Really worried about ckd3

[Briffa]

I have had high blood pressure since my twenties which has always been kept under control with medication. I have an annual blood test. I got a shock today when I went for my results to be told by the doctor you do know you have probs with your kidneys. I didn't. I was shocked and didn't take it in till I got home. Called docs and said oh yes you have had ckd3 since Dec 2016. Doc called me back. I have had slightly low readings apparently since 2014 last year my gfr was 50 and the doctor agreed I should have been recalled for further blood tests it has now dropped to 44. I am out of my mind with worry. Doctor has asked me to go. Sick for another blood test next week. Not to worry as it could be due to various things. I've just had a bad virus on my throats for a month Can anybody help or put my mind at rest

[jaykay777]

It seems like your doctor communicates well with you. I have remained in stage 3 for several years, learned more about CKD, and am less concerned than I was when I first learned of my condition.

[Briffa in reply to jaykay777]

That's such a relief. Thank you so much. I have been so worried. Is there anything you do to help diet wise or anything

[Hidden in reply to Briffa]

Hi,

davita.com has a drop-down menu bar so go there and click on recipes. You'll find a lot of choices for all meals and many seasonal options and each one gives you a breakdown of protein, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and sodium. Also if you sign up for their newsletter you will receive some additional recipes with each one.

[jaykay777]

Yes, follow Mr Kidney's lead and check out davita.com. Davita also has one-day dietary courses in some locations.

[Mgt8]

Hi

Do check with your doctor if the blood pressure tablets you are on are ok for your kidneys......mine got changed as soon as I was diagnosed to a type that would not make my kidneys any worse...

Eat, drink and live healthily.....this all helps enormously.. ... all the best.. ...M

[Briffa]

Hiya. Thank you I will.

My blood pressure been ok last couple of readings. In fact low

I'm on lisinopril bendroflumethiazide and bispoprilol

Just really worried now as I had no idea until a new doctor told me yesterday.

Thank you for your help

[Keithtim10]

Hi Briffa i have been CKD Stage 3/4 for about 2 years now since diagnosed with Wegeners which did the damage my GFR has averaged around 35/40 and i have changed diet ie; no salt,less red meat,less cheese plenty Veggies chicken ,fish and so on and i have been ok.I still worry over the situation but it is what it is so i am onwards and upwards as they say.But my health is not too bad obviously with medication,diet and fresh air all seems ok.Hope this helps.

[Briffa in reply to Keithtim10]

Hi

Thank you so much. That has helped me loads. It was just a big shock and just getting my head round it

[Melirm]

Hi Briffa, I understand how shocking it is to find out you have kidney problems, but try not to worry. I was told I have kidney problems and it took around 8 years to go from stage 3 to stage 5 where I am now. So if you start to look after your kidneys now it can take a long time for them to deteriorate. Listen to your Dr's advice and keep an eye on this site, you will get lots of helpful tips but also reassurance from others in the same boat. The shock will subside and you will be fine. Take care of yourself. xx

[Briffa in reply to Melirm]

Thank you so much

It was a big shock. I had no idea. Should have been told and then I could have made some changes then

I'm back at the docs wed so I can have a chat with them. They have done another blood test to check my levels again

Take care too xxx

[Melirm in reply to Briffa]

Try not to be cross about the fact you haven't been told earlier. Dr's don't seem to to anyone. If you read through post on here you will see this as a common theme. My consultant says that you can still be absolutely fine with one kidney working at 25%. Try to take some reassurance from that little piece of information. The best advice I can give is to take it all in your stride. Get a good idea of what actually is happening and where you are in the grand scale of things. Things aren't always as bad as we initially think! Have a good chat with your Dr and write down questions you want to ask or things you want to say. In these shock situations, I always gorget everything I want to say or ask. Take good care of yourself and good luck.

[Briffa in reply to Melirm]

I can't tell you how much I appreciate your help. It has helped me massively. Xx

[Bet117 in reply to Melirm]

Melirm,

Well put and wonderful advice!

Unfortunately we cannot go back in time, only forward.

Good and sensible diet with low sodium., low protein choices, a careful watch on the potassium and phosphorous, combined with exercise keeps us as healthy as possible.

I send you my thanks, warmest and most healing thoughts!

Bet

[orangecity41 in reply to Melirm]

Melirm: Thank for the positive reinforcement. I am level 3 and on diet and exercise routine for past 2 years and so far things look like stabilized and do feel better.

[Jayjayca]

I am 43 with early stage 4 PKD. My GFR is 24. I have also had high blood pressure since my early 20’s. Make sure you keep your BP u fee control as that can damage kidneys further. The best thing you can do is research everything on the disease, learn as much as you can. It helps to make things clear and helped relax me more. Healthy eating specifically for your kidney is the best step right now and not stressing over the situation. Stress is the worst for you. Stay positive and live your life. There are ways to slow down the process for me but in your case you may be able to stop it. Get as much information as possible. Stay active and healthy. Know that you are not alone. Good luck with everything.

