Hello all, I'm new. 73 years old and have been diagnosed with stage 3b. Looking for a nephrologist and renal dietician but honestly, not sure exactly what I should look for. I'm definitely looking for someone who's interested in maintaining or improving my current kidney health. Seems like the renal dietician should be my first choice, but I haven't been able to find a listing for one. I'm sort of taking for granted not all dieticians are well-versed in ckd nutrition.
Besides that I do have one question ... why does my back hurt sometimes and not others... is it a warning of something happening.
Many thanks for any responses. I've learned a lot from this forum already.
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debkk
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HI, You do not say where you live. About the back, there are many reasons why the back may hurt and not necessarily have anything to do with CKD. Things to have checked out are if there are any stones. You are on the right path of finding a dietician to help with your diet. I stayed off dialysis for 6 years just by changing my diet. Diets need to fit the person because everyone is different. Going vegan is great as long as you get what you need from it.
Thanks so much Bassetmommer I sort of decided to just go to the doctor to get a more in-depth analysis of where i'm at... and hope it's kidney stones... though my efgr was at 43 so I'm pretty bummed, but still working at it. The vegan diet seems to help a lot at least helps me feel better. I'm in Detroit. I really don't want to take medications with side effects, but will of course if this doesn't stabilize. I
Oh ... a basset mommer? You have bassets.... my favorite neighbor is a basset.
With a proper diet and exercise, you may never see much of a change in your GFR. Wait until they check out your kidneys to see if there is anything going on.
And yes, I have been a basset mom for four basset and basset/blend doggos in my time. However, right now my pups are smaller muttleys. I usually adopt dogs that have special needs. Never been disappointed with doing that. I LOVE all dogs.
I agree with Bassetmommer but I would like to add that many nephrologists do not agree that diet is important. I beg to differ because I have found that changing my diet helped improve and maintain my efgr. Also, the dietician that the doctor recommended knew less about ckd than I did. Tread carefully and do your own research.
Yes, I'm rather wary of doctors and am trying to find one who is more open to more homeopathic treatments along with traditional medical support. My efgr was 43 last check which really freaked me out. I completely stopped drinking any alcohol in September. wasn't a huge drinker, but usually did have a glass of wine with dinner. We've always eaten a lot of veggies....
Finding a dietician nearby who is well- versed in ckd is hard, right now I'm doing vegan with a few ounces of fish every couple days and do feel better. I was thinking of just finding a vegan specialist ... maybe that would work better?
Please read up on aged related CKD. Many studies have advocated for a eGFR score that takes age into consideration. Decline in kidney function increases as we age and reduced eGFR is common and may not be actual CKD. Age related kidney decline appears to progress at a slow rate compared to CKD tied to other conditions. Do you have T2D, high blood pressure, kidney injury, or other conditions tied to CKD? The first step is making sure those are controlled.
Here are 2 websites that can assist you in locating a renal dietician in your area. Would suggest you start reading all you can about renal diets so that you can also make an informed decision as to whether or not you want to go vegan.
For what this is worth: I am a Master's degreed RN, with background in diet and nutrition, emergency medicine and pain management. Have been a STRICT vegan for over 40 years, and CKD level 3b, Creatinine 1.78, eGFR 30.
It takes a LOT of tweaking to find that sweet spot between potassium and sodium, calcium and magnesium, calcium and oxalate and PRAL alkalinity. You will become a life-long learner, and will always be changing your diet as reflected in your lab work. I would suggest that prior to finding a renal dietician? Please take a look at a online/iOS app called CRONOMETER. You would log everything that you eat DAILY, and can follow nutritional values for your meals. It is a life-saver for me.
I wish you the very best. But you must understand this journey is ever-changing, ever-evolving and is personal to you.
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Some renal dietician commentary on very low protein + keto acid diet.
Update from miserable w Vegan 
An interesting and informative Renal Diet radio show
PD Diet
More on diet
