Chronic kidney disease (CKD) support: Introduce yourself and connect

Posted by Kelly, Moderator @klp, Sep 26, 2025

Welcome to the chronic kidney disease (CKD) support group on Mayo Clinic Connect.

This is a welcoming, safe space for anyone living with chronic kidney disease, at any stage of the journey. You’re invited to share your experiences, ask questions big or small, and offer encouragement to others walking a similar path.

Please take these steps to participate in the group:
- Follow the group.
- Browse the topics.
- Use the group search to find answers to your questions.
- Introduce yourself.

Whether you’re adjusting to a new diagnosis, managing CKD long-term, or caring for a loved one, you’ll find support, shared experiences, and practical advice here.

Let’s chat. Why not start by introducing yourself? What is your experience, or your loved one’s experience, living with CKD? (i.e., stage, how long since diagnosis, how it’s managed)?

Do you have a question to ask or a story to share?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Support Group.

howardrlewis | @howardrlewis | Feb 15 11:03am

I still take a baby aspirin. Should I stop that?

Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Feb 15 11:37am

In reply to @howardrlewis "I still take a baby aspirin. Should I stop that?" + (show)

@howardrlewis If your doctor advised you to take the baby aspirin, please ask them this question. I am stage 5 CKD, on dialysis, and my nephrologist told me the risk outweighs any side effects at this point. So, I take a baby aspiring each morning!
Ginger

jesussister | @jesussister | Feb 15 2:40pm

In reply to @gingerw "@ddon Donna, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, and our kidney support group! You're smart to be..." + (show)

@gingerw
In reference to my previous discussion. I don't in favor of dialysis, but If is necessary in order to life an independently. I just believe we depend on meds that never cures instead of nature remedies. We have so many resources that I trust to heal me.

kkellner | @kkellner | Feb 15 5:34pm

In reply to @martychambers "@bettycll why are you taking Jardiance? Do you have the UTI problem with it?" + (show)

I take Jardiance to slow CKD. I learned of stage 3b kidney disease 3 years ago because I have taken lithium for 20 years. I tried to get off of it and I just can’t. Crazy how a drug that can be life saving for me can have some very serious side effects. Had my parathyroid out this summer and dealing with diabetes insipidous. Am an active 48 year old who will work hard at lifestyle to keep healthy. Inspiring reading about all of you!!!

martychambers | @martychambers | Feb 16 11:00am

In reply to @kkellner "I take Jardiance to slow CKD. I learned of stage 3b kidney disease 3 years ago..." + (show)

@kkellner are you having any problems with UTIs on Jardiance?

kkellner | @kkellner | Feb 16 11:22am

In reply to @martychambers "@kkellner are you having any problems with UTIs on Jardiance?" + (show)

@martychambers
no

martychambers | @martychambers | Feb 16 11:29am

What do you know about Jardiance effect on eGFR of 25? And risk of UTIs and Fournier's Gangrene?

martychambers | @martychambers | Feb 16 11:38am

In reply to @kayabbott "I was diagnosed with stage 3b CKD last year after damage from covid and norovirus. I..." + (show)

@kayabbott kidney doctor wants me to take Jardiance but I have read it is risky for eGFR below 30 (I am at 25) and it may not help anyway.

kayabbott | @kayabbott | Feb 16 12:35pm

In reply to @martychambers "@kayabbott kidney doctor wants me to take Jardiance but I have read it is risky for..." + (show)

@martychambers It would be good to discuss it fully with your nephrologist. My eGFR ranged from 32 to 42 and it did seem to stabilize it at about 40. It isn't considered that useful for raising eGFR when it is less than 45, but has the heart- and kidney-protective effects of relaxing blood vessels and kidney tubules. My resting systolic went from 120 to 105 (I can't use ACE BP meds0. I didn't have noticeable side effects, maybe peeing more, but I don't have diabetes so blood sugar is more stable. Another SGLT inhibitor is Farxiga, which works similarly. I exercise, stay hydrated, and eat cranberries (may help reduce the chance of UT infections). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279141/table/pharmaco-agent-diab2.T.advantages_and_di_1/

bettycll | @bettycll | Feb 18 5:24pm

In reply to @steveutnv "@bettycll I buy my Farxiga from Canada, costs me $135 for 90 days, including tariffs &..." + (show)

Thank you, Steve - sorry I am so late to respond; your message, along with several others from MCC landed in my "JUNK" (don't know how that happened!). Anyway, I appreciate your information. I now get my Xarelto from Canada. My Medicare Part D plan was also about $800, and I found another local source for $300 - but $110 from Canada for 90 days was the best I could find! I will also look into Farxiga. Thanks!