Kidney numbers dropped

I haven't even checked. I believe Tampa General is the closest.

@susangail53 As Ginger said, transplants can be done on "older folks" based on general health. And kidney transplants have definitely been done on people older than 71 years old...and that's a fact. It doesn't hurt to look into that if you're interested in it.

Overall, other than my kidneys, I"m in good health. Just don't know if my body could handle a transplant. If I have no improvement by my next appointment in October 31, then I will make a decision. I have made the decision not to do dialysis when it comes to that point. I saw what it did to my mother and some friends. You have no quality of life and you still die. In other words, I am really discouraged; however, I do thank you for responding!♥️

@susangail53 To be placed on a transplant list is quite a procedure. From tests of all kinds to mental health evaluation, and all. Remember, dialysis is not a cure for kidney disease, it is a treatment, just like a transplant is. We each have to be honest with ourselves, and come to the decision that is best for us.

From the National Kidney Foundation: https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/stopping-or-not-starting-dialysis
and: https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/dialysis-deciding-to-stop

These two articles may off you some information you do not have yet, or serve to underline what you already know.
Ginger

@susangail53 It's a good thing and I'm happy for you that you're in relatively good health. And I understand your not wanting to go on dialysis. Sometimes kidney transplants can be performed preemptively...which means it would be done before the person went on dialysis. There are pros and cons for both dialysis and for kidney transplant. If or when you might consider future steps. I would suggest that you read up on and educate yourself on the pros and cons, and advantages and disadvantages, of each course of action. Then you can make a decision as to how you may want to proceed. The options are dialysis (which you don't want), transplant, or neither one. I would like you to be informed about and comfortable with whatever decision you make for yourself. Another thing to consider that might factor in is that you may not even get to the point where you need dialysis. Some people can and have remained in the late stages of CKD for years. But, again, make sure that you're comfortable with whatever decision you make. In the meantime, you can also talk to your nephrologist about this and he/she could provide you with additional information and resources, and even with other people you can talk to who can answer some of your questions. In the meantime, please stay as well and healthy as you can. I wish only the best for you! ❤️

Thank you! I feel there is some hope for CKD, but not Polycystic kidney disease. The cysts just keep growing and nothing can stop it. That's why I'm on Jynarque to slow the progression; however, that can only last so long.

Agree with you, susangail53. I am in 4th stage, GFR 25. I will not go on dialysis. And a transplant is so far off in the future, if I'm even approved. There are many that live comfortable lives for as long as they can in stage 4, even stage 5. I asked my nephrologist what the process of dying is like with kidney disease. Let's face it, I want to know. She said painless. You lose energy, sleep a lot as potassium levels rise. I plan to go that route. Thank you for your honesty. Please keep us informed of improvement on Oct. 31 appointment. My next blood draw is in November and done every 3 months. GFR reduces each time but I now get Cystatin C tests as well.

I'm right there with you! My mom didn't have to go on dialysis until she was 89. She could only take it for 2 years,which was longer than the nephrologists had expected. She kept holding on for our family, but we saw her failing everyday. She was not coherent and before she decided to stop dialysis,she was throwing up everything she ate and drank. It took awhile for hospice to even step in, which was very disappointing; however, once they were there,she was given morphine and passed peacefully. She lived 9 days after stopping dialysis, but it wasn't pleasant. Unfortunately, I don't have much trust in the medical profession. They lie about the effects of dialysis, they lie about medications, and they lied about the effects of radiation and chemo, when I had cancer. I have reached the point to "Let go and let God". I wish you the very best. We do what we can and take it one day at a time!🙏♥️

susangail53, we are on the same page. I had 2 dx of breast cancer. One in 1993. A tubular cancer the pathologist told me. I called to talk to the pathologist, as a wise cancer survivor suggested, rather than the oncologist or surgeon. He said highly likely I would be in my 80s (I was 35 at the time) before the tubular cancer would metastasize. Tubular cancer is very slow growing and mine was very small < 1mm) I refused chemo, radiation and a double mastectomy with reconstructive surgery as the oncologist/surgeon suggested. This is my experience and do not suggest anyone follow what I did. Everyone must make their own decision about their medical care. I believe the body has a wisdom of its own. We do need medical help, but there are certain situations we should think long and hard about the treatment, side effects, and long-term quality of living.

@susangail53 and @mrainne

I agree with both of you and appreciate that you are your own advocates and choosing to make the best decisions for yourselves. It's unfortunate that the medical profession sometimes get things wrong and those errors can have adverse effects on us. Keep advocating for yourselves. I pray that God will continue to give you guidance and peace in your decision making.