I had surgery on September 20, 2022, to remove my right kidney because of cancer. I was blessed because the cancer was confined inside of the kidney. I had to return to the hospital two days later after developing a very high temperature and an infection. Three months later I was told I had stage 3a CKD in the left kidney. Needless to say, I have been going through lots of emotions since the surgery. My EGFR has ranged from 48 to 57, on the 18th of this month it was 52. My creatinine levels are always 1.13, 1.16 and so on. Also, my WBC has been below normal. For the first time this month it was 3.8. Because my immune system is compromised, I haven't been out much to socialize. Reasoning being I'm afraid to take to the covid vaccine with one kidney not functioning well, even though my doctors say I should. Can anyone relate or give some advice? I took two covid vaccine in 2021. In 2022 I developed the high calcium levels, had ultrasounds done and the found the cancer. I was a perfectly healthy 69-year-old, aside from things that comes with aging.
I have been reading post of some people who have conditions which are similar to mine, and I have been encouraged. Thank you all! This platform is truly a blessing. God bless!
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gsapple23
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I'm glad to hear that our community's posts on HU has helped you. It's great that you have an interest in preserving the wellbeing of your remaining kidney. Many go the distance having only one with proper care. (My husband, also a senior, has a kidney transplant. So he, too, has only one functioning kidney and his numbers are very similar to yours. His nephrologist is very happy with those results and believes he'll pass away from stroke or heart attack, not kidney failure. Lol.) Regarding the Covid vaccine, most kidney patients are advised by their nephrologists to take it since Covid, itself, is known to harm kidneys. So, my husband receives vaccinations for everything, including Covid - and his labs stay the same. But you have a blood cell situation which lowers immunity and that may change that situation for you. So, in my opinion, I think it would be wise to ask your hematologist for his opinion as well. That way, there's clarity re safety and direction. Hugs!
Thanks for the valuable advice. I am intentional when it comes to preserving the health of my kidney. My doctors never mentioned a hematologist to me. I will definitely reach out to one. God bless.
Interesting. My creatinine is 1.58 and I'm 66. My eGFR is around 48, although six months ago it was 55. I always ask for a cystatin-c test when doing bloodwork to verify my CKD staging. I use the combined formula.
If you haven't already, perhaps your doctor has advice about a kidney friendly diet. My doctor didn't give me specifics, but mentioned a plant based diet. I have been vegetarian for 5 years follow a PRAL (predictive renal acid load) diet and it greatly helped my eGFR score.
PS very easy to follow, no special foods not unlike the Mediterranean, just more kidney friendly. If I can follow this diet for 5 years, anyone can do it!
How do you manage without at least some protein? I am aware too much protein is like kryptonite when it comes to kidney function, but vegetables only supply a limited amount. I worked with a renal dietician after my surgery, but not anymore. I will look into PRAL. Thank you.
I eat grains and beans to make a complete protein, i.e. beans and rice or also nuts and seeds. Nut butters are good as peanut butter, but I found I love sunflower seed butter as well. As I am not vegan, I eat an egg a few times a week and cheese in small amounts as it can have a lot of sodium.
Yogurt is another great source of protein if you like it. ALWAYS read the label as most yogurts contain a lot of sugar. Greek yogurt is a great place to start. I add just a small amount of syrup (1/4 tsp) or a few nuts as unsweetened yogurt can be a bit tart. You can also crumble in other things to improve the flavor like a small amount of graham cracker or a bit of a healthy cereal (whole grain, high fiber, low salt and sugar).
I also found a plant based protein power I like and mix w/oat milk. I do eat protein several times a day, but in MUCH smaller amounts than I used to. I was a fussy eater before, but because of KD, I have tried a lot of new foods.
Also, read all labels until you get familiar with which foods have better ingredients. Try to avoid ANY food that has PHOS in ANY form listed in the ingredients. Very hard on the kidneys. And yes, you will be surprised how many foods contain it!
If you go online, I'm sure you can find more info about plant based proteins. If you doctor isn't well versed in KD nutrition, a dietician with KD knowledge could be very helpful.
It sounds like a lot of work and it might be in the beginning, but it does become second nature to you quite quickly. If I can do it, anyone can!
Cystatin-c test? This is the first time i've heard it. Thank you. I will talk to my doctor about it. They tell me the creatinine and the eGFR fluctuates. In the past two years, my eGFR has gotten over60 and the creatinine has been below 1.3. Thanks again for the information. God bless.
Firstly, my mum also had a nephrectomy due to kidney cancer 7.5y ago and is stage 3a, latest egfr 46 and currently stable 🤞🤞 She's also 69!! To save space here, you may find my post on here in February interesting as it relates to CKD with a single kidney. Search my posts.
Re covid vaccine, she didnt have it as my dad's extensive research indicated inappropriate. I cant advise whether you should or shouldn't but a search on HU includes some -ve effects.
Im unsure if youre suggesting the vaccine may be responsible for your cancer or not. It has been reported to be associated with some cancers but that would be part of a risk-benefit assessment (rba) for an individual (as for all medical interventions).
Without doubt, the omicron covid strain is a relatively low-risk virus and such factors such be in anyone's rba which must be personalised, not influenced by medics who undoubtedly propose vaccines.
Feel free to contact me by pte message on any of the above, if helpful.
She had a laparoscopic radical nephrectomy. Whilst I don't think she has had a hernia, she's certainly had various limb problems including recent Restless Leg Syndrome diagnosis.
But, if RLS, that may be due to the CKD with her iron/ferritin levels low-normal. We are working on that and I'm on the RLS HU forum for that reason.
Thank you for your insight. I have a brother who has his opinion about the vaccine, which has led me to become hesitant about taking it. I had gained the confidence to take it, but now i'm back to square one. I will do more research on HU as you mentioned, to get more information. My physicians found the cancer by doing an ultrasound due to high calcium levels. Prior to taking the vaccines in 2021, my calcium level and kidney function were fine. I don't want to say the vaccines were the cause, but I have more questions than answers.
No problem. Btw our views on the vaccine are based on scientific evidence following extensive research rather than an opinion. Sadly many on fora prefer not to debate it openly and are more sensitive to alternative views despite the evidence, although it is understandable because the vast majority have had it and feel it cant be removed.
If youve any specific questions, feel free to ask and Ill answer with scientific evidence from our massive library of hundreds of reports. Take care.
your welcome. I hope you enjoy the videos as much as I do. I m still watching the ones he made in 2023. I watch one every time I get on my treadmill. It makes the time go by so I do little over a mile at least 5 times a week for my exercise for CKD
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not unlike the Mediterranean, just more kidney friendly. If I can follow this diet for 5 years, anyone can do it! 
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