stage 4

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john
Posts: 1
Joined: Fri Nov 20, 2015 9:10 am

stage 4

Post by john »

Hi all
I haven't had the opportunity to even talk to someone else with CKD so it is all new territory for me. I was diagnosed with CKD some years ago and have been sitting at GFR 20 for a little over a year. My condition was apparently caused by hypertension which is now under control thanks to my specialist. My last blood test showed a drop to 18 and my creatinine is now 300. I just wonder with the blood pressure under control if anyone out there has been lucky enough to stabilise the condition. If so, did diet played a part or is it all one big mystery.
I have discovered my restless nights and twitching legs are eased dramatically when I don't eat meat for a few days. Problem is each time I do this I tend to lose weight.
Any words of encouragement would be gratefully received. I do love to lead an active life but my energy levels are pretty low these days. I just retired and I'm 65 years old.

best to all
John
wagolynn
Posts: 1362
Joined: Thu May 23, 2013 2:49 pm

Re: stage 4

Post by wagolynn »

Hi John,
Sorry to read about your CKD.

At this stage there is nothing to be done in terms of food, all that is required is a balanced diet, five-a-day, as mentioned by government a while back, is a good way to go, the object is to keep as healthy as possible. No added salt, and make sure you drink enough, 2-3l a day (unless you have been advised differently). You need to eat 'normal' amounts of protein to maintain your body. As to the cramps, I would see your GP and see if they can help.
When on dialysis there are dietary restrictions but these are not to help your kidneys, the restrictions are required because dialysis cannot do all the work healthy kidneys do. When these restrictions are required you will be assigned a dietician to help keep you on the right path.

You have been working on blood pressure, you need to be around 130/80, this is important in preserving what kidney function you have. Unfortunately, the normal trend for kidney function is downwards from here but just how long it will take to get down to the point where dialysis is required (eGFR 8-10), no one knows, everyone is different.

Slowing down a bit is normal, just keep going without doing any damage. Are they checking your Haemoglobin (red blood cells), if they get low you can feel very tired and 'washed out'. Healthy kidneys produce a hormone involved in making red cells (EPO), sick kidneys may not, hence you can get a low count.

Best wishes.
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