Want to hear from others who have Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

@darlingtondoll Am pulling for you and hope all your labs are good.

Okay, so I don't know if my post will get deleted because it does not follow conventional wisdom and my specialist didn't even ask me how the hell this happened, but....

I have stage 4 (late) failure at 22GFR. I've had kidney failure progressing over the last 10 years from damage to my kidney from Vasculitis and inflammation. My doctor set me up to get prepared to be a dialysis patient and to get on the transplant list once I lost 2 more digits on my function. He told me he believed this level of non function was my new normal and to prepare for the stage 5.

I figured what have I got to lose at this point, so I followed everything they told me about salt, potassium and which foods to avoid. I also went shopping for a herbal kidney supplement and started taking this supplement along with eating a full bowl of blueberries every night. I did this every day for 2 months and even bought some creatine test strips just for the heck of it. After about 7 weeks I tested my urine and found I was on the last color of 4 colors of kidney failure advancement. But I kept up the routine and eventually a few tests I was on the 3rd color (with color 1 being normal). I took it as a good sign but it was time for my checkup and I did my blood work, went to the doctor and he talked to me more about our plan for eventual dialysis. Then he looked at my record and said "Oh, by the way, your kidney creatine level went back to 2.2 from my 3+ recent readings. This means I went back to my 2014 readings (6 years ago). He didn't make much of a deal about it but told me I was back at early stage 3 now with this test. I don't think he believes I got a good test because he wasn't that excited. But I am... The home test I have since moved from the 4h block (the worst reading) to the first block (normal). I had my wife do the test and compared the sticks and we are the same color. Her kidneys are in perfect health.

Were is this leading? I think it's leading to me finding out I'm out of level 3 and closer to level 1 or 2. I could be even better but who can rely completely on a home test strip. Now what is happening to me defies everything we know about kidney failure and the progression to stage 5. Am I getting a miracle? I'll have to wait for my next checkup to know but the home test strips show me at totally normal function right now.

I'll tell you I've prayed and prayed for a cure and it didn't seem to help. This past Chistmas in church we exchanged cards with a prayer need and on my card I asked for Kidney health. I then did my regiment of taking a supplement called Premium Kidney Cleanse Supplement by Sunergetic (on amazon) and I eat that full soup bowl size serving of blueberries every night. The blueberries are not a snack, it's a bowl full. Between my prayer request, this suppliment and this supplement I truly believe I'm headed in a different direction with my kidneys. Prayer is answered but not always in some magical burst of light through the clouds. I think God answered my prayers and set me on this path that is healing my kidneys. I also take Turmeric Curcumin, Cinnamon (these block inflammation), OmegaIII, Resveratrol (alleged to activate your longevity gene), and COQ10 every AM with Cinnamon Toast. I also take 500MG of Niacin which produces a very unpleasant flush sensation. The flush is blood that runs through your tiny veins that gives your body a light headed heat rush and it's no fun, but the kidneys are about blood, yes? I can't tell any of you if this .. any of it, is changing me but think it is! The herbal supplement I take has hundreds of reviews of people that claim it improved their kidney function. I took it to be a lie... but now I'm not thinking it's a lie.

We all suffer some kind of base for our failure and maybe mine is different than yours. But I was told there was no chance of getting better. At this moment that seems untrue. If anyone would like to follow up with me, This is my real name and you can find me on Facebook. Send me a friend request. I know first hand what you folks are feeling. I see some hope now.

@billagreste Welcome to Mayo Connect. We are a diverse group of people here, not medical professionals. We share our experiences and thoughts with others along our same path, but cannot diagnose. It has definitely been proven by many patients, that a change in diet and lifestyle can help to reverse some kidney issues. I was told about my kidney issues around 2006. In 2015 I was diagnosed with an ultra-rare kidney condition, which was re-confirmed last November. I have managed to keep my eGFR in the 33-38 range for over 5 years by diet and lifestyle. The thing to remember is that each person is different. So, treatments may vary. Being open to try different things is good, but remember that it may not be "just right" for your case. I am pleased to read you have reversed your kidney disease progression, and will be waiting to hear what your next set of labwork also shows. What is your eGFR numbers as of the last checkup?
Ginger

So on my very last test, my gfr went to 30 from 22. I went from stage 4 flirting with 5 back to 3. My creatinine tests strips are measuring now almost at the normal color (first color block on the test strips). I'm anxious for my next appointment and hopeful I'll have further improved. I'll be sure to post this. I realize my gain doesn't mean others will have the same result. I'm hoping however that I may of helped someone.

My UTI has cleared up so that is not influencing my high Microalbuminuria.

@darlingtondoll, glad to hear that the UTI has cleared up. What precautions are you taking to prevent recurrence?