Stage 3: Looking to promote kidney health

Improving eGFR and lowering creatinine are great goals, but I look at many other factors when I consider if I'm winning or losing. My BP has improved to the point that my care givers have told me to watch for it getting too low. If it does remain low, I've been told to stop taking my BP medicine. Currently, I'm on the lowest dose. Someone mentioned that ammonia breath, their urine. The ammonia breath is gone, food tastes good again. For a time, I was nauseated on a daily basis. That's gone. I feel better. I work at getting my exercise, tougher in the winter. The ITCHING, eczema issues are improved. I still get itching at times, but usually back off some foods and it goes away. The eczema that was on my hands is gone this entire winter. My dermatologist said a few weeks ago, whatever you're doing, keep doing it. You've had a remarkable recovery. My eGFR has been stable around 38. Creatinine was 2.02, but has gone down to 1.80. These are all wins!!!! Fatigue is still an issue, along with insomnia. I oftentimes take an afternoon nap. Sleep at night varies, 4 hours up to a good 8 hours. But I'll take the wins I have accumulated so far and keep fighting the good fight.

@cheyne
Thank you for the comment, it's appreciated...

As with any newfound health condition, I've personally found two different responses to be both reasonable and helpful. I don't panic or become obsessed with the diagnosis, but I also seek information on what I can do to improve my health or address this new condition constructively. What I don't do is ignore the diagnosis or pretend that it doesn't exist or matter. My own recent diagnosis of Stage 3 kidney disease has prompted me to alter my diet in ways that I hope will improve my numbers over time. Fortunately my wife has been very supportive of the change!

I look at several things as WINS. Yes, BP, eGFR and Creatinine movement in the right direction is a win. However, how you feel is a win. Getting rid of ammonia breath, nausea, maybe losing some weight can be wins also. Itching for some us, getting rid of that a big win. Met with my dermatologist about 2 weeks ago, my eczema on my hands - gone. He says, whatever you're doing, keep doing it, you've got some amazing recovery there. My BP is low enough, I've been cautioned to watch for dizziness, check my pressure - if it's TOO LOW, stop taking the BP meds. I'm on the lowest dose. I was told by an experienced nurse, the reason they don't tell you about CKD until stage 3 is, there is very little they can do to stop or slow the decline from stage 1 down to stage 3. In reality, diet might help that, but face it, shouldn't we all be eating healthier? We ignore the recommendations until we get to an issue or a crisis. Then, we suddenly pay attention and take it seriously. So, work on a better diet of foods. Celebrate the WINS! There may be more of them to celebrate than you realize.

Thanks so much for the information i will continue to ask questions and ask for your support as i get this under control and make my health better

I've been followed mediterranean diet. Lots of fruits and vegetables

I've been followed mediterranean diet. Lots of fruits and vegetable
Dti k Cranberry Hibiscus
Robust tea a few times a week
I'm battling low 20. eGFR

If you have CKD, you have to pay special attention to teeth and gums…CKD can make you vulnerable to inflammation of gums—something to stay on top of to save teeth….regular brushing, flossing, use of WaterPik all help…if you have inflamed areas on gums, consider using lemongrass preparation on that area.

Docs tend to treat 1 condition at a time…older people often have a combo of health issues…i want to get on top of them before they get worse….having both kidney issues and osteoporosis is one example of an issue that is challenging both to patients and doctors…my impression is that the kidney situation takes priority, and should guide the choices made for osteoporosis…,i do research so I can find the best way to frame my questions to doctors.

Does anyone here have CKD-MBD, a metabolic combo of inter-related kidney and bone problems ? How were you diagnosed and what treatment are you getting ?