Newbie

[Cissy24]

I was diagnosed with stage 5 ckd w/gfr of 16. Going through so much, gout, freezing chills. Spasms throughout the night. Swollen right now. Extreme fatigue, body perks, fluid around my lungs etc

[Labs4me]

was also recently diagnosed with stage 4, out of the blue. It is a lot to process. Having to keep on the positive side is very challenging now. This forum and learning what others have experienced is helping to keep me in the present. Easy to project negative outcomes and terrorize myself.

Have learned that there is great difference among us and our futures. Have determined that a positive outlook can affect the outcome. Still learning what is exactly wrong with my kidney function and why. For today will not indulge the scary negative outlook that accompanies such a diagnosis. There are people here that have had 27 years of full living post a dismal diagnosis. Let’s be some of those stories. Best of luck 🍀

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to Labs4me]

I agree being positive as much as we can is important. I also feel there are different reasons why one gets CKD. I was recently told by a Neurologist neuropathy, along with the medicine taking can cause CKDD , (Medicine has been decreased to less pills, and also that CKD can cause peripheral neuropathy. My urologist told me that my condition has contributed to CKD. My age may be a factor also. Many adjustments to make.

[Labs4me in reply to orangecity41]

That’s what is happening here. Had a heart attack and found out about ckd. Peripheral artery disease and hbp have also been diagnosed. Prior to felt 20 years younger than stated age. Hard to fend off the negative thoughts about what happens next. That’s the battle for now, stay in the present and turn off the negativity. Good vibes to you 🍀

[DEZIN]

I can relate to some of your issues. I have been dealing with gout ( high uric acid levels). Ask your nepholgist if you can have kystexxa injections to purge excess urid acid. The fatigue is also a common side effect at stage 5, because your kidneys are not getting rid of toxins the way a healthy kidney does. Are you starting dialysis ? If your Doctor is addressing each of your issues , you will start to feel better. I had dialysis for a year, and eventually a kidney transplant. It takes a good medical team to assist you

and also to be proactive in educating yourself in what you can do to help yourself. I wish you the best in your journey. There are kidney classes you can take to give you the tools you need.

[FelineFandom146]

Wow! You're going through a great deal and am so sorry to hear it. Stay strong. We're all going through the same thing one way or another. Some worse. Some the same and some not so bad, yet. I get it; it's hard to stay positive when you're not feeling well. Very hard, but remember there is always a light at the end of the tunnel, we just have to be patient. Always remember you are not alone and somewhere someone is worse off than you. I'm in Stage 5 ESRD and am set to getting evaluated at several transplant centers over the next few months. I hate it. I hate what my body is doing, but I had an experience at one transplant center I want to share with you. I'm not yet 65 but sometimes feel as if I'm 100. Last week while I was sitting in the center, a young woman, about 30 walked in with her support partner. As I watched her I realized the young woman was not just in ESRD but also blind. She wore thick sunglasses and when they called her name, her partner wasn't there as she stepped out of the center for some reason. She didn't know what to do. I jumped to my feet and gently took her by the arm to guide her to the counter for check in. She was so grateful. I told my pleasure and that "we're all in this together." She couldn't stop thanking me. I also guided her back to her seat. Her partner returned by then and also thanked me. No need, I said. My pleasure and again I said, "we're all in this together," which of course, we are. We're here on this big planet and this site to help one another, to share and encourage. As I said, we're all in this together. On that note, stay safe. Stay positive. Stay focused on good things, good memories. Watch a funny movies, read a funny book. I'm middle age but I still read ARchie comics and such because I don't have to think about anything when I read them. Just pure fun. Sending hugs and good vibes to each and every one out there. And yes, medications can do a great deal of harm, as well as benefits.

[Bruiserkg]

I'm sorry this is happening to you Cissy. I hope the doctors can get things under control for you. I can't imagine what you're going through right now, I am at stage 4 with my gfr of 25. I have moderate symptoms. Good luck to you. KidKat

[Bruiserkg]

I'm sorry this is happening to you Cissy. I hope the doctors can get things under control for you. I can't imagine what you're going through right now, I am at stage 4 with my gfr of 25. I have moderate symptoms. Good luck to you. KidKat

[XmasKidney]

How are you managing your symptoms? Are you being followed by a kidney doctor?