Blood test tomorrow

[rere96]

Hi all, my husband is 33 with CKD stage 3b with IGA nephropathy. He also has cysts on his kidney. As we near another blood test tomorrow my heart starts to fill with anxiety. His gfr 6 months ago was 42 so to see where is is tomorrow is scaring me. I want to be supportive for him I am scared this number will drop and what I’ll do if it comes up bad. I have intrusive thoughts of diyalsis and transplant. I’m scared I don’t know what to think. His last visit his gfr went from 38 to 42 which is good but then my mind takes me to what if it goes down? Any good thoughts would help. His appointment is on July 3.

[Benjamin124]

It's understandable to feel anxious. Focus on the positive, his GFR improved last time. Support him by staying hopeful and present. You're both in this together.

Wishing you good results on July 3!

[userotc]

Your anxiety is common. but egfr can vary significantly for various reasons. I hope for stability with my mum's (50 reading last time), if not an increase. Also anxious for next ones in ~1mth.

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador]

I can understand both your feelings of anxiety and desire to support your husband through this journey.

Every time I have labs done, I feel like I'm sitting on a goose egg waiting for it to hatch. I'm sure that most, if not all of the members of this community have felt that way.

Getting the CKD with the IGA to a relative standstill is a process; yes it's frustrating and yes it's frightening, but you both are partners in this with your husband's medical team and you are doing the best you can.

Key at this point is taking prescribed medication, eating the kidney -friendly, non- inflammatory foods suggested, drinking water and getting a little exercise.

What you can do is provide love, support and encouragement that together you can face anything.

Discuss, prepare and ask questions and know that you are not alone.

Feel free to reach out at any time as you are among friends here. Let us know the outcome.

Bet

[rere96 in reply to Bet117]

Thank you for making me feel a bit better. I know that its him dealing with it and it might not be fair for me to feel like the anxious one but I cant help it. I feel as though sometimes youll be doing all the right things and get the results and feel defeated. Thank you for the kind words

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador in reply to rere96]

Hi rere,

You're very welcome.

Please don't feel guilty about your feelings of anxiety and frustration as they are absolutely normal.

Spouses are a team/ partners in marriage who love and stand by each other.

Remember that this is all a process that unfortunately doesn't clear up in two weeks with a pill.

It takes time and the work of good doctors and as you are doing, following protocol and adhering to a diet that is healthy and will benefit both of you.

I know the frustration of. " I'm doing everything right and it's not moving."

When this happens speak to the medical team and ask for further suggestions and medications to try to eliminate symptoms. They are there to listen and work with you.

In the meantime, give your husband lots of love each day and remember how lucky you are to have each other.

It's not easy, but know that you are not alone. Reach out.

Bet