Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): How do I stop progression?

Yes! ROSEMARY IT WAS HIGH BLOOD PRESURE BUT ITS UNDER CONTROL NOW! ITS MY FAULT I DID NOT WANT TO TAKE THE MEDACATION CAUSE IT WOULD DAMAGE MY KIDNEY (1*) FRUTHER BUT I DIDNT KNOW IT WOULD PROTECT KEEP MY PRESURE DOWN AND STILL DAMAGE MY KIDNEYS..IAM SO COFUSE...my doctor said I could come out of it and go back to stage 2 but the more I read..nah! Everything say..it may..slow down...but not stop progression...IAM getting my chlestoral down trying hard with out meds..and my A.c.1 is broderline...getting it down if I don't starve my self first..just joking!.

I did not like this question...guess IAM still in a little of..please not yet.I haven't looked that far...it sickens me just the thought of it...to me it means ...well IAM trying to keep postive attitude is everything!!..don't know if I would do dailalis..not sure at this point.

@bdade59, It is frustrating, isn't it? You are doing the right thing by taking this seriously. (too many people don't) I encourage you to keep thinking and focusing on the positive. Your doctor has told you could reverse the kidney condition. And I have read the powerful positive messages that you have received from other members.
Remember that everybody is different. And the things that you read will present the entire range of possibilities, so don't get discouraged.

It probably does feel like you are starving yourself sometimes - because you are constantly thinking about and monitoring food. From what I've heard my friends tell, it gets to be easier as it becomes a 'new' normal routine.

Keep in touch.
Rosemary

Thank you so much you are so encouraging.

I was diagnosed with CKD about 15 years ago. About 10 years it progressed to Stage 3. I am now 3b, hovering about 32% for last 1.5 years. The cause of my CKD is a very rare disorder where collagen buildup is blocking the filtering components. I placed myself on a fairly strict kidney diet, and mesh it in with a gout friendly diet. No oranges/bananas/potatoes/tomatoes/pork/purines/shellfish, etc. While the Drs said it wasn't necessary, I said it was, to help control any decline. My advice is to be proactive in your treatment, don't wait for the medical team to tell you next step.

Hello @bdade59! Thanks for opening up about your CKD and cancer. I can't imagine going through both! You must be an incredibly strong person! I was diagnosed with Alport Syndrome, a form of inherited CKD, 5 years ago. I was diagnosed at stage 3 (eGFR 50%), and I stayed in stage 3 for over 3 years. I have recently meandered into stage 4. However, I want to encourage you, even with an eGFR of 20%, I still feel pretty good! Outside of anemia (which can be controlled with hormone replacement shots) and some weakness and lethargy, I feel fairly normal. I am able to yet work and do full-time school, even though I am approaching my transplant evaluation (in August). I hope that can be an encouragement for you! There is life outside of dealing with the messiness of CKD! God is yet good! Thanks again for sharing!

Thanks you have been very helpful to me..I appreciate knowing about shell fish..etc..that's a big help!..and you are so correct! I took charge..putting myself on a strict diet! I have 1 kidney lost one to cancer 25 years ago! It has some scaring done to. The outside of it...but I was told amount ago I was in stage 3a..scare me to death!..I didn't know a 1 or 2 exist?...they said they were watching me close so how did I go straight to 3a..no one ever told me..and they were testing me all the time!

@gingerw, You are living proof that we, the patients, must take a proactive approach to our health while working with our doctor.
I wish you many years of continued health.
What kind of monitoring does your doctor do to stay 'on top' of your condition?

Thank you, Rosemary. I have quarterly testing, with complete labs. I have had to be my own advocate since a 1988 of systemic lupus, and additional health concerns with cervical cancer, malignant melanoma, and other things besides the kidney issues. It is important to be accurately informed [It's your right!], and not afraid to ask questions. Or even confront your Drs if they may be telling you something that "doesn't feel right". That has happened to me. Didn't make me popular with some, but gained the respect of others.

One prime example was telling my primary Dr that my kidneys were hurting, creating flank pain. He said "that doesn't happen." I asked for testing. Showed they both had a raging infection. If I had waited, they would have failed me completely within 24 hrs.

@annav4 - Anna, Welcome! I am happy that you have shared your story because your message is comforting and encouraging.

I see that you are anticipating a kidney transplant in August. That is fantastic! My liver and kidney are from a deceased donor so I did not know when the transplant would happen. I cannot even begin to imagine what it feels like to know in advance. I send you my prayers for a comfortable recovery.

I would like to invite you to visit the Transplant Group. There are others who are sharing about their transplants as donors and as recipients. Know that you are welcome to enter into any of the conversations at anytime.
Transplant Discussions - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/transplants/