@pmsfarmer Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. We're glad you're here! Great to hear you are looking after yourself, and willing to be proactive in your own health. I can only tell you my story; I'm not a medical professional. I was diagnosed with kidney disease approximately 15 years ago, and have maintained a stage 3 for the last 7 years by virtue of lifestyle and diet. The cause of my kidney disease is a very rare autoimmune condition. It would be good if your doctor can tell you the cause of your kidney disease; the two main causes are high blood pressure and diabetes. As @kamama94 mentioned, you can learn to live with your kidney disease and to slow the progression of it. I would certainly go for a second opinion with a nephrologist, so you can get all of the information possible there is a lot here on the Mayo Clinic website. Also go to http://www.rsnhope.org for a lot of information. The founder of that organization is a four-time kidney transplant recipient who has dealt with kidney disease since the age of three. I am involved with her patient lead support groups. Please come back and let us know how you are doing, and how we can help you.
Ginger