Sleep

[heartgirlx4]

Hi my hubby has stage 4 kidney failure.hes not started his dialysis yer but all he want to do is sleep he's no energy at all goes light headed at the least little thing , any advice please

[bumblebee_tuna]

What does his nephrologist say? There is no specific eGFR number dictating when to start dialysis - it depends on the symptoms. And it looks like he might be getting ready.

[checkman in reply to bumblebee_tuna]

It does not "just depend on your symptoms". I had no symptoms when I had to start dialysis. When your kidney disease reaches Stage 4 (severe, with glomerular filtration rate, or GFR, less than 30 mL/min, some info. states less than 15 mL/min, (New evidence says dialysis should start by a GFR of 6, or sooner if there are symptoms) your Dr. better tell you to start dialysis.

For heartgirlx4 and bumblebee_tuna:

homedialysis.org/life-at-ho...

There is a plethora of information out there on kidney disease you need to be your own advocate and READ READ READ! I CONSTANTLY battle Dr's and dialysis center personnel to ensure I am well taken care of because I READ READ READ!

[bumblebee_tuna in reply to checkman]

There is no "one rule" for everyone, every patient is different but currently the KDIGO guidelines puts and emphasis on symptoms when deciding when to start dialysis -

"In patients with a GFR <15 mL/min/1.73m2, dialysis should be considered when there is one or more of the following: symptoms or signs of uraemia, inability to control hydration status or blood pressure or a progressive deterioration in nutritional status."

[checkman in reply to bumblebee_tuna]

Very correct, no one rule. As I stated I had no symptoms at stage 4. It's been so long ago I do not remember my GFR number. But there are specific "guidelines" for GFR numbers as you stated in your 2nd reply. Your 1st reply stated "There is no specific eGFR number dictating when to start dialysis", only symptoms. That's why I replied the way I did.

[OperationKidney]

Unfortunately that's a common symptom of kidney failure. Not sure there's really anything that can help aside from being understanding and letting him rest, as much as you're able. A doctor or nurse can also be a good resource for what can help. If he ends up needing dialysis hopefully it will help give him some of his energy back!

[checkman in reply to OperationKidney]

There most certainly are things that can help aside from just being understanding and letting him rest. NEVER "do nothing". The very 1st thing he needs to do is get blood drawn for lab results. The main things that cause this symptom are low hemoglobin and/or low iron. High calcium can also cause fatigue. This could also be a side effect from a medication he is taking, a new med, or a med he has been taking for a long time, and side effects will all of a sudden show up (I know both of those things happen from extensive experience). Hypoparathyroidism/Hyperparathyroidism can also cause fatigue/weakness. Heart problems are a VERY common cause of fatigue. INSIST on getting an echo-cardiogram of his heart. Heart problems start to show up in kidney failure patients, very common. I could go on and on.... The bottom line get EXTENSIVE labs done and an echo. Your Nephrologist should be suggesting all of this. If he/she doesn't FIND A GOOD NEPH.

[checkman in reply to checkman]

I forgot to mention most of the things I stated in my last reply can cause lightheadedness also (especially heart issues or med. side effects).

[OperationKidney in reply to checkman]

I also just want to clarify that I'm speaking from my own experience. Obviously intervention is best but if they're keeping a regular eye on him via clinic then letting him rest and continuing to advocate for dialysis and/or transplant is probably the best thing you can do for him.

[Bassetmommer]

If your husband is tired, then there are things to check to see if they are affecting him. One is VIT D. Then there is B12, and hemoglobin and hemocrit levels. When these are low, it causes anemia. All are symptomatic of no energy. At Stage 4, he is not really in kidney "failure". The fact that he gets dizzy might be caused by low blood pressure or even one of his medications.

He needs to share with the doctor his symptoms. Also, if he is depressed and not dealing with the CKD, mental health might be a good idea. Sleeping is often a sign of depression.

[Beachgirl32]

sorry your hubby is going through this each of us are different and different things may hit us at different times with ckd. I know in stage four my fatigue was due to low iron. I also just accepted this was how I was suppose to feel I was telling myself I didn’t need dialysis cause I think deep down I was afraid of the unknown . Exercise actually help me in stage four get energy I would make myself walk each day. Have him talk to his nephrologist go with him ask questions too. Also be sure to take care of yourself .

[RhenDutchess123]

Dialysis is not the End of Our World...Its what keeps Our World from Ending...

Encourage him to start Dialysis if he needs it... or you might not have him much longer....Bless You

[bumblebee_tuna in reply to RhenDutchess123]

There is also something called "incremental dialysis" that he can inquire about - he will do partial dialysis during the week to reduce symptoms.

[RhenDutchess123 in reply to bumblebee_tuna]

Or maybe Peritoneal Dialysis at home while he sleeps at night...Depends on what he and his Doctor decide...

[Hidden]

Is your husband on blood pressure meds and has he lost weight lately? Lack of appetite also happens at the late stage. I was sleepy and had no interest in eating before starting dialysis. I am just wondering if there is a connection for him, as there was for me. Weight loss required an adjustment in my blood pressure meds because I was getting dizzy when rising up to stand. If your husband can begin dialysis now, it sounds like he would benefit. Best wishes to you both.

[LilyAnnepuppy]

My husband was on medication for high blood pressure most of his life. Once his kidneys failed (and he’s been on dialysis since August), he has to now take medicine for low blood pressure. Sometimes when he stands up, his blood pressure drops and he gets dizzy.