Anyone living with CKD stage 3? advice please

[Joystir59]

I received a gp letter on 23rd December saying I've been diagnosed with CKD stage 3, and advised to start taking a statin to lower my cholesterol. It's been a shock as I've always enjoyed good health. I'm 68, active. But I do love salt, not in cooking but on my food, and I am overweight, very stressed and anxious, in therapy at the moment) and sleep very badly. My blood pressure is ok and I'm not diabetic. I've got to have a urine test so don't know if I've got protein in my pee. I've got loads of questions about dietary does and donts and what next steps should be- will I be referred to a renal specialist? Any advice gratefully received.

Just bumping. Feel along. At least finding out 23rd Dec meant I reigned in with the Christmas goodies.

I’ve got Stage 3 and have had no further input from my GP, apart from regular blood tests to keep an eye on my kidney function. I was told to be careful with painkillers and that my other medication for my autoimmune disease might need to be changed if my kidney function deteriorates. So far that was 18 months ago and everything has stayed stable. So try not to worry but obviously try and eat well and look after yourself and get some exercise in too.

Thank you, do you know what caused your kidney function to decline?

I actually had my first decline in kidney function after the birth of my DC 20+ years ago but again although my gfr was below what it should be it again remained stable for years. It was when I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease several years ago that this further deterioration has happened.

I know it’s worrying and it doesn’t help that it’s now the Xmas break, but you’ve got the protein test which will give the GP further info and they will refer you on to a specialist if they think it’s necessary. The thing to remember though, is that you can stay at CKD3 for years without any progression.

I wasn’t diagnosed with CKD until my kidney function stayed below range for several months - was there a reason that they tested you?

My DH was type 1 diabetic since a child, he lived with CKD 3 for many years, was just monitored. He died from non smokers lung cancer. Nothing to do with the CKD

You will not be referred to a specialist unless your renal function deteriorates rapidly, which it’s unlikely to do. Most people with CKD 3 do not progress. The risk factors as per those for heart disease so BP, cholesterol, weight, activity levels. You should have annual monitoring.

I’m not a patient but a close family member is and we’ve found the charity Kidney Care UK to be extremely helpful, especially when she was newly diagnosed. They’re closed over Christmas but do give them a call in the new year, they’ve been able to help us with lots of things so I really recommend them.

kidneycareuk.org

Thank you all so much for your helpful comments.

I had a below normal gfr in August, and it was at the same level (59) when tested again 16th December, with elevated creatinine as well, both times; hence getting a diagnosis on 23rd Dec. I'm sorry you've had to deal with this too. I must say just before Christmas I felt really unwell with pain on the right side of my lower back, nauseous with sudden sweats. I thought I was perhaps coming down with a kidney infection. Those symptoms pretty much cleared in a couple of days but I still have a tender feeling in my kidney region. Do any of you have/had any symptoms? I'll be asking for a Dr appointment Monday.