Running and gym workouts

As you probably know, CKD is the result of several issues leading with diabetes and hypertension. Prior to the pandemic, my fitness goal was to walk 7 miles three times a week at my local college fitness center. My resting pulse at that time was consistently in the mid 50s to low 60s. Today with not as much walking from before, it is is in the low to mid 60s according to my Fitbit. Just as there are changes in CKD stages, blood pressure can vary as well but yours appears just slightly high, but in some respects quite normal. The feet swelling may be due to vein issues, but your cardiology, vascular or nephrology doc can help you more. For me it was vascular, as I have cardiology tests annually and that is good. Regarding blood pressure, I try to get those values before bed, and perhaps another check in the AM. When I see my Mayo nephrologist, I get a series of 5 blood pressure checks to get an average "at that time."

I also forgot to say that Losartan, which is what I take for hypertension, can cause side effects like heaviness in the legs.

@ngm01 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect!

I am no longer a runner, but was way back in the dark ages of my teens/20s/30s. At that time running was a way to get exercise and relieve the daily stress of life. I ran on the horseracing track of wherever I was, so the surface was very friendly to my feet and legs!

@collegeprof gave you some great information about Chronic Kidney Disease. Keeping a healthy lifestyle is important as we journey through life, and even more important when faced with health concerns. For us kidney patients, diet plays a major role to help us along. Personally, in reading your story, I wouldn't be too concerned. Your numbers are about where you feel comfortable, how you respond to medications and lifestyle. Realize that as we get older, our "normal" may change up some, it is understandable to expect that. Work to get yourself to a level you are happy with. If the numbers and labwork show you are maintaining well, or getting healthier, that is the positive in all of it. Trying to re-create what had been your normal may not be feasible anymore, and you might need to accept that, even if it is an unwilling acceptance.

As for feet swelling, that may be excess fluid building up. Are you including more than 64 oz of fluid a day? Are you urinating it out? Are you getting moderate movement/exercise most days now? I dealt with excessive fluid buildup for the last 2 years before starting dialysis, but that had multiple causes: both kidney issues and side effects of chemo for blood cancer. I am better now, not back to normal, but getting there!

Tell me your story, will you? What is the root cause of your kidney disease? What stage are you at, now?
Ginger

My saga is rather involved started in early 80’s. I believe at that time I was misdiagnosed with autoimmune hemolytic anemia and treated with a splenectomy and massive doses of prednisone. The prednisone regimen lasted for about 10 yrs. I believe my original illness was actually malaria. I migrated to the US in the 80’s from South America and the city I moved did not have a migrant population so I surmised malaria was not even an idea…however here we are. I think the corticosteroids damaged my kidneys leading to nephritis. I understand that aging changes athletic performance and I accept that. I’m just trying to stay fit ✌🏾

You did not say how long you have had kidney disease or what stage. Have you seen a nephrologist? Does he/she agree with your assessment? Kidney damage can "sometimes" be reversed, chronic cannot. From the beginning of this year, I have worked with an acupuncturist weekly who brought me from Stage 4 to Stage 3A, but she also has a PhD in Immunology. The point being, it may take some help to stay fit.

Yes I am under the care of a nephrologist for the past 20 or so years. I’m at 3a. Cheers

Absolutely great! I am assured your concerns can be answered by your nephrologist or others that he/she directs you to consult.

I have been a physical therapist for 45 years and have treated patients with most diagnoses ie. Cancer , CKD etc. I now have both of these diagnoses. I have been an exerciser all my life. I now try to do what I have advised most of my career. Keep a diary of your workouts, your BP, heart rate (HR) and diet. There are so many things that can effect your BP and by keeping a diary you can help manage your health and also help your physician manage your symptoms as well. Depending on your age slow and steady wins the race. As you continue you will know what is “too much” and what is keeping you at an appropriate level of exercise. Blessings.

I am 79 and had kidney surgery to remove renal cell carsonoma on 10/25. I had post op followup this week and all is well with no further treatment planned and both kidneys working fine. BUT they don't want me going back to YMCA gym for another 6 weeks and no lifting over 5 pounds.
I really miss gym 5 days a week where I did treadmill and bicycle for several miles. BP is 120/80 or less usually.