Diagnosed with CKD

slidewhistlesymphony

1278

Went to doctor yesterday, had blood work done. Diagnosed with Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease. Nephrologist tells me I have about 50 percent of my kidney function left. Tells me my best bet is to lose weight, limit my dietary intake of salt, sugar, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and protein. I have cysts on my kidneys, and have a stone in one.

I've known for about five years now this was on my horizon. Had a series of stokes in 2020, thanks to uncontrolled high blood pressure. They told me then my kidneys were compromised, and I needed to take steps to reduce the likelihood I would end up on dialysis. I should have listened.

Today I cut back dramatically on what I eat, watching like a hawk what I eat. No more sodas. No more salty foods. Downloaded a food tracker for my phone to keep track of my intake. This evening, I struggled to stay awake, and found myself craving the sugary sodas I had become so used to.

So, if your blood work comes back with kidney problems, change your lifestyle, or end up where I am today!

Corrodias

I hope you can still turn it around. Good luck. Getting over the sugar in particular is probably going to be unpleasant, as you're noticing, but it's better than the alternative. You'll survive having to forego foods you're craving. You wouldn't survive your kidneys shutting down.

2 years ago |

Thank you for your input! <3

rijstewafels

Sugar is a real drug, especially in unregulated countries they get you addicted. Good luck Op

HandoB4Javert

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ks360

Do what you can, as you can. Good luck

Thank you!

I really am rooting for you :) please ignore the rest if you "don't want to hear any of it" today.

I am working on my own long term issues and the following got brought back in the spotlight for me today. It has helped me a lot to remember to ask for help where I feel comfortable doing so, and on some small occasions when I feel up to it even if it isn't comfortable. Then I have to work on accepting what help is provided (when it is reasonable) even if it isn't in the form I expect it to be.

MeekrabJones

I hope things begin to improve. Kidney disease runs in my family, but luckily all I've had so far is a stone every few years. Those were miserable enough, I can't even imagine what you're dealing with.

So far, no pain from the kidney stone! I have passed kidney stones before, and felt no pain! O.o

It depends on the type of stone, the size, and whether or not they break up along the way. I just passed my third since 2019. The first two were fucking agony, but this one broke up early. I'd make sure you have a script for Flomax and something stronger than ibuprofen like tramadol ready if your doctors are okay with it. I know things like blood in the urine/trouble urinating might already be symptoms you have, but keep an eye out for worsening. Hit up your doc because it could mean a blockage.

TheMurderousCricket

So you piss fire and brimstone now?

I sure hope not! :D

And you should not! I'm sorry to hear about your condition. There is always hope and it seems like you made yourself a really tight leash so I keep my fingers crossed for you.

Sugary sodas are indeed the WORST poison on the food market. I stopped drinking those when I was 20-something. My friend occasionally brings a small bottle so we can mix ourselves some whiskey but that's it. I drink the remaining 0.3 litre over, what has to be, three weeks! Just one sip a day.

PortableWalrusPolishingKit

Making these lifestyle changes, all at once, isn’t easy. We’re all rooting for you. You’ve got this!

Thanks for understanding my problems here!

owlcatsanctuary101

It will become easier over time, I promise. I know that doesn't help you now and I understand the struggle is hard, but the alternative is far worse. I know someone who needs dialysis and it's NOT fun. They need it a couple times a week, their water and food intake is even more restricted and they can never go anywhere on vacation where there's no dialysis center. She recently had a stroke and the blood thinners aren't doing their job because of her dialysis +

+ treatments ... It is one big mess. I really don't want to stress you out more or discourage you, but the seriousness of the situation is real.

I hope you can keep it up my friend ❤️ it's not the same, but I'm trying to loose weight and not eat sugar. Drinking water helps a lot, or cucumber slices just ease that urge to gnaw on something. There's also water bottles with scented rings that could help, though for me I know that it will just lure me back to the real deal. +

+ for me the first week was the worst and I felt awful without the sugar, the following week it gradually became better and then I just adjusted it seemed. You just gotta stick to it, I know that's easier said than done and I'd really like to give some more advice, but honestly that's all there is to it. Stick to it and replace your cravings with something else, an activity or some healthy nutrition. I know you can do this ❤️ Wishing you all the best

tallyhoho

No joke lots of water will help you get over the sugar craving. Many times when you think you want sweet, you're really just thirsty. Also get some electrolyte packets, it will help with your feeling crappy all around. Good luck friend stay strong

Agreed! Drank two bottles of water today! Will consider electrolytes tomorrow!

sleestacks

I was hospitalized last month because my chemo hurt my already poor kidney function. I got 240mg iv lasix every day - I peed gallons. A unit of blood helped too. But I was going to say: please check with your doctor about any supplements. If they say don’t, then don’t. I had been sort of “I’ll do what I think is best” before that, including drinking lots of water, but my kidneys weren’t working well enough to cope. Also helps to pee into a container to make sure you’re on the right track.

You'll instantly feel much more like yourself, get the packets though not Gatorade as the packets have a much higher dose of electrolytes

Careful with that; they were recommended not to consume too much sodium or potassium.

True! One packet is probably more than enough and you can get ones with lowered mg and sodium

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