Stage 3 Kidney Disease and Diet: What can I eat?

@ripatransone90 Please consult with your medical team about your dietary instructions. We are all different and our treatment plans need to be different as well. I need extra salt in my diet; most CKD patients need to limit or avoid salt. How much water will also be recommended by your medical team. Most people get enough water by paying attention to their thirst, but with kidney disease we need to watch and measure more closely. I drink about 80 ounces daily, that equals about 2.5 liters and includes all liquids-not just water. Remember there is also fluid in foods. There are many recommendations online, but again, please check with your medical team.

@rosemarya and @kamama94 I believe the antiviral is because shingles is caused by a virus. I am sorry you are miserable. I was not uncomfortable until the nerve twitches started. They were very disconcerting because I never knew when they were going to hit and they always surprised me and made me jerk. I imagine I rather looked like a mad woman at times.

@ripatransone90, Welcome to Mayo Connect. I have located some information about managing CKD and about diet that I want to share.

-Low-phosphorus diet: Helpful for kidney disease?
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-kidney-disease/expert-answers/food-and-nutrition/faq-20058408
-Effectively managing chronic kidney disease
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-kidney-disease/multimedia/vid-20209090
When did you learn about the CKD diagnosis? Has your doctor or nephrologist determined an underlying condition that is causing the kidney disease?

@ripatransone90 Welcome to Mayo Connect! There are several people here who can offer you their experiences with kidney disease. Just as @2011panc said, each one of us is different, so get some guidlines from your medical team, then we can help you out further with details. The recipe booklet that @kamama94 put in here is a valuable source of information to help you out.

My story is that I am in stage 3b of kidney disease, due to a very rare kidney issue. I have been able to keep my eGFR between 33 and 38 for over 4 years by following a fairly regimented diet and lifestyle, even though my doctors advised that wasn't necessary. I personally shudder to think where I might be if I hadn't decided to follow that diet and all.

Have the doctors told you what has caused the drop in your kidney function? Possible causes are high blood pressure, diabetes, or polycystic kidney disease. We look forward to hearing from you again, and helping you on your journey.
Ginger

@kamama94 Well, dang it! And you have worked so hard! You have to wonder if the drop in eGFR was a symptom of the shingles coming?
Sending out positive vibes and a shoulder to lean on....
Ginger

Antivirals can damage the kidneys but we thought the shingles would do more damage. A rock and a hard place!

Thanks for everyone's support!

Hi, Kamama, Sending you the most gentle cyber hugs and wishing you continued strength as you heal from the incredibly painful shingles and deal with the drop in GFR. Not suggesting the two or connected but wondering if the shingles may have contributed in some way to the GFR. When I am ill, being in the kitchen is the last thing on my "to do list". Hope each day finds you taking great care of yourself and feeling better.

I thought of this discussion group when I received a notice about this webinar. It is free, and it is online by the National LKidney Fund.

Kidney Chat: Ask A Dietitian
Friday, March 20, 2020 from 1:00pm – 2:00 p.m. EDT
https://www.kidneyfund.org/training/webinars/kidney-chat-ask-a-dietitian.html

Hi All,
This morning I am thinking about all of you who have been participating in this discussion. You have mentioned and shared about kidney disease, diets, GFR's, shingles, and so many more topics that are affecting your own health journeys. While I am not experiencing kidney disease, I am living with a kidney transplant and I am interested in hearing from you about how you are doing with your dietary needs.

How are you doing? How are you able to manage your numbers during this current era of 'healthy at home' restrictions? What advice do you have for someone who is just beginning their own life with Stage 3 Kidney Disease?