CKD 5

[Shane80]

hi I’m stage 5 not on dialysis as yet even though my numbers are very low im feeling quite well hence the reason for not starting dialysis… I was just wondering if anyone has an issue in regards to their monthly cycle… I’ve read that if your low function you can miss your period , I’m over due from my last months date and quite worried as it’s nvr happened before …. Has anyone got any ideas if this is true ? Sorry if it’s a long post , also does anyone suffer from rest leg syndrome at night what could be the reason behind this to . Appreciate all your answers .

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Shane, below 8 is getting pretty dangerous. I was at a GFR of 7 and a Cystatin level (which I think is more accurate) of 11 when I started. Did I feel fine.... you betcha. Were my labs getting consecutively worse, yes, they were. Did I think I started too early.... yup that too.

But, for me it worked out well because I have a very, very light and unusual prescription. 2 hours, 3 times a week. If I had waited, there would have been no way I could do a light prescription. Also, I think I saw you are going to PD. I would get on the schedule for the surgery and look into the center that you are going to and get a tour. It will be beneficial and you will not be so overwhelmed. If you crash, they will put you in the hospital and put a catheter in your chest for HD. Not trying to scare you. But being prepared makes the transition SOOOOOO much easier.

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador]

When I first started in center txs my monthly flows were horrendously high. Mostly due to blood thinners and heparin used during treatment. It was pretty bad. This went on for almost a year. When I moved on to nocturnal home hemodialysis the flows began to change. They were lighter, shorter and less on time. This became more sporadic. Now I started out at 43 so coming into menopause age as well. By age 47, 4 years into dialysis they stopped altogether. My nephrologist ordered a pregnancy test once i was 3 weeks overdue on cycle. If you're young please get pregnancy test for clarification either way.I've also suffered from RLS for many years which could be linked to lower iron stores/levels.

Blessings