hospital visit?

[rascal01]

had blood work, was told to go to ER as my gfr is at 13, potassium 4.1, creatinine 4.6 bun 37. like advise as to what would happen. emergency dialysis? do not have fistulia yet.

[SN23]

Prayers for you. Best wishes and speedy recovery🙏🌻

[rascal01 in reply to SN23]

thank you so much! I knew this day would come, fear of the unknown.

[SN23 in reply to rascal01]

Strength and prayers🙏 I know of people who lead active fruitful lives on dialysis. May you get all the care and support you need🙏

[rabbit01]

I guess it was a non-kidney specialist that told you to go to ER? I am at 14% eGFR with pretty much the same levels of potassium and creatinine although my BUN is lower than yours. I am not on dialysis. I assume that since posting this you have been to ER so let us know what happened. I would be surprised if they put you on emergency dialysis.

[Virgo03v in reply to rabbit01]

My moms numbers are around the same and shes not on dialysis either. She also urinates regularly. Although they have been trying to push her on it for years. They seem to throw everyone on dialysis whether they have symptoms or not.

[rabbit01 in reply to Virgo03v]

Yes you are right. I am in my early 50's and am the only person who contributes financially in my family. I am still working full time out of necessity and not choice so the longer I can avoid starting dialysis the better.

[mingmiley in reply to rabbit01]

People do nocturnal dialysis at night when they sleep so they can be freer in daytime.

[Hidden in reply to rabbit01]

Me too!!! I am on my own with my grown, high function autistic daughter and have abandoned cats to feed, etc.

[peewee2574]

When my creatinine was at 2.0 my nephro jumped right in and took control.

Fifteen years later I finally got a fistula. Where is your nephro Doctor to guide you through these stages???

[cs65 NKF Ambassador]

You need to have your primary care physician refer you to a nephrologist. A kidney specialist can help make the determination of when to start dialysis. If you should need dialysis soon a chest catheter can be placed and used almost immediately. Another option is peritoneal dialysis, which can be done at home overnight and frees up your days to go to work. I would check with your nephrologist to discuss all your options. Another option is home hemodialysis, which you can be taught to do with a partner at home. If you do need to get a fistula, just remember it will take several months before it can be used and a catheter can be used in the meantime. Also, a nephrologist can help you to get placed on the transplant list if that is what you want to do. Just breathe and take it one day at a time. You will have a lot of support from us and from your medical professionals.

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador in reply to cs65]

Remember though all a nephrologist can do for the transplant list is send a referral to the transplant center. After that the nephrologist has no input. The person will have to go through all the testing and visits with surgeon, financial coordinator, social work etc before his case is submitted to a committee for approval or denial on the transplant list. Best of luck. Blessings

[TamekaS NKF Peer Mentor NKF Ambassador]

If they think u need emergent dialysis, they will give u a chest tube... But if dialysis potentially in ur future there's nothing wrong with going ahead and getting a fistula started, it takes roughly 4-6 months to use anyway, depends on nephrologist.... Everybody's body is different. Mine went from good to crap in 8 months and had to have emergency dialysis, so at least be getting checked out and staying on top of this. Wishing u the best.

[JoanneLi]

I have the same gfr as you, and not on dialysis, and not expecting to go on dialysis for some time yet. I am sure they will start talking to you about the next steps, but I would be surprised if there was any need for emergency intervention at this stage.

[sarasue2]

A number of things could have happened. I had a drug interaction and went on dialysis for two months and figures improved to in the 20 gfr I still am tired most of the time but am try to stay off for as long as I can. It has been six years. I would see if there is any way you could do something like this. There are things you can do to bring you number up or down. good luck

[sarasue2]

You are right about one thing the fear of the unknown will be the worst part of it. They offer classes and support groups. Take advantage of them. Most of all find someone who you can talk to that knows what you are going through and ask every question you can think of.