Can somebody tell me why CKD stage 3a or 3b is no big deal?

I have Stage 3 CKD and physician does. not seem concerned ....No prescriptions...Will I eventually go to Stage 4 CKD and how long can one live with CKD?

@mucho Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. In 2003 my father-in- law had a kidney transplant. I started researching kidney disease. I learned that diabetes and hypertension are the leading causes of kidney disease. I paid attention to this because I have both. In 2005 I was told that I had mild to moderate kidney function. It was not called CKD and did not have a stage or alphabet # associated with it. There were no symptoms and my primary doctor did not seem particularly concerned. I wasn’t satisfied with that and started going to a nephrologist in 2008 (the one who treated my father-in-law.) That was a really good decision. My endocrinologist and nephrologist can collaborate to give me the best treatment possible for my diabetes and my kidneys. In 2016 my nephrologist told me that I have Stage 4 CKD. I have started researching dialysis and kidney transplantation. I like to be proactive. I can tell you that you can live well and for a long time with Stage 4 CKD. Besides your physician do you have any other supports for your health?

I was diagnosed 3aCKD. My doctor would not give me a referral. I looked at the Kidney Assoc website and they recommended a kudney diatician. There is only one with kidney certification in Maine, so I contacted her. My insurance pays unlimited visits with a dietician.She has been helpful.

I have never worried about an eGFR in the 50's , which continued for maybe 20 years, and it never came up with my doctors. I have an autoimmune disease so when it dipped to 36 I did worry, but it is back in the mid-40's.

I just want to say that the dietary advice I get is very different from the usual. I am encouraged to have more salt and "push protein." I did see a nephrhologist and see her every year. and she feels that my low blood pressure could be a factor, hence the salt. Also muscle loss can affect the eGFR, hence the protein. I had an echocardiogram in case heart function might be slowing filtration rate, and my heart was fine.

Time will tell if this advice is wise. I do not have diabetes or high blood pressure. My autoimmune labs are highly positive but there is no evidence that that is the cause of my drop in eGFR. I am often dehydrated, I am sure.

I don't want to repeat myself too much on kidney threads but again, the Cystatin C give a different eGFR that is not as affected by the factors that affect the creatinine based one, and my Cystatin C is still in the low 50's which is reassuring.

Exactly. I have RA dx last October to now find out I have stage 3a CKD. My doctor tells me, you don't need a Nephrologist yet, it's not uncommon for someone your age to have it. (61) like it don't matter to her. She was...my new GP. Not any longer!

Re- check Cymbalta. I've been on it for years to read recently it can cause kidney disease. Oh, and Omprazole for stomach also.

Also, Cymbalta just helps nerve pain.

I saw my nephrologist this week, during the discussion, I was told, that about 2 yrs ago when hospitalized they saw me very near or at stage 5. They believed I would need dialysis, but they held off. As it turned out, my body began to recover, moving back to stage 3b eGFR levels. Then some bouts with a flu and UTI took me back to stage 4 a few months later. Here I am almost 2 yrs later, firmly in the 3b category. Does that mean I've relaxed in my diet, exercise and follow-ups? No, I'm staying vigilant. My healthcare team isn't taking it lightly and neither am I. I think it is a big deal. And, since it is your life and body, isn't that the important point? You are the customer in this and you should be taken seriously. Your questions should be answered. You should be given guidance on how to improve or remain at 3a or 3b levels. My nephrologist gave me good news this week, saying I was at a low risk for kidney failure. As best as they can, they believe I would be at a 'moderate' risk looking 5 years out. Keeping it at low risk in the next 5 years is totally up to me and my efforts. I feel like they've given me the tools (advice), now I have to carry out the orders. All I know is, I feel quite healthy at this point.

I'm almost certain my CKD was caused by 30 years of Omeprazole.

I think the following is why many PCP’s and nephrologists don’t show too much concern for stage 3 CKD.