Newly diagnosed with CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease) and terrified

You can live well with one kidney. It will be interesting to see what your nephrologist thinks of your post op kidney numbers. Why did you require a radical nephrectomy surgery in the first place if you don’t mind me asking?

I had a complex cyst that was being monitored for a number of years. I couldn’t get a biopsy because it was liquid filled. It was not cancer.

@cehunt57, you're absolutely right...you can live well with one kidney. And many, many kidney transplant recipients here on Mayo Connect, including me, can attest to that.

I had radical nephrectomy in January of 2024. I have had blood work 4 times since then and my eGFR has ranged from 32 to 40. I drink between 66 -84 ounces of water per day, I am very careful with my diet and exercise at least 5 times per week. None of my physicians have said to do any of these things. Therefore, research for yourself and make positive lifestyle choices. I am 70 years old, it’s not perfect, I don’t expect it to be, however, I try to be as positive as I can. Blessings.

Make sure to monitor how much oxalate you are consuming. For certain people, excess oxalates can lead to high creatinine levels. Spinach (which has a reputation for being very healthy) has one of the highest levels of oxalates.

I’m disabled from a failed back surgery on NSAIDs and a lot of other meds daily . I stopped the NSAIDs in January when I had my spine stimulator put in that failed 4 days later so I waited to take the Naproxen until the stimulator was repaired finally got it done last Monday. The surgeon done lab work and showed my kidneys are at Stage 3. What should I keep an eye on I go see my NP the 21st hopefully he will do some testing ?

I’ll try adding photos of test results

@sbtheplumber1 so sorry to hear about your failed back surgery and spine stimulator. We here at Mayo Clinic Connect don’t diagnose or prescribe. We just share our stories to encourage each other and share some hope. When you have your appointment with the NP (nurse practitioner ?) he hopefully can explain the meaning of the labs that you included photos of and this diagnosis of “stage 3”. These labs include things like creatinine, BUN, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and eGFR. The eGFR is an equation that shows the rate at which your kidneys are functioning. Anything greater or equal to 60 is thought to be very good. Yours was 56. That is not terrible. When you have some kidney issues it is helpful to change some of your dietary practices. Ask your NP if he can refer you to a renal dietician to give you some more detailed information based on your own labs. Common things to do involve limiting red meat because protein can be hard on kidneys (especially red meat). I stick to poultry, fish, eggs and cheese. It is common to limit potassium, calcium, phosphates / phosphorus and oxalates depending on your labs. Taking NSAIDS is also hard on kidneys, especially ibuprofen. If you need pain relief ask your provider to recommend something that is friendly to kidneys. The top 2 causes of kidney problems are diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure). So this leads to keeping track of your glucose and carbohydrate consumption. Limiting sodium (salt) consumption is nearly always a given to protect your heart and blood pressure. This all sounds like a lot but your provider can help you prioritize where to start so that you can make small gradual changes that aren’t too overwhelming. It is doable! I have chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 4. My eGFR is in the low 30’s and has been for nearly a decade. You can do this and slow the progression to a worse stage. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

@cehunt57 Thank you for that info it gives me some questions to ask the doctor and to evaluate stuff I’m eating and doing before going to see them.i have literally been ignored by the spine docs so I’m trying to approach the doctor about my kidneys so they take me serious! I’m already taking 18 pills a day I want help not more meds. Thank you have a blessed day

I’m 77. I had CKD and developed cancer in my right kidney. Last year I had radical nephrectomy. Since then I did my research and I found an excellent dietitian online who taught me how to eat a kidney healthy diet. She is a kidney diet specialist. After about 4 months my EGFR went from 40 to 51! It has not been that good in years. Please research kidney friendly diet. If you want I can give you the information for my dietitian. I went through 3 different dietitians before I found one that actually helped.