What stage ckd am I in? Please help me

Posted by miasmama23 @miasmama23, Nov 2 8:53am

I yet diagnosed when I was 21... I'm not 33. I never knew the effects it would have on me because my doctor never told me anything other than " you have chronic renal disease " I've had terrible problems with it since I found out, back to back constant kidney infection, kidney stones, fluid retention of my legs, hypertension, I was diabetic and anemic while pregnant... not sure if I'm still anemic or not but I'm not diabetic anymore since I gave birth. I'm morbidly obese. I have fertility problems and have my entire life. How do I find out what stage ckd I'm in and what do I do to help I'm my uncle also just found out he has rcc and any information or support would really help

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Kidney & Bladder Support Group.

Your creatinine based eGFR tells you the stage. You can also have a Cystatin C eGFR which is more stable. For me the truth lies between the two.

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Honestly I'm not sure a doctor has ever checked my egfr. I know absolutely nothing about this problem I'm supposed to have but I do have alot of problems with my kidneys and bladder and the whole urinary tract

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@miasmama23 First, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! I'm glad you have reached out to us. It's a scary place to be, definitely, when you feel there are answers out there to your questions. But you don't have a clue what to ask. Does this sound familiar to you?

Shame on your doctor for telling you that you have chronic kidney disease, then not doing anything about it! I'm glad you are concerned enough to start getting a handle on everything. If you don't feel comfortable with your primary care, then you might want consider changing to a new provider.

I am not a medical doctor, nor can I or should I give you medical advice. If I was in your position, the first thing I would do is get a complete physical exam, including bloodwork. There is a value called eGFR [estimated glomerular filtration rate] that will give you an indication of how well your kidneys are working right now. The leading causes of kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure. Beyond that, kidney issues can also be caused by medication interactions, lifestyle, and genetic factors. Getting a handle on underlying issues is very helpful. Getting a referral to a nephrologist [kidney specialist] will be helpful to understand your unique situation and case. You say you are morbidly obese. Has there been a cause for this discussed with you? Perhaps a referral to en endocrinologist is in order?

One of the most informational websites to go to for facts is the National Kidney Foundation: https://www.kidney.org/
Also, Renal Support Network: rsnhope.org

As to your dad's recent diagnosis: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/kidney-cancer/
Please let me know how I can further help you?
Ginger

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CP The eGFR is part of the comprehensive metabolic panel that seems to be done all the time! It rder it?ois part of a physical. Creatinine is on there too but I have an easier time understanding the eGFR. You have to hydrate well for the test. Most doctors will order it routinely or upon request. Can your PCP order one?

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@gingerw

@miasmama23 First, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! I'm glad you have reached out to us. It's a scary place to be, definitely, when you feel there are answers out there to your questions. But you don't have a clue what to ask. Does this sound familiar to you?

Shame on your doctor for telling you that you have chronic kidney disease, then not doing anything about it! I'm glad you are concerned enough to start getting a handle on everything. If you don't feel comfortable with your primary care, then you might want consider changing to a new provider.

I am not a medical doctor, nor can I or should I give you medical advice. If I was in your position, the first thing I would do is get a complete physical exam, including bloodwork. There is a value called eGFR [estimated glomerular filtration rate] that will give you an indication of how well your kidneys are working right now. The leading causes of kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure. Beyond that, kidney issues can also be caused by medication interactions, lifestyle, and genetic factors. Getting a handle on underlying issues is very helpful. Getting a referral to a nephrologist [kidney specialist] will be helpful to understand your unique situation and case. You say you are morbidly obese. Has there been a cause for this discussed with you? Perhaps a referral to en endocrinologist is in order?

One of the most informational websites to go to for facts is the National Kidney Foundation: https://www.kidney.org/
Also, Renal Support Network: rsnhope.org

As to your dad's recent diagnosis: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/kidney-cancer/
Please let me know how I can further help you?
Ginger

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In finding your diagnosis your dr would have had blood tests done. These results are where all the tests results would be that everyone is talking about.
I think it's time to meet again with your doctor and discuss things. Take a notebook with your questions and someone else to help hear what they are saying.
Consider a referral to a nephrologist and urologist to address your ongoing care.
You are getting lots of good info here.
This is a scary time , I know , but better to get information now and start taking care of things now.
Prayers!

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I'm so sorry you're hitting a roadblock with you doctor! I suggest you get ahold of him/her and request copies of your last several blood tests that were run over the last several years. Keep asking for copies each time you have lab work done, so that you can follow along on future lab work. That way, as you learn more and more through this kidney chat board, you will be able to see where you've come from and where you are currently and things will become clearer for you. We are our OWN medical advocates! We must be! We cannot count on today's medical community (especially if you live in a rural area of the country) to be on top of our status once we walk out their door.

Start drinking a lot more water each day (set an alarm if needed); and watch your salt & potassium intake. If you're exercising & walking each day, continue doing it. All of this is so important.

Best to you as you learn & become healthier!

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@miasmama23 Amazing, all the concern you are getting from the previous posts. In my opinion, the fact that you have fluid retention in your legs and hypertention leads me to believe that in addition to your kidneys, your priority may be to have you get a cardiac workup, and any and all labs necessary for all other symptoms you are having including a CBC, creatinine eGFR, metabolic panel, lipid panel, and A1C. You have to rely on your PCP to go over all of your labs with you thoroughly. Get the referrals you need from your PCP. Again, in my opinion, your kidney classification is secondary to all the other problems you are now experiencing. I don't want to sound like a doctor but once you lose the weight, your kidney diagnosis may vastly improve. A dietitian could be your best friend now, and is just a Zoom call away. No matter where you live, Mayo is a great choice.

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