Please can someone advise me. Noticed I have Stage 3a kidney disease by looking at my records.
I now itch, have a lot of cramp, tiredness, shortness of breath but my Drs are trying to shrug everything off as a UTI.
Have an appointment Monday morning, any ideas what to say before I break into tears.
Di 81 year old female
Those symptoms are not normally present at stage 3a. Make sure you are drinking enough water as cramping and itch can be related to dehydration.
I think I’m progressing but they just did a urine test when surely a blood test would have been more informative
Shortness of breath is a red flag so they must investigate that, at least.
Sorry youve had to discover yourself that youve got CKD stage 3 but sadly and wrongly that's par for the course with medics. Thats precisely how my dad discovered my mum had the same, in 2010.
Suggest you come back on here after shortness of breath investigated and resolved and CKD diagnosed and you have further questions etc. The questions at present are common sense eg, Why do I have shortness of breath?, Why do I have CKD? (no point asking why they didnt tell you but we can advise the reasons if you wish to know), What tests are you planning?
I was given a urine test🙄 which of course was negative. See another Dr tomorrow. Other than blood test , is there anything specific I should be asking for? I’m all at sea
I listed 3 possible questions a few minutes ago but you may add to those. Just as important, listen to what they say and dont be afraid to respond with questions eg asking them to clarify. Many think medics shouldnt be questioned (sadly including the medics!).
Ideally take someone with you but certainly take a pen and notepad for Q&A. Good luck!
I had telephone call with this Dr Thursday. When I look at what he said on Patient Access -she thinks she has a urine infection-I don’t hold out a lot of hope, that is why I’d like to be able to suggest a few tests
Di
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Ask your kidney dr, Maybe check for acidosis thru blood test. I had terrible shortness of breath. Then per Dr orders, in January, after blood work showed severe acidosis, i started 1/4 teaspoon baking soda mixed in 2 oz cold water twice a day and my shortness of breath is GONE! This was after pulmonary tests, stress tst etc and it was like a miracle. 81 year old female at stage 4. Good luck!
Thank you. Will ask for these
No problem, keep us posted. 🤞🤞
Will do my GFR went down from 49 to 48 last time Note on test to say see a dietician Locum Dr said just ignore it don’t know where I am Sitting here itching all over
D
I agree with Bassetmommer that your symptoms would be unusual for stage 3a. Obviously a key question for the medic is to explain your list of symptoms.
My mum's egfr is 45 and she doesn't have any of those symptoms, other than some restless legs/cramps.
Your drop in egfr is tiny so I personally wouldn't worry there. Also I personally wouldn't agree that dialysis in on the horizon and I can send a link to a scientific report indicating such progression is unlikely.
Mum has been at stage 3 for 14y and hopefully will be for many more years 🤞🤞She relies on Nutritional Therapy, not drugs.
Possible questions to ask:
healthgrades.com/right-care...
New to Kidney Disease: 7 Questions to Ask a Doctor
It’s common for people diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to feel overwhelmed in a doctor’s office, because there is a lot of information to take in at once. The best way to gain control is to become your own advocate. It’s OK to ask as many questions as you like and to ask for the information to be repeated. If being assertive is difficult, ask a friend or family member to come with you. Take notes so you can remember any additional questions or concerns that occur between visits. It’s good to become proactive when you’re new to kidney disease. Here are seven questions to ask your doctor:
1. What caused my kidney disease?
2. What percentage of kidney function do I have now?
3. What are my lab test results, including my glomerular filtration rate (GFR)?
4. What treatment is available for my symptoms?
5. What are the next steps?
6. What can I do to keep my kidneys from becoming more damaged?
7. Will I eventually need dialysis or a kidney transplant? If so, what is the timeline?
I have been diagnosed since 2017. During that time I have done a lot of research. I have found sites such as Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins University and Cleveland Clinic to be very helpful.
Thanks. Will go armed tomorrow. I am 81 and get the feeling they really can’t be bothered. A trainee physio diagnosed me with osteoarthritis. I asked for an x-Ray, told all old ladies have osteoarthritis. Explained I was only worried about me but still didn’t get one! 🙄😱
Terrible! I'm not far behind you in age. My primary also told me that "everyone gets osteoarthritis, you're fine!" I managed to find an orthopedic doctor (no referral needed) who instantly ordered x-rays, They were instrumental to figuring out the damage and now I'm on gel treatments to at least let me get my daily activities done. And I can call him anytime for an appointment. Try to find a good orthopedic doctor too. Makes a big difference.
You have to move with urgency. Find a nefrologist. Get a plan on how they will improve your kidney numbers -- or dialysis will be in your future -- you don't want that -- there are some drugs that can help-- farxiga. If you do not advance your GFR find a Chinese herb doctor they will. E able to help. And are a good option.o e with urgency. Dialysis sucks! Really. Good luck!
Many thanks. Have had enough being given the run around. Will definitely go for it tomorrow
I have a pacemaker and heart meds. Hope this drug will work
Hylda, speaking from my own situation I am 76 with stage 3a kidney disease but don’t have the symptoms you mentioned. In fact in spite of the 3a I feel very good.
I hope you can take someone with you to make sure all is clear.
You also need a blood test-: the 3 main numbers are Gfr, Bun and creatinine. You need all 3 tested. A CBC panel and a metabolic panel should cover it. Have your PCP look them over and advise you. Are your feet swelling up at all?
I take four diuretics a day because of heart problems so ankles not too bad
Finally been given full blood test and waterworks. Now we’ll see Two weeks wait for blood test x
Anyone take CellCept for CKD Stage 4 and autoimmune disease?
Magnesium supplements
stopping the rapid decline in GFR
New here; drop in egfr
