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Just diagnosed Stage 3 CKD: Should I be referred to a nephrologist?
Kidney & Bladder | Last Active: Jun 28 2:35pm | Replies (110)Comment receiving replies
Without a doubt, my type 2 diabetes caused my kidney maladies. So several months ago, I took the action that I needed to make my diabetes a non factor as it got to the point where my endocrinologist put me on insulin. Insulin was not for me, and my former PA nephrologist began working with a functional doctor, and I joined her. Instead of taking 1 mg of Ozempic, I now take 2 mg weekly. My diabetes is now under full control, allowing me to concentrate on stage 3A to Stage 3B kidney disease. My endocrinologist was elated yesterday that my A1C was in the low sixes. All my labs from 3 docs were good except kidney function. This will allow me to concentrate on my kidneys as I no longer take any insulin or medication for diabetes control other than weekly Ozempic.
Lastly, I cannot write strongly enough about the importance of the eGFR Cystatin C lab test vs eGFR Creatinine lab test, both measured in the same manner. According to my nephrologist, a bodybuilder or one who exercises a lot can lose muscle mass. That does not put him/her in late stage kidney disease which the creatinine eGFR test may show. The object is to have both eGFR tests at the same good value. You can be at 45 or greater on the creatine test but be in Stage 4 of the Cystatin C test. The latter is the true test of overall kidney function health. In my opinion, there is a false sense of security by believing that your stage of kidney disease is determined solely by the eGFR Creatinine test.
Enjoy many more trips around the sun!
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@kamama94 and @collegeprof Both of you are absolute stars in my book. Diet is so critical in managing CKD, and when we are aware of underlying causes, managing those causes only aid in getting us as healthy as we can. Management is not for the wimpy, or those who sit idly by; we need to step up and take control! Decades ago I put myself on a renal diet, and doctors kept telling me, "You don't need to do that, You're healthy." All I knew was preserving my kidney function as long as possible was top of my list. Having an autoimmune condition as a underlying cause meant I had to step up in other ways.
@kamama94, you're right about label reading and time consuming for watchful eating. But the effort pays off. It becomes second nature, to some extent.
My eGFR was recently shown to be 16, up from 14 when I started dialysis a year ago. With conscious eating of quality foods and especially protein, it is my goal to keep it there!
Ginger