Stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD): What specialists do I see?

Posted by rozalia @rozalia, Aug 24, 2016

My primary says I do not need to see a kidney specialist. Is this true. My blood chems are ok.

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Martin Jensen, Volunteer Mentor | @predictable | Aug 26, 2020

In reply to @douglasebaker "nephrologist" + (show)

Yep.

cldmeyers | @cldmeyers | Aug 26, 2020

Until last year's annual check I had no idea I had stage 3 chronic kidney disease or heart failure. Blood tests gave the docs the info. I was stunned.

Julie Chitwood | @billchitwood | Jul 16, 2021

88 year old husband has Stage 3 CKD. Today he mentioned that he had red blood when he went to the toillet. He has had problems with hemoroids for years and knows how that reacts and what seems to trigger it. This time he was 'iffy' about it. Not sure if it could be connected to the kidney problem or not. Seems like new problems cropping up almost daily. Last few showers his blood pressure dropped to 86/34 (with medication has held beautifully in the normal range).

njh | @njh | Jul 16, 2021

In reply to @billchitwood "88 year old husband has Stage 3 CKD. Today he mentioned that he had red blood..." + (show)

Hi @billchitwood
I have had the drop in Blood Pressure in the shower. My Blood Pressure is very well controlled on Benicar 5mg twice daily except for Orthostatic Hypotension when I stand up. I have had a Stress Echo and Patch and Holter monitoring which were basically normal. I do have Small Fiber (Autonomic) Neuropathy which affects the heart among other problems. When I get too warm, whether during hot weather or a long hot shower my Blood Pressure drops very low. It sometimes it is so low I can’t get a reading on my Omron automatic meter, then when I bend over everything goes gray. My doctor suggested eating more salt and drinking more water because I noticed it happens more when I am dehydrated (I take Lasix). There are Rxs that can help but my doctor said he didn’t want me to take them for many reasons. You should discuss it with your doctor because your cause could be different or more serious than mine. I take warm showers rather than hot ones and don’t spend much time in hot weather.
I eat more salt (up to 2300mg - I used to eat 1500mg) and I stay well hydrated.

NJH

Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Jul 16, 2021

In reply to @billchitwood "88 year old husband has Stage 3 CKD. Today he mentioned that he had red blood..." + (show)

@billchitwood I see that @njh had given you something to think about, in their response. I hope you will get your husband in to see a dr as soon as possible. Blood in your urine can be a serious problem, perhaps a UTI. An infection like that can cause many symptoms, like confusion, not eating, etc. not to mention severe damage to the kidneys.

Will you come back and let me know what the dr says?
Ginger

Julie Chitwood | @billchitwood | Jul 17, 2021

In reply to @gingerw "@billchitwood I see that @njh had given you something to think about, in their response. I..." + (show)

Ginger, the blood showed up with a bowel movement. He does have a history of hemoroids, although normally he has pain associated with it and constipation, which didn't occur this time. He is watching to see if he has any more episodes. Thank you.

oldkarl | @oldkarl | Jul 17, 2021

In reply to @billchitwood "88 year old husband has Stage 3 CKD. Today he mentioned that he had red blood..." + (show)

@billchitwood Howdy! I may have the same as you, maybe not. But my story: I have several genetic diseases, including stage 3 CKD. Gelsolin may be the culprit, as it attacks every tissue in the body, especially the kidney, heart and liver. Anyway, I have cancer everywhere, especially the urinary system, prostate, etc. I have bled from the penis constantly for about years. Now I cannot even pee without using a semi-solid catheter, and I leak blood all the time from both penis and anus. Anyway, I just get the big pads from Northside, through Amazon. Cost a dollar a pad, which lasts 24 hrs and covering from beltline to beltline. They work well, save clothing and bedding from a terrible drenching, and my wife from a very distasteful job. No one seems to suggest anything else but a full-time catheter, or surgery, and I am not ready for that yet. You are not alone. Selah. oldkarl

Julie Chitwood | @billchitwood | Jul 17, 2021

In reply to @njh "Hi @billchitwood I have had the drop in Blood Pressure in the shower. My Blood Pressure..." + (show)

He is now taking lukewarm showers (but same result). He has promised to use the bench and handheld shower head - but he doesn't always follow through. I also got him bath wipes to use between showering. Because of feeling like he is going to pass out in the shower he is now very reluctant to take a shower. I monitor him but sometimes he will get up in the middle of the night when he can't sleep and take one and I am a sound sleeper. He has also promised to stop doing that lol. He does drink a lot of water - with his enlarged prostate this also drives him nuts! Especially as he has a terrible time getting out of his chair. All other times his Atenolol keeps it at a very good level, even when he appears ready to pass out from going to and from the bathroom. He hasn't wanted me to call his doctor. Said he doesn't want any tests done or more medications given to him (on 8 different meds now). So I'm left to try and help him by 'gut' feeling.

Julie Chitwood | @billchitwood | Jul 17, 2021

In reply to @oldkarl "@billchitwood Howdy! I may have the same as you, maybe not. But my story: I have..." + (show)

Prayers.

njh | @njh | Jul 17, 2021

In reply to @billchitwood "He is now taking lukewarm showers (but same result). He has promised to use the bench..." + (show)

Hi @billchitwood
So sorry he’s having such a hard time. It must be very hard for you as you only want to make him feel better. Could he try taking baths instead of showers? Have you tried more salt? It really helped with my Blood Pressure dropping even though I take Lasix 80mg. My problems happen when my weight goes down a couple of pounds overnight or I’m out in hot weather causing dehydration.

NJH