Do you experience dizziness with CKD?
I was diagnosed with stage 3B kidney disease a few months back. I am now suffering from dizziness. It’s slmost everyday. My doctor told me to drink a lot of water and stay away from salt. I’m wondering if here is more I can do.
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Support Group.
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@johnmacc thank you for your reply. I know you mean we’ll but my post that you are replying to is from 2017 (5 years ago)! The ironic thing is that I was at a nephrology appointment when the notification came of your reply. Here’s an update on my CKD now. I am stage 4, but stable. My doc assures me that dialysis &/or kidney transplant is in my future. I’ve been evaluated for Kidney transplant at several centers and I’m inactively listed at Mayo in Rochester, MN (too healthy for active listing). I have dietary recommendations from local and Mayo nutritionists. My Dr. says “eat for the labs”. I have standing orders for labs every 3 months. The Dr. adjusts meds, makes dietary and fluid consumption recommendations accordingly. My GFR has bounced between 14 - 42 in the past six years that I’ve been on this journey. It is currently 29. I’ve been better and I’ve been worse. “We’re in not too bad a shape for the shape we’re in” as my husband would say. Today we both got our flu shots and advice on updating COVID vaccines. This Dr. is great. We had a wonderful lunch date after the appointment because “we both behaved well”. I am so blessed!
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1 ReactionHi there. Sorry for the late reply. I must have been looking deeper into conversations and found you. I'm any event, I looks like your getting good advice from a pro so I will beg off and wish you well on your journey. John
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2 ReactionsHi, I'm new to connect. I'm 80 years old. PCP has been working to stabilize my BP. I'm on Metoprolol 100mg. eGFR was 55. Then added Micardis 80mg/HCT 12.5mg. eGFR dropped to 41. One month ago, decreased Micardis to 40mg/HCT 12.5 mg. eGFR now 44. No further follow up scheduled. Next annual not until 9/23. Should I ask (insist) on repeat blood work before then?
As our mentor, @gingerw suggests, better understanding of kidney disease requires a trend of values. To accomplish this, in my opinion in Stage 3, is to meet with a team of docs like your PCP, nephrologist, and others, and get your kidney values checked as often as possible to establish that trend. I am not familar with the medications you take, but it appears there may be a need to meet more often with medical professionals to reduce fluctuations in your eGFR as a result of medication changes. By waiting nearly a year may increase those fluctuations. Stage 3 can lead to Stage 4, and you have the opportunity now to possibly delay your disease by being proactive. For some, this may be a difficult decision to make for insisting or asking, but having a team allows you to make the right choice.
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1 ReactionI forgot to say welcome to this forum. Hopefully, you will get other comments as well.
@mary42 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! It appears the medications you listed are used for controlling high blood pressure. As @collegeprof said, looking at trends in lab reports for kidney disease is the best indicator of how we are doing.
A few things I would like to point out, in no particular order:
- high blood pressure, along with diabetes, are the leading causes of chronic kidney disease. So, getting those under control by lifestyle and medication will go a long ways to keeping your kidneys functioning at their peak;
- lab results can vary based on your hydration levels, and even the different machines used by labs to calculate those results. A single result should not be interpreted as a "stand alone" in most cases;
- in my opinion and experience, waiting for a year to see a doctor when you have a chronic condition [for you, both kidney and high blood pressure] is not a good idea. Insist on bloodwork every three months to monitor your conditions. Do you take your blood pressure at home every day or at least twice a week?
- diet plays a large part in managing kidney disease. As does adequate hydration. Quality protein, no or few processed meats, fresh fruits/vegetable. Choose those low in potassium/ calcium/phosphorous;
- likewise, get moderate exercise, however you like. Even simple walking counts, and this time of year with seasonal changes, it can be a glorious one! Gentle stretches, swimming, yoga, Tai Chi all are doable by most people.
Yes, insist on being followed every three months. Request a referral to a nephrologist [kidney specialist]. Your health is of utmost importance to you, and being your own advocate may feel intimidating, but it lets your team know you are serious!
Ginger
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1 ReactionWell, I’m so new to this I can’t be depended on for information. But I will say that my CKD was diagnosed after I complained of dizziness with very low blood pressure, well below the minimum‘s of 90/60. Apparently, from what I’ve read here, hypertension is sometimes associated with CKD. FYI, I am also 3B.
Hi , my brother is starting to feel dizzy he is stage 4 ckd . How did you improve your GFR ?
There are some medications that may cause dizziness and/or frequent urination ending up with dehydration. I was in Stage 4 with Farxiga and Torsemide (a diuretic) on separate occasions, each time causing me restlessness and fatigue. I stopped those medications on separate times and my labs last week showed my eGFR in Stage 3A . I try to drink 70 ounces of water daily.
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2 ReactionsThank you for your prompt reply .My brother is also on farxiga maybe that is why he has dizziness and dehydration
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