@collegeprof Your description of kidney disease is "right on", as us oldsters would say! I first became aware of my kidney disease as early as 2006, when my primary care doctor at that time mentioned it. I began a very long search for information, but did not have any typical contributing factors. Being my own health advocate since 1988 when I was diagnosed with an autoimmmune disease called Systemic Lupus, I recalled hearing a doctor tell me in 1999 there might be kidney involvement. Everything was like molasses in January, moving slowly along. My chronic kidney disease is due to a very rare autoimmune condition [less than 50 in world ever diagnosed with it!] diagnosed in 2015, but showing on tests as early as 1999, when the condition was first recognized in 1996!

Fast forward to now, and I will tell you that similar to you, I have watched podcasts, read numerous articles, and done my research to answer my own questions and gain education. What is so great about Mayo Clinic Connect, is that we can share with other people, what has worked for us, or not worked. Everyone is different, and each patient has their own take on health. I am now Stage 5, and will start dialysis soon. It has been 16 years since I heard CKD from my doctor. But, because I decided to be proactive and follow what was for me, the best course of action, I have delayed dialysis for many years. It was the result of lifestyle changes, diet changes [following a renal diet way before anyone suggested it], and monitoring my lab numbers, watching the trends.

My apologies for this long response. Education is self-empowerment. Be an active, engaged patient. Have dialogues with your medical team. Truly, it makes a difference.
Ginger

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