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Stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD): What specialists do I see?
Kidney & Bladder | Last Active: May 19, 2022 | Replies (237)Comment receiving replies
Would like some feedback. Not medical advice, just patient opinions from other CKD people. I've moved back into stage 3 CKD and am feeling quite well but neph wondered if I should go ahead and have the arterial-venous access graft surgery some time this year in case dialysis becomes necessary sooner than we currently think it might. I asked my neph to refer me to another neph for 2nd opinion and am in the process of getting an appointment for that consult. I don't want to put anyone on the spot but here's my question: would you go ahead and have the graft done if your eGFR is 33 and your BUN and creatinine are coming down closer to "normal" (but still high) or would you wait and see if your kidney function improves some more? I'm not asking for diagnoses or medical advice, I just want to know what others in my situation might do. Thanks!
Replies to "Would like some feedback. Not medical advice, just patient opinions from other CKD people. I've moved..."
@kamama94 My opinion for the arterial-venous access graft surgery is to wait if you are basing it only on your test results. My first step would be to ask your current nephrologist why he is making this suggestion at this time. What basis is he using to support this suggestion? Is there something other than test results? If so, what is/are it/they? I have been stage 3 CKD since 2013 and holding. I think dialysis is always on the list of things to consider once you reach stage 3 CKD. Keep us posted please. Blessings.
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@kamama94 In the past 4 years my eGFR has ranged from 10 to 17. At the recommendation of my nephrologist, I had the fistula surgery done 3 1/2 years ago. Still not on dialysis yet. If my eGFR was 33 and holding steady, I would not have the surgery. If it was dropping, I would begin thinking about it, but would probably wait until it was lower. That's my opinion.