Posted , 4 users are following.
Now what? Should I be looking for a nephrologist? My doctor that delivered this happy news is on vacation for 2 weeks! I am sure I will be absolutely fine, but doing nothing is not good. I've got to talk to my daughter about this; however I don't know how to tell her it's very serious. How did you tell your close family members?
0 likes, 3 replies
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kathyt68777 Lillian0214
Posted
I don't know what "high" stage 3 means? Does that mean your GFR is at the higher end of stage 3 - over 45? How old is your daughter? I didn't tell my adult children I was having a problem until I had seen the specialist so I had some solid information to give them. I wouldn't tell her it's very serious until a doctor has told you that. My mother was in stage 3 and eventually stage 4 for years and years without having any symptoms, and never declining to the point of needing dialysis. I agree doing nothing is not good; you definitely need more medical advice on what is causing the renal disease and what your prognosis is.
KenR Lillian0214
Posted
I know that it is easy to say, but try to stop worrying about anything short term! Like you I found out by chance that I was in Stage 3 CKD. I had no symptoms, and ran life in a normal way. All that I did was to research what was bad for kidneys, and slightly modified my lifestyle whilst making sure I remained physically fit