@spudmato, welcome to a wonderful group of people who exchange ideas and information and who care about and support one another.

I love your name! Although in the past renal patients were to avoid or limit them, with newer products some of us can have specific kinds of both spuds and matoes in judicious (meaning small) amounts IF one's care team agrees.

A certain amount of decline in kidney function is normal as we age. Not only is age a factor, so is gender and (though I hesitate to bring up what seems to have become a sensitive subject) so does race.

I am stage 3b but sometimes go down to stage 4, depending on what else is going on with me medically, but so far have come back up to 3b. I have been told by my nephrologist and pcp that I can live into my 80s or longer if I watch my diet, drink the proper amount of fluids, get adequate rest, etc. I'm 75 so 80s sound good to me. Younger, otherwise healthier people in earlier stages than mine can be stable for years and years, depending on a myriad of factors including sex, ethnicity, and lifestyle.

An appropriate renal diet is very important no matter what stage you find yourself in so you may want your pcp to send you to a good nephrologist and a qualified renal dietitian.

Meanwhile, don't panic. You sound very logical but as a usually calm person, when I heard my diagnosis my knickers got twisted until I learned there is hope.

As you think of questions, you can always jot them down to ask your doctor at your next appointment.

Please let us know what you find out. We're all in this together so please remember that love and hope live here; join us as often as you can. Once again, welcome!