Depressed

[Grams70]

Hi

I am 71 years old and I am at stage 3 CKD. Since my diagnosis about 10 months ago I find that I feel low almost every day, along with anxiety. My doctor wants to start me on an antidepressant. Is there anyone else who takes one and does it cause further kidney damage. Any information would be much appreciated. Thank you.

[jaykay777]

Grams70 -- I'm 86 years old and have remained at stage 3 for two years. I took antidepressants for several years and, under medical supervision tapered off. I longer feel depressed, but do suffer from anxiety. However, I continue to take anti anxiety medication as needed. I also take several heart medications. From what I've read, I believe that all medications put some strain on kidneys. If you Google the name of the antidepressant, you can see whether it has any warnings for patients with kidney disease.

[Grams70 in reply to jaykay777]

Thank you for your information. I am so pleased to hear that you are no longer depressed. My doctor said it would not harm kidneys but just reluctant to start another medication as they all seem to have so many side effects. Wishing you the best.

[joanneflagg in reply to jaykay777]

Dear Grams, congratulations of 86 years of life....amazing! You have done many things RIGHT to be here now.....I am very interested in what you shared about antidepressants....I have no doubt that my stage 3 CKD is directly related to all the medications I have take over the 30 years for depression and PTSD. Do you more information about the impact of antidepressants on kidneys....I would rather go off them and find natural outlets to do the same thing.....let me know, as I am also on heart medication...Would love to hear from you! Take care...Jo

[Grams70 in reply to joanneflagg]

Hi Joanne Flagg

I am 71 and it is a year since I was diagnosed with ckd. I do not have information on antidepressants as I was asking others if they had any knowledge about using them with ckd. The person that you need to ask would be jaykay777. He is 86 and has used antidepressants. Hope this will help. Take care

[jaykay777 in reply to Grams70]

Hi Joanne and all who have recently commented on kidney function and the use of antidepressants. Yes, I 'm 86 and took prescribed antidepressants for many years. I think I made an error in judgment by taking jaykay777 as a username because I'm a grandmother named Judy. Once before, someone on this or another site asked whether I was a man or woman. At that time, I should have changed my username.

[Grams70 in reply to jaykay777]

Sorry Judy! Hello from one fellow grandmother to another. I apologize I should not have said "he". One should not assume! Thank you for responding to my concerns about antidepressants. Take care!

[Peterpoomsrida]

Dear Grams,

I am 66 and ckd 4. I still go around happily living the years i still have. I do not restraint from taking any food. A d the only medicine i take are diabetic medicine.

Go ahead and live a full life. Dont be disturbed by the problem. Be positive and active and all should be fine.

[Grams70 in reply to Peterpoomsrida]

Thank you for responding. Am really working on trying to be positive and active but am following a renal diet and staying within their guidelines as am trying to preserve kidney function. That is my one major issue in that I am too rigid with my diet and need to learn to relax and have some "free days". Wishing you the best.

[rabbit01]

I know it is a shock being diagnosed as it certainly was to me. I am only 50 with late stage 4 (GFR 17%) so do try to count your blessings. You have not said what the underlying reason for your kidney problems are. In any case our kidney function declines as a normal part of ageing. Lots of people remain at stage 3 for their entire lives without progressing any further. Has your doctor suggested seeing a renal dietician? The can review your full blood results and suggest diet changes that will help preserve your remaining kidney function.

[Grams70 in reply to rabbit01]

Thank you for your response. Yes I have seen a dietician and am following renal guidelines, as I am trying to remain at stage 3 although I know there are no guarantees as to the progression of ckd. My underlying issue was high blood pressure although always in the 140 range. Sending blessings.

[Zazzel]

I am 50. I have suffered anxiety and depression for most of my life on and off anti anxiety, anti panic and other meds as well as therapy and I exercise regularly. Last Sept I was diagnosed with IGA Nephropathy (a form of CKD). Of course it kicked in my anxiety. A friend told me about Ekhart Tolle's book "The Power of Now." I checked out the audio version from the library and have begun listening to all of his books. It discusses the power of each moment. Of relieving your mind of thinking - that non-stop chatter that goes on in your head and living in the present. I have found great relief and am practicing it daily. It's free to do, so maybe give it a go. You can also google him and you'll find lots of free videos on You Tube. Sending many blessings to you and much peace.

[Grams70 in reply to Zazzel]

Thank you so much for your reply. I will look up these books and read them as I would prefer not to be on medication and try to become positive with my thinking. Many blessings to you too.

[toeragthecat21]

hi grams70...find out what your egfr is if its above 20 that should last you about two years but you will be put on donor list at about 16...dont worry iv had dialisis and you can get another ten years on it so please dont worry...

all the best mate take care

[joanneflagg in reply to toeragthecat21]

Dear Toeragthecat21...unique name! May I ask how old you are? I have heard that dialysis is NOT recommended for older patients.....is that true, I hardly think it is! God, you do hear so many conflicting stories!!! You have been doing dialysis for 10 years....what type, at home, hospital? Does it define all that you do? Does it hurt? How often do you go? How long does it take....God bless and I am so happy you are still around and with such a positive attitude! Jo

[Grams70]

Thank you! All the best to you too!

[kithsirid]

Dont worry too much , my gfr was 51 5 years ago now its 25 after two heart attacks , it seems your so called doc has caught at the wrong end,

you have to be checked for the cause of kidney damage , did they do a ultra sound scan of the kidneys, ,?

Are u hypertensive OR diabetic?

do not think of liabilties & so forth .

whats your creatinine level ?

you can live with it.

hope u will write me back,

wish u good health

[Grams70 in reply to kithsirid]

Thank you for your response. I would prefer not to take the medication so will need to stop worrying about the future and take one day at a time. Like you said I can live with it. Wishing you the best.

[gleongelpi]

I am 68. I have not officially been declared to have CKD but my last three readings of GFR have been 48, 55, 54, but they were all taken within a three-months period. Before that, it was in the 60s. So we are kinda in the same boat. If it were for all the discomforts that I feel, I would not have all this emotional stress. The low GFR readings would not do it alone. Anyway, good luck, and stay away from medications. I am sure that's what does it quite often. In my case, I think Nexium and other similar drugs did it. They pushed me over the edge.

[Grams70]

Thank you for your response. I am going to try and be positive and not take extra medication at this time. I hope somehow your stress eases and wishing you the best as we all need to learn to live with ckd.