Just diagnosed with stage four kidney disease: Need encouragement
I was recently diagnosed with stage four kidney disease. I’m only 62 and was never told my previous EGFR numbers were a problem. Ive always been active, I ran track, played volleyball, gymnastics, dance, but I’ve slowed down because I’m always so tired. I was only told I have CKD. Okay I guess I don’t need to worry! But now I’m seeing I’m one stage away from dialysis or a transplant. What the ?! I’m very upset with the lack of communication. Well now I have to deal with this. I have a daughter, do I tell her? I need to change my diet, but my Nephrologist only gave me a sheet of paper with fruits and veggies with too much potassium. I’m pissed. If you’re in the same boat please reply, I really need some encouragement.
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Always get a friend who is good at asking questions to go with you. I realize not always feasible but try I had a NP who I suspect did not know what GFRs meant —lazy.
. You are getting a run-around that is unacceptable
I just reached stage. 4. No family or dependents. Am declining dialysis and too old for a transplant-if I had wanted one. Remember 64 ounces of water a day. Hydrogen peroxide in small amounts will just add a little more oxygen to your water
I’m at 26 and stable for now. But I’m very frustrated with my doctors. They’re making it sound like it’s nothing serious. I guess they have so many hundreds of patients with stage four I’m not much of a concern. Not until I’m below 15. But they’re not giving me much advise. Except to watch sodium, potassium, protein, you know the drill.
Thank you, I’m so sorry you’re having to go through it too. Your doctors are giving you so much more info than mine. All I was told was avoid salt, potassium, and protein. I was told not to drink too much water. They’re acting like stage four is no big deal. I don’t know what to think. My HR Dept told me to fill out FMLA paperwork so my absences would be covered. The doctor gave me three hours every two months to cover appts. They said they never fill out FMLA for stage four. What if I have a day I feel like crap and need to stay home and rest? I’m 62 working full time at a very stressful job. Those will be considered unexcused to my employer. I could lose my job. I’ve already been given warnings. This whole thing sucks😔
After I had a Reclast injection for bone health, I went into Stage 3b Chronic Kidney Disease. I've been on a limited diet for a year and that has helped stabilize my CHD at a 3 level. My diet has been narrower than gwld76. I have had no meat, but small portions of fish at least twice a week(one fish cut into two pieces) and homemade chicken soup. Every day I microwave a bowl of frozen organic blueberries, and most nights I have stir fry vegetables over a range of carbohydrates, and following the Cleveland Clinic guidance to have red bell papers I stir fry these as well. Recently added red lentil soup which makes me feel full. I have quarterly blood tests so I use the results to make adjustments to my diet. Hope you will find a diet that works well for you.