CKD-I'm scared
I recently found out that I have chronic kidney disease (CKD). My eGfr was 26. I have an appointment for a consultation with our local kidney center. I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm scared. I've been diabetic for 15-20 years, I can't remember how long. My A1c- 6 months ago was so high my doctor said it didn't register. She said the labs test capped out at 15. She put me on Mounjaro which has done wonders. My A1c- in April was 7.5. It was to late for my kidneys, I guess. I'm scared because I don't know what happens next.
Thanks for letting me vent.
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I have been diabetic for 50 years and I have a history of high blood pressure. Those are the two most common causes of kidney disease. I was also diagnosed with CKD in 2016. My eGFR has bounced around between 14 - 42. It is currently 38. The best thing you can do is to get the diabetes under the best control you can and learn about kidney disease. It sounds like your diabetes is already improving based on the drop in A1C of 15+ to 7.5, This is a great start!
My worst A1C was 13 something. It is currently 6.6
Do you have an endocrinologist to oversee your diabetes and a nephrologist to care for your CKD? A dietician who knows diabetes and renal nutrition requirements is helpful too. It is important to learn about the types of dialysis there are and to learn about kidney transplantation. I also had a kidney
pre-transplant evaluation when my eGFR was less than 20. I was approved and accepted for kidney transplant and was listed with UNOS (United Network of Organ Sharing). My listing has since been changed to “inactive” when my eGFR improved to 34, thank God. (“active” listing is 20 or less). I also learned about living kidney donation and have been looking for a living kidney donor. Most people have two kidneys and you only need one (healthy one) to survive. Now that you have vented, try not to be scared. Be active to learn and do everything you can to take the best care of yourself that you can.
@jaxd67 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Please don't be scared. As @cehunt57 Cheryl commented, getting control of your health is important. You have a job ahead of you, focus on that!
Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two leading causes of Chronic Kidney Disease [CKD]. It is a sneaky thing, our kidneys learn to accommodate the disease process, and offer us little warning or indication that there is a problem. Then, it seems out of nowhere, we find out yes, indeed, there is a problem! Now is the time to work on educating yourself, and gathering information that will help you in your own journey. As Cheryl said, getting both your endocrinologist for diabetes, and nephrologist for kidneys, to help you. Remember, you are also part of that team! A sound renal diet is a great thing. For me, and many others, that means watching your intake of sodium, calcium, potassium, phosphorous, sugar, processed meats.
Yeah! for your decrease A1C after taking that medication! No one said it will be easy, but you got this! And we here on Connect are right there beside you to help and cheer you on!
Ginger
Thank you for your encouragement. I'm trying to shake the internal pity party. My consultation is on the 12th. I'm going to find a dietician to help me stay on the right track. Again, thank you.