Stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD): What specialists do I see?

Posted by rozalia @rozalia, Aug 24, 2016

My primary says I do not need to see a kidney specialist. Is this true. My blood chems are ok.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Kidney & Bladder Support Group.

@njh

Hi @billchitwood
So sorry he’s having such a hard time. It must be very hard for you as you only want to make him feel better. Could he try taking baths instead of showers? Have you tried more salt? It really helped with my Blood Pressure dropping even though I take Lasix 80mg. My problems happen when my weight goes down a couple of pounds overnight or I’m out in hot weather causing dehydration.

NJH

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He can't get out of a tub - probably can't get in one either. He has major problems getting out of a chair, much less a couch. He spends all day in his recliner. Has problems walking. Haven't tried extra salt. He also has liver problems along with the CKD. Have to be careful with gout (he takes a maintence med for it).

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@gingerw, not sure where to post this info I found this AM and not positive it was DaVita but here goes: Most kidney diets start with a goal of 1,500 to 2,000 mg per day or the amount recommended by your doctor or dietitian. The sodium recommendation for stage 4 CKD is 1,000-4,000 mg/day based on fluid balance, blood pressure and other diseases that may affect sodium requirements.(DaVita?)

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@kamama94

@gingerw, not sure where to post this info I found this AM and not positive it was DaVita but here goes: Most kidney diets start with a goal of 1,500 to 2,000 mg per day or the amount recommended by your doctor or dietitian. The sodium recommendation for stage 4 CKD is 1,000-4,000 mg/day based on fluid balance, blood pressure and other diseases that may affect sodium requirements.(DaVita?)

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@kamama94 Good information to have as we travel this CKD road. This would fit well in the discussion about CKD and diet, don't you agree? I'll see about linking it/copy and paste to that thread!
Ginger

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@gingerw

@kamama94 Good information to have as we travel this CKD road. This would fit well in the discussion about CKD and diet, don't you agree? I'll see about linking it/copy and paste to that thread!
Ginger

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@gingerw, thanks.

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Would like more info on those who have low GFR and staying off dialysis

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@jessetee

Would like more info on those who have low GFR and staying off dialysis

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@jessetee Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect!

I am a chronic kidney patient due to an ultra rare kidney disease, at Stage 4, with a recent eGFR of 18%. Working to maintain your eGFR can be a daunting task, and requires our constant supervision over diet, exercise, stress, and medications.

When you are comfortable, tell me a bit more of your story. What is your eGFR, what are your concerns?
Ginger

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@gingerw

@jessetee Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect!

I am a chronic kidney patient due to an ultra rare kidney disease, at Stage 4, with a recent eGFR of 18%. Working to maintain your eGFR can be a daunting task, and requires our constant supervision over diet, exercise, stress, and medications.

When you are comfortable, tell me a bit more of your story. What is your eGFR, what are your concerns?
Ginger

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My current GFR is 27

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@jessetee

My current GFR is 27

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Hello Ginger,I was dx with minimal change disease. My last eGFR was 54. It has been gradually decreasing I asked my dr to explain this. He told me not to pay any attention to the lab value because my eGFR will fluctuate. That was in March and no other labs have been ordered since that date. Should I be concerned

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@codered032

Hello Ginger,I was dx with minimal change disease. My last eGFR was 54. It has been gradually decreasing I asked my dr to explain this. He told me not to pay any attention to the lab value because my eGFR will fluctuate. That was in March and no other labs have been ordered since that date. Should I be concerned

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@jessetee It is not our policy to offer medical advice here on Mayo Clinic Connect. What I have is printouts from all my labtests, and I created a spreadsheet showing the results. This way I can see the trends that may happen. When doing labtests, I generally use the same clinic, so the same machines, etc. Your results may vary if you are dehydrated, or the time of day, etc.

If you are not seeing a nephrologist , I would recommend it. They are a specialty that oversees kidneys and kidney disease. Many times a general doctor, or nurse practitioner, does not have that "extra" training to be well-versed in kidney disorders. Both my oncologist and nephrologist keep close tabs on my kidney function, with labs every month due to chemotherapy and low eGFR.
Ginger

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Ginger thank you for responding to my post

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