[Briffa in reply to Jayjayca]

I am struggling to know what to eat. There seems so little is a vegetarian diet kinder of the kidneys xxx

[Gillian2Mc in reply to Briffa]

Hi Briffa,

I hope by now you have been able to follow up on the good advice given to you here.

You were asking about a vegetarian diet. I can only say that when I was diagnosed with high blood pressure I found the DASH diet and have been vaguely following it since. It doesn't say cut out meat, but it does say to eat at least 5 portions of fruit and also at least 5 of vegetables. I continued with this diet after I was diagnosed with CKD just over 3 years ago.

Gillian

[Briffa in reply to Gillian2Mc]

Hi Gillian. I have had some really good advice on here

Ooo I haven’t heard of the DASH diet. I will look it up. I have lost three stone since June last year. A lot of my diet is vegetarian. I do eat a lot of fruit and veg and have upped my water.

Has the diet worked for you Gillian. Has it had any effect on your GFR or stabilised it if you don’t mind me asking xx

[Gillian2Mc in reply to Briffa]

Hi Briffa,

Sorry it has taken me so long to reply to your questions.

Yes, the DASH diet has worked very well for me. Did you look it up? It sounds like you're doing well with your fruit and veg intake already, so this particular diet should be quite easy for you. As for me, I only know that my blood test results have been good. Here in the UK we are not given specific results, just told that they're good or bad and what to do if they're not.

Gillian

[Bet117 in reply to Briffa]

Hi Briffa,

The National Kidney Foundation and Davita both have lists and suggestions which are a great start.

I have been a vegetarian for over a year now and only miss pizza and egg white omelets when out with friends ( and egg white omelets with vegetables are not bad)

I eat 2 tbsp of Greek Yogurt, or 1/4 c low sodium cottage cheese, sliced apple with 2 tsp hummus, sometimes a cup of oatmeal non envelope 5mg protein as recommended to me by the davida dietician.

I buy fresh or fresh frozen vegetables. I love cabbage, cauliflower, asparagus, red bell and green peppers, onion, zucchini/ yellow squash, broccoli and salads with veggies, strawberries and blueberries on them.

I eat alot of hummus, but watch the calories and sodium ( 90mg is top)

I also use chick peas, black beans and lentils. Canned are low sodium and washed before eating.

Bulgar wheat, cooked with veggies 1/4 cup low sodium veggie broth and spices..all good sources of protein and low sodium. Salad dressing is olive oil and vinegar, or portion controlled..nothing with more than 115mg.

Fresh strawberries, blueberries and pineapple and apples.

Breads..soft light wheat..

Hope this is a start.

Below are two good links from the NKF and one from Davita. The first is foods and second is Eating Out With Confidence.

Hope this helps!

Bet xx

davita.com/recipes/

kidney.org/atoz/content/pot...

kidney.org/atoz/content/din...

[Jayjayca]

Not necessarily. You have to watch a lot of things like potassium, phosphorus sodium and protein. Your kidneys won’t filter like a healthy kidney does and these things can cause more damage. Protein is important for your body but to much is bad for your kidneys. You would be surprised st how many fruits and veggies have things like potassium in them. There are ways to improve your GFR depending on the reasons for the CKD. If you go on the DaVita.com website there is a ton of information regarding this and a huge list of recipes to follow. Food was always a big part of my life but now I’ve had to change all of that. DaVita has made it much better for me. It will take some getting used to but you will get there. Eating out has become difficult as you never know what they put in the food. Definitely check out DaVita though. Also, u can google anything you eat to see if it’s ok for CKD. See a nutritionist if possible as they can also help you figure out how much you can have if things like protein. If you exercise be careful how much as building muscle creates creatin and that’s also not good for kidneys. Research and questions to your doctor will educate you. Education is the best medicine for this.

[Hidden in reply to Jayjayca]

I've learned that grilled chicken and salads are my best friend if/when we go out to eat and I've become quite verbal about NO SALT....and taking my Mrs. Dash seasonings with me. No shame in my game! LOL!!!

[Jayjayca in reply to Hidden]

Taking Mrs Dash with you...what a great idea. I never thought of that. I tend to stick to grilled chicken and salads also. It takes a bit of time but you do eventually figure it out. Spices have become my best friend in cooking. Lots to learn but well worth it! I’m in Canada and we are Thanksgiving dinner tonight. I’m excited for all the great food but won’t be enjoying everything.

[Hidden in reply to Jayjayca]

Happy Thanksgiving to you! Just INHALE and smile.

[whitey123 in reply to Jayjayca]

Happy Thanksgiving! Hope you enjoyed some of the great food.

