Anyone here with chronic kidney disease?

15 years ago

Or know anything about living with it? DH's sister called last night to tell him she's got CKD and she is so scared. She is seeing a nutrionist today. From what I've been reading she can live pretty normal with proper care and diet. She said the doctor told her she is at about early stage 3. She found out a week ago and spent the week depressed because she thinks it's over for her and has it in her mind that she is going to die from this ..soon! Anyone know more that I can ease DH's mind about? He's really worried about her. I can see why she would be so scred too...after hearing this I know she didn't hear a word the doctor told her...or maybe he didnt' tellher enough to ease her mind. DH's neice, her daughter is making appointments all over the place for her to get some answers and help.

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Comments (7)

jannie
15 years ago
I have been diagnosed with CKD- Chronic Kidney Disease- since 2001. I had a sudden stroke from out of nowhere. I ended up in a hospital for a month. They determined the stroke was caused by hypertension (hiogh blood pressuere) caused by kidney failure. I recovered from the stroke, but not from kidney failure. In 2001, I had 18% kidney function, more than enough to sustain me.I was listed in Stage 3. But I had to alter my eating drastically, changing to a low protein (under 4 ouncesa day) diet, low potassium, low phosphorous, and no salt. The nutritionist will likely give her lists of foods to eat and to avoid. By eating properly, a person can live "normally" for 20 to 30 years. My kidney function gradually declined to around 7 percent in August 2007 , and that's when i started dialysis. There are three treatments for CKD: hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and transplant. I am on three lists to get a transplant. CKD is a very manageable disease. Tell her not to panic. If she's in stage 3, she is probably very far from needing dialysis. Tell her to find a good nephrologist, who can test her, treat her, and answer any questions. Between 2001 and 2007 I lived a totally normal life, except for taking medication for hypertension.I worked full time3 to 2005, took care of my family, tended my house and garden. Tell her it's not a death sentence, she just has to listen to her doctors. There is no cure for kidney disease, it's a "chronic" problem. Kidney tissue does not heal or regenerate itself. But it's not a death sentence. My neph doctor says I will get a kidney transplant in 2-3 years, and the new kidney will last anywhere from 10 to 25 years. When/ if it fails, I will need to go back on dialysis and back on "The List". Tell your relative not to fret. There are plenty of websites and organizations to help her. Google "kidney disease".
gwanny2three
Original Author
15 years ago
Thank you Jannie...I just talked to my neice awhile ago and she said they did see a nephrologist today and she made her feel so much better about things. She is having some issues with high blood pressure but they determined it is due to stress because it was really high today. She is a very stressed person anyway and anything can raise her BP. they did take her off of her BP meds to see if she can manage on her own with diet and excercise. She does seem to have a better outlook after her appointment today. Thanks so much, I am going to pass this info along to her to read.
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workoutlady
15 years ago
Please keep us informed about her situation. It's something that can happen to anyone. I'll be thinking about her.
dirt_yfingernails
15 years ago
I just wanted to say that Jannie is a real trooper and has been through so much with her situation. Strength to Jannie and Gwanny's SIL as they manage their health issues.
jannie
15 years ago
Thanks, dirty fingernails.
gwanny2three
Original Author
15 years ago
Thank you for your info and good wishes! I just hope she can handle all of the changes. She isn't one to do things for herself, relies too much on others to do for her. This is something no one can do for her, we can only help her. Many lifestyle changes for her, but she has no choice now if she wants to stay active and alive!

Thnanks again....this made DH feel better too!
marilyn_c
15 years ago
Bumping this to the top because I believe Bulldinkie suffers with this.

Anyone here with chronic kidney disease?

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jannie

gwanny2three
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Anyone here with chronic kidney disease?

Comments (7)

jannie

gwanny2threeOriginal Author

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jannie

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gwanny2three
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