no one has been able to tell me what is the cause of my stage four. They are all surprised. I have it at age 58 and I healthy foods I make my food from scratch and have done for the past 30 years. I have an autoimmune condition that they thought originally it was probably but now say it is definitely not.
How can I find out the cause? The reason I want to know is from what I have been reading it helps to know what the driver is. Tia.
We are not doctors and if they do not know....I see you have an autoimmune disease....that is a big cause and what do you take to control it. If you are ibuprofen, then there is you culprit.
That the first thing I was ever told when I was diagnosed with my autoimmune condition, sarcoidosis-not to take ibuprofen.
oh, I wasn’t asking this community what the driver is - I totally realise not! However, I do find peoples experiences incredibly valuable.I’ve just been googling for the past year trying to find out, talking to my so-called experts and get nothing back that makes any sense whatsoever, hence why I’m just asking. The suggestions I’ve received. have been incredibly helpful. Thank you everyone.
There are genetic tests that can tell you if you have a gene associated with CKD.
You can get a biopsy, sometime that can tell what kind of damage your kidney has.
An ultrasound can give some clues.
Press for an answer from your medical team. There's a reason for the kidney issue. I agree with Bassetmommer that it may be related to your autoimmune condition. Those can be very stealthy in their movements. I also agree with BumbleBee Tuna re genetics. My husband is in his 70s and only recently discovered he has a genetic eye condition with consequences. Sometimes nothing can be done with genetic situations, but at least one has answers. But it could be something else too. I, personally, wouldn't be satisfied until I had answers so I could go about planning future steps.
Hi, do you have a family history of kidney disease?
Sadly my parents died when I was an infant -without getting any violins out! So I don’t know - it is such a pain.
Hello! I have stage 3, I am 56. They found CKD about 6 yrs ago. At first there was no reason, it just was. I have very high proteinuria so they did a biopsy and further testing and found the reason. I have a very rare genetic disorder called Alport Syndrome. Proteinuria is still very high. But they are trying different meds. So, it took a year to figure out a cause. Be patient.
I’m sorry you have ckd but sounds a real relief knowing the cause. Thank you and good luck.
Its not just a DIET that keeps your kidneys healthy, there are various factors.
Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is characterized by severely damaged kidneys that can no longer filter waste properly, and is often caused by conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, or other factors like polycystic kidney disease or glomerulonephritis.
More detailed explanation of the causes:
Common Underlying Conditions:
- Diabetes: Uncontrolled high blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels and filters in the kidneys, leading to CKD.
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Sustained high blood pressure puts extra strain on the kidneys' blood vessels, causing damage and impairing their function.
- Glomerular Diseases: Conditions that affect the glomeruli (the filtering units in the kidneys) can lead to CKD.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): This inherited condition causes fluid-filled sacs (cysts) to grow in the kidneys, eventually impairing their function.
- Kidney Infections: Chronic or recurring kidney infections can damage the kidneys over time.
- Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like lupus can cause organ damage, including kidney damage.
- Heart Disease: Heart disease can contribute to kidney damage.
- Obesity: Obesity can increase the risk of developing diabetes and high blood pressure, both of which are major causes of CKD.
Other Factors:
- Family History: Having a family history of kidney disease increases your risk.
Age: CKD is more common in people over 60.
- Previous Kidney Damage: Any previous damage to the kidneys can increase the risk of developing CKD.
- Certain Medications: Long-term use of certain medications, such as lithium and NSAIDs, can potentially damage the kidneys.
Complications
Chronic kidney disease can affect almost every part of your body. Potential complications include:
Fluid retention, which could lead to swelling in your arms and legs, high blood pressure, or fluid in your lungs (pulmonary edema)
A sudden rise in potassium levels in your blood (hyperkalemia), which could impair your heart's function and can be life-threatening
Anemia
Heart disease
Weak bones and an increased risk of bone fractures
Decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction or reduced fertility
Damage to your central nervous system, which can cause difficulty concentrating, personality changes or seizures
Decreased immune response, which makes you more vulnerable to infection
Pericarditis, an inflammation of the saclike membrane that envelops your heart (pericardium)
Pregnancy complications that carry risks for the mother and the developing fetus
Irreversible damage to your kidneys (end-stage kidney disease), eventually requiring either dialysis or a kidney transplant for survival
I had an incident when I was eight years old. For most of a week I was not able to urinate. Eventually I was admitted to the hospital and my urethra was dilated. My parents were not informed that this length of time not being able to empty my bladder would damage my kidneys. But from then on I had symptoms of anemia so I have to assume that that’s where my chronic kidney disease began. However it wasn’t until I was in my early 50s that a doctor mentioned my eGFR was 48. He sent me to a nephrologist. I went through my files and pulled out every old blood test I could find which showed my eGFR had been at that range for many years. So it might be fruitful to look into your early medical history to see if you have any such incident that could’ve damaged your kidneys.
My GP also ignored my falling eGFR and never told me until I looked it up and told her. I was angry about it for such a long time. You must have felt the same
When I took all my old blood tests to the nephrologist he looked them over and announced that I didn’t have CKD. He reasoned that since my eGFR had been in the high 40s for many years, that it was normal for me! 🤨 I’m not a fan of Dr’s.
I wouldn’t be happy with that answer either however when it eventually drops below 48 I’d be getting another opinion from a different nephrologist. If you were in your 70’s I get it but to say that to someone in their early 50’s! Are you able to get six monthly blood tests done? Meanwhile don’t have more than 2 grams of sodium per day and drink two to three litres of water daily. That’s all I do along with no red meat which is a personal choice as damaged kidneys struggle to process waste from a lot of meat
I've had sleep apnea for approximately 4 years but never knew it until 2 weeks ago. My doctor told me that lack of CO2 to the brain can damage the organs, especially the kidneys. I've been trying to figure out why I have stage 3 CKD when I'm not diabetic, have high blood pressure or take Nsaids. Now I know.
My CKD journey 
GFR is 84, does that mean CKD?
Looking for info for my mum about what happens at the first appointment?
CKD, Stage 3 Symptoms and my Nephrologist.
Trying to help my father (CKD) patient