[Briffa in reply to whitey123]

Happy Thanksgiving. I am still getting used to the new diet. So it's a bit hit and miss at the moment. Hope you're ok xx

[Briffa]

Thank you so much. I have been told about DaVita x

[Rosemary201]

Hi Briffa!

As you can see, you're in good company.

I'm 46. GFR 35 Stage 3b. IgA

I too was very confused about diet. The renal diet is so hard to learn. Check with your doctor on your limits. For me, my doc wants me to lose 20 lbs the traditional way.

Low carb, protein & veggies. He says at my stage it's more important to keep weight & blood pressure low, rather than worrying about the chemicals.

He doesn't want me overloading on protein shakes or protein... just normal to small portions. As for fluid, stay away from dark sodas & drink 8 glasses of water day.

I've been sticking to this for a few weeks & feel great. The stages & GFRs do freak me out. But apparently, we can't do much more about it. It seems there aren't any real symptoms. Every now & then, I can feel an ache in my left kidney but it's very tolerable. It serves as a good reminder to stay in check. Take a deep breath & smile. You're gonna be fine! & look at all the new friends you just made!! 😊

[Briffa]

Morning Rosemary

I am and I have had such support and good advice on here. It sounds like there are so many people with the same condition

I am so confused what to eat as I'm a bit scared now. I will speak with the doctor I'm going Wednesday. I need to loose about a stone and a half. I have lost almost a stone and a half already.

Is a vegetarian diet maybe a good idea

You read so many things. Some day don't overload on water as well and some say have lots. It's so confusing

I will have a chat to the doc

Sounds like you have felt the benefits already that's good 😀

I am a very positive person. So once o get over the initial shock and speak with the doc I will get there

Thank you so much for chatting it has helped me so much and taking to somebody who is in the same position

I'm off for a walk soon with my friend

Take care xxxx

[Hidden in reply to Briffa]

Until you speak to your doctor and get all of your lab values you will not know which way to go with your diet. Once you have that information it might be a good idea to contact a renal dietitian for help in developing a meal plan. Believe it or not but not all vegetables are kidney-friendly.

I'm limited to 8 oz. of protein per day. How I break that up throughout the day gives me some sense of control. For example, some vegetables that may be restricted for you would be corn, green peas, hominy. Remember too that all vegetable contain water and if you are on a fluid restricted diet that fluid counts as part of your daily total.

Fruits can be helpful but follow the same rule if you are told to regarding fluid intake. Grapefruit will not be in most meal plans for CKD.

If your lab values show that your potassium is too high you will have restrictions on the following fruits and vegetables: apricots, bananas, oranges, nectarines, greens and spinach, wax beans, okra, pumpkins, winter squash, tomatoes and tomato products. Yes everyone is different which is why a renal dietitian is a good source to establish and maintain a healthy kidney-friendly meal plan.

If you have to avoid foods high in phosphorus then this list will give you some idea: cheese, muffins, avocado, brown and wild rice and rice mixes, coconut, pizza, beer, dried fruit, and chocolate. An RD will have a more comprehensive list for you when you meet.

Most people with CKD have to avoid sodium and that list is extensive. Some examples are cured meats, sausage, sauerkraut, salted nuts, canned foods, canned soup and salted crackers, pretzels, pizza, frozen dinners, sauces and dressings, hot dogs, condiments, bacon and pickled foods.

I know it's overwhelming but keep in mind that this are the things you have control over to slow the progression of CKD and live the kind of life you want.

[Hidden]

I think I cried off and on after I found out...then I started learning about CKD and all the stages. Yep, I have no doubt you are rattled. My former tests indicated issues at least 4 years ago but I was just told this past August (stage 3A). Go to DaVita.com and check out the recipes (some are actually good), follow your doctor's advice and see a nephrologist, if possible. I've learned to avoid the salt, walk and drink lots of water. I'm losing weight (which I desperately need to do) and I'm actually feeling the best I've felt in some time. It's one day at a time... Everyone is different but remember, this journey is shared by many. There is an awesome support group on Facebook (Friends with CKD) that you may want to check out. Hugs and prayers!

[Briffa in reply to Hidden]

It so helps to hear other people's experiences.

Sounds like doctors don't worry about it too much in the early stages. I was worried about that thinking I could have maybe done something earlier on

I've looked on DaVita and I was so surprised how many good recipes there are on there.

I have started to diet and am walking and running regularly so I'm hoping that will help too.

I've lost a stone and a half and same to go. Well done on yours too 😀 it definitely makes you feel instantly better I feel

Thank you so much for your help. It has made me feel a bit better

It just came as a big shock. So I think once I've seen the doc and got my head round it

Take care and thank you so much xxx

[lilliput]

Feel exactly the same but suspected kidney function was low after looking at print out of blood tests 10 years ago. Least of my worries at the time.

Found out incidentally from nurse 2 days ago that filtration was borderline.Blind sided.