Dear fiesty76, thank you for your message. Yes, like you, I immediately panicked, as the doctor told me the news at the end of our visit and left me totally in the air. "What does stage 3 mean? When did I pass stage 1 or 2? What do I do now? Should I take medicine for it? Do I have to look into a specific diet? When is my next lab test? Is it deadly? Do I have to go through dialyze? " I thought of all those questions when I got home and could think more clearly. Later I have told the doctor that she scared me. I hope she does not do it to other people. My last 2 lab tests have been normal. But to think that since 2007 it was not normal, that was very scary. I am 73 yrs old and was following the DASH diet as I have genetic high cholesterol and osteopenia. I ate a lot of fiber, never white bread or rice, lots of water, fruits and vegetable, and most chicken and fish. I thought I was taking good care of my body. I looked at the site of the National Kidney Foundation and the American Association of Kidney Patients. That is when I really panicked, as most of the foods I was eating were bad for the kidneys. It took me a while to come down and see what I could eliminate easily. I wish no one in this world should panic as I did. Next week I am going to call the nutritionist's office and see how we can arrange to have a visit with her/him. Thank you for your support. It is good to not feel alone. Have a pleasant day, Eliana