Kidney failure and diabetes

[NoEffingWay]

DH has recently been diagnosed with kidney disease stage 3, after covid last year damaged his kidneys. He has T1 diabetes and has done for many year

We are now looking at dialysis, and I'm so scared about what this means. Is he going to die if he doesn't get a transplant? He is the loveliest, kindest, most loving man and I'm watching him fade in front of my eyes. I don't know if I'm strong enough to cope with what is coming next.

I’m sorry to hear this @NoEffingWay I had a kidney transplant 2 years ago after almost a year on dialysis so feel free to ask any questions.

Stage 3 isn’t too bad so I wouldn’t panic that dialysis or transplant is something imminent. Do you know his egfr? People don’t usually need dialysis until their egfr is less than 15 and for most people it can be in single figures.

I did home haemodialysis but others do peritoneal dialysis at home. I’d suggest looking at the kidney care uk website as they have lots of information on kidney disease, kidney friendly diets etc.

I don't know what your situation is but my Dad has been just above the level of needing dialysis for two years after we were told it would be six months. He's not going to be a candidate for transplant either I don't think because of his age but he's still managing.

My husband has dialysis & transplants over the years.

Stage 3 means you probably have time to look at options further. Better diabetes control & lifestyle changes may delay progression?

It's possible to do dialysis at home. Look up peritoneal dialysis which is always done at home (either during the day at intervals or overnight on a machine).

There is a "rubbish kidneys support thread"
On here somewhere with many experienced voices

Crappy kidneys thread 2 www.mumsnet.com/Talk/general_health/4564714-crappy-kidneys-thread-2

Thank you all so much, will hop on the kidney support thread.

His kidney function is currently at 15 but has dropped from 35 in June so that's concerning to the consultant.

His diabetes has been well controlled but he's been struggling in the last year despite having the libre 2.

He has applied for PIP today but who knows if he meets the criteria-he can walk and male himself a sandwich but quality of life is decreasing as the months progress, even going out for a coffee was too much today so I drove him to the chemist to pick up a prescription and then we drove home for him to have a sit down.

No wonder he feels awful @NoEffingWay that’s a low egfr stage 5 not stage 3.

I felt really bad when mine dropped below 15 and I did start dialysis quite quickly after that. I was so tired I’d fall asleep whenever I sat down on the sofa.

Have you seen a renal nurse? Someone needs to talk with you both and talk through dialysis options.

Update-stage 5, met the dialysis planning team-we are all set to go in the next few weeks. Kidney function now at 12 💩

Sorry to hear that @NoEffingWay He will feel a bit better once the dialysis starts. A few weeks in he will feel much better. If you wanted to post on the kidney support thread there are lots of us who have done/are still on dialysis and can try to help with any questions.