Chronic kidney disease (CKD) support: Introduce yourself and connect

Posted by Kelly, Moderator @klp, Sep 26, 2025

Welcome to the chronic kidney disease (CKD) support group on Mayo Clinic Connect.

This is a welcoming, safe space for anyone living with chronic kidney disease, at any stage of the journey. You’re invited to share your experiences, ask questions big or small, and offer encouragement to others walking a similar path.

Please take these steps to participate in the group:
- Follow the group.
- Browse the topics.
- Use the group search to find answers to your questions.
- Introduce yourself.

Whether you’re adjusting to a new diagnosis, managing CKD long-term, or caring for a loved one, you’ll find support, shared experiences, and practical advice here.

Let’s chat. Why not start by introducing yourself? What is your experience, or your loved one’s experience, living with CKD? (i.e., stage, how long since diagnosis, how it’s managed)?

Do you have a question to ask or a story to share?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Support Group.

happilyalive | @happilyalive | 2 days ago

Hi, I have had ckd for many years and it's currently at stage 3B. I've learned many things over the years. The best one I can say is that we must stand up for ourselves in regard to medical issues. Many health professionals tend to brush ckd patients to the background unless they are in stages of late 4 and 5. I've seen several doctors that just tell me to stay hydrated and take my meds to keep the high blood pressure, diabetes and anemia in check. However there is more to do and eating the right foods while avoiding the wrong ones is a huge part in how we feel daily and to delay (hopefully forever) going into dialysis. I've also learned never to blame myself or anyone for the diagnosis of ckd. It's the deal we've been handed in life to handle. Let's do it to our best ability. Research, ask questions, trust but verify information and every day is a gift to be lived and learn as much as possible. Let's journey together through it on here and thank you for creating this group.