much more knowledgable than what I can share at the moment. But I am slowly changing and I now have basics and extending as I go and it’s working well. I eat little to no processed food, (which is the biggest challenge) white bread, eggs, fish, Fishfingers as they were mentioned as ok, and a little chicken. No red meats. Lots of fruit, dark fruit such as blueberries , black grapes, raspberries and strawberries. I have cottage cheese with pineapple on as low salt etc crackers. I have porridge or Weetabix for breakfast. I still have semi Skimmed milk for tea but add less and a bit cold water to cool…I love tea. I buy oat milk for my porridge (a month on and I find it quite nice) . That’s my secure first list but it will change as I learn. Oh and I do have a piece of cake, or biscuit if out and about, usually lemon cake….and some sweets are ok eg gummy sweets….I like sweet things, on a plus, I am slowly losing weight which was my plan. Saw GP yesterday , a lovely new very helpful young GP, what a breath of fresh air to have a genuine listening ear. Wishing you well and please post your progress and keep well.