@sbtheplumber1 so sorry to hear about your failed back surgery and spine stimulator. We here at Mayo Clinic Connect don’t diagnose or prescribe. We just share our stories to encourage each other and share some hope. When you have your appointment with the NP (nurse practitioner ?) he hopefully can explain the meaning of the labs that you included photos of and this diagnosis of “stage 3”. These labs include things like creatinine, BUN, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and eGFR. The eGFR is an equation that shows the rate at which your kidneys are functioning. Anything greater or equal to 60 is thought to be very good. Yours was 56. That is not terrible. When you have some kidney issues it is helpful to change some of your dietary practices. Ask your NP if he can refer you to a renal dietician to give you some more detailed information based on your own labs. Common things to do involve limiting red meat because protein can be hard on kidneys (especially red meat). I stick to poultry, fish, eggs and cheese. It is common to limit potassium, calcium, phosphates / phosphorus and oxalates depending on your labs. Taking NSAIDS is also hard on kidneys, especially ibuprofen. If you need pain relief ask your provider to recommend something that is friendly to kidneys. The top 2 causes of kidney problems are diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure). So this leads to keeping track of your glucose and carbohydrate consumption. Limiting sodium (salt) consumption is nearly always a given to protect your heart and blood pressure. This all sounds like a lot but your provider can help you prioritize where to start so that you can make small gradual changes that aren’t too overwhelming. It is doable! I have chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 4. My eGFR is in the low 30’s and has been for nearly a decade. You can do this and slow the progression to a worse stage. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.