Connect
← Return to Stage 3a kidney disease: looking for info
Discussion
Stage 3a kidney disease: looking for info
Kidney & Bladder | Last Active: Dec 8 9:35am | Replies (127)Comment receiving replies
I discovered I had Stage 3a CKD by accident, on a routine hospital check-up prior to having a pacemaker fitted. When I asked my doctor why I hadn't been told the answer I got was that the borderline (GFR 59) Stage 3a was 'normal' for my age (then late '7Os) and I didn't need to be concerned. I consulted Dr Google and quickly learned what S.3a was; that it was a progressive condition which could be slowed downbeat not cured by lifestyle changes, in particular diet (Food and drink). Then I realised the inappropriateness of not having been given full information about the condition: how could I 'slow' the condition if I didn't know I had it? Having a number of co-morbidities , including more recently PMR, I'm on some heavy meds which must strain the kidney. So the only variable I can influence is lifestyle and I was deprived of the opportunity of addressing it, not knowing I had reached S 3a CKD. I subscribe to a Mayo Clinic PMR group and it's helped to, at least, ask the relevant of my rheumatologist. Finding this site, I can see it can do likewise for my CKD.
Replies to "I discovered I had Stage 3a CKD by accident, on a routine hospital check-up prior to..."
I was not told that I could improve the rate of deterioration of my remaining kidney by monitoring my diet and activities. I can’t understand why a patient is not advised to eliminate food that is harder for the kidneys to process in order to prolong the functioning of the kidney.
Connect
@mjyarrum Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. As you go through the various posts and discussions, it will be easy to become overwhelmed! A recurring theme that many members express, is that our medical doctors often dismiss declining kidney function as "no big deal" until it is. As kidney patients, we learn to advocate for ourselves and be proactive.
The biggest thing we can do is change our lifestyle: a healthy kidney friendly diet, moderate exercise, lowered stress, mindful medications, etc. Understanding what may be the underlying cause of our kidney disease will let you address that. Uncontrolled/untreated high blood pressure or diabetes are the two leading causes of CKD, but there are also genetic factors, medication side effects, and lifestyle choices. Perhaps you want to take a close look at the medications you are on, and assess their long-term effect on your system? Having a frank discussion with your doctors puts them on notice that you are standing up for yourself! Ask for a referral to a nephrologist [kidney specialist].
How are you doing today?
Ginger