Stage 3 Kidney Disease and Diet: What can I eat?

Where can I get acupuncture from can you send me information on that

All my labs except for A1C, creatinine, and protein in urine have been good. My blood pressure is controlled by medication along with cholesterol, iron and thyroid. My last 2 blood lab tests was done at LabCorp. I have never had a problem with sodium or potassium.

Acupuncture treatment relates to "healing" the whole body, and for me that includes special care for the kidneys as well. I know this doctor was sucessful in treating another patient with a GFR of 40 to 70 but this may have been acute kidney disease as opposed to chronic kidney disease, and she acknowledged that. I have 2 treatments for 5 weeks, then once weekly. After next Saturday, I will have completed 5 weeks.

The article that you sent convinced me to think about it as an alternative or an addition to nephrology care. Some nephrology docs for some reason do not want to talk about acupuncture or bicarbonate sodium therapy.

Lastly, my Mayo renal dietitian is an important part of this process. I also watch videos from the AKF on YouTube which are quite valuable. I, as other patients here, have learned to be as proactive as we can be to live with this disease.

It may be premature at this time. I see my Mayo doc in the later part of the month for a visit and lab tests.

With medication, my blood pressure has been normal. I have a consistent resting blood pressure rate of 63 to 65 according to Fitbit. Interesting comment about blood pressure and increase of GFR. I will talk to my acupuncturist about it later this morning.

@collegeprof Here is an article that may help you understand the relationship between blood pressure and kidney issues. My blood pressure is controlled by medication and lifestyle, and I strive to keep it "healthy" As my kidney disease has progressed, it becomes a battle of sorts! But my eGFR increased significantly in the last month, from 16% to 21%!
https://www.kidney.org/news/newsroom/factsheets/High-Blood-Pressure-and-CKD
Will you let us know what your acupuncturist has to say, please?
Ginger

Hi Ginger: I saw my acupuncturist earlier this morning. She said this was her dissertation (Hypertension & Kidney disease) for her Ph.D at Vanderbilt University. She totally agrees with what was said with the fact sheet. For me, she is spending 5 weeks (twice weekly) with acupuncture treatment followed by weekly treatments, concentrating on the kidneys. After the 5 week initial period next week, she will combine herbal tea for the kidneys as well as acupuncture for weekly visits. Herbal tea is not needed daily like medication, but sporadic to build up the kidneys over time.

So glad to hear your creatinine level was lower.

@collegeprof I hope you will continue to let us know how your case journeys on, and improvements you see. Sharing news with fellow members is always educational, and may be of help to others in a similar situation!

Do you know what herbal tea she will be using? I love having a cuppa tea at day's end.
Ginger

It's true that most nephrologists pay little attention to diet or alternative medicine. As we've discussed previously, blood bests are the big thing as is waiting. Waiting for what? Dialysis. The PhD candidate at Vanderbilt is on the right tract as far as I'm concerned. A bit of safe creativity. Nephrologists,
you have brains and you should be reading the latest books. Acupuncture helps people. It has for hundreds if not thousands of years. There's no harm in trying. If it doesn't work, stop. Diet is essential. Most doctors hand out any food lists. You're on your own. I saw this happen with my father and his kidneys and I'm having the same experience. This is 2022 and you'd never know it. The number of dialysis centers is multiplying. Can someone explain what's happening. I hate to think the worst and won't even mention it as it has been mentioned before. Perhaps portals are portents of what's happening to our society as it heads toward oligarchy. A sad, sad thought.

I use to think that nephrologists and their underlings such as a NP or PA played the most important part of patient care. Don't get me wrong, they can be quite helpful in answering questions and providing direction. But I am finding other principals such as dietitians and organizations like the AKF can take an equal or greater part. For several years, no one ever suggested a renal dietitian nor an acupuncturist. My journey for this has to be proactive for me to succeed. At this time in my treatment, I rely on exercise, my dietitian, and my acupuncturist. I'll see what my labs say in a few weeks.

Hi Ginger: I don't believe this is an over the counter herbal tea. I believe it is a recipe of sorts that she will give to me. I probably won't be taken that step until at least next week.