When do you know to see a kidney doctor?

@nycmusic I am on daily dialysis right now. Recently diagnosed with osteoporosis, and had a Prolia injection mid-February. My nephrologist and oncologist teamed up to determine what would be the best dosage for me. We are watching the calcium levels each month. Yes, we need to be very careful about any supplements and medications, to avoid yet more issues with our kidneys!
Ginger

@nycmusic I am on daily dialysis right now. Recently diagnosed with osteoporosis, and had a Prolia injection mid-February. My nephrologist and oncologist teamed up to determine what would be the best dosage for me. We are watching the calcium levels each month. Yes, we need to be very careful about any supplements and medications, to avoid yet more issues with our kidneys!
Ginger

@lssanso Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! You'll find a lot of great information on these pages, but keep in mind each of us is unique in our health journey.

Yes, get yourself into a good nephrologist! Losing weight will help you feel better, too. Take some time to look at our different conversations within this Kidney support group header, and read up on what others do for their diet. Ask for a renal dietician, who is versed on how to handle your situation. You want to find out the base reason for the Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease, is it diabetes or high blood pressure [the two leading causes of CKD]. That way, you can be working on those issues along with your new way of looking at food and life!

Happy to answer any questions you might have!
Ginger

@gingerw
Hi…. So much good information and kindness on this site! I know finding the base cause of one’s CKD is really important so it can be addressed. I wanted to add that in addition to elevated BP and diabetes, many diet medications, and of course heavy use of NSAIDS can cause kidney damage. I was put on a diet medication by a Dr. many years ago to address my extra 50 pounds. Protocol was to have regular blood work to monitor kidneys. Protocol was followed and back then, I relied on Dr. to inform me of any concerning lab results. None were brought to my attention. I discontinued the program on my own after losing 28 #. Years later, in 2021 I had knee surgery, and during recovery was prescribed large doses of NSAIDS. The next year I was diagnosed with CKD 3a with no diabetes or high BP. I requested old lab records from diet Dr. and saw that my eGFR had dropped from high level 2 into the low 50’s during that time. I was never told and medication was continued. I had also been experiencing knee pain and consequently had surgery and during recovery was prescribed heavy duty NSAIDS. I believe the combination of diet meds and the NSAIDS damaged my kidneys. I’m happy to say that following a second knee surgery, my Dr. did not prescribe a single NSAID, due to my now known kidney condition. I appreciate his awareness and concern. Please be aware of medications that can be harmful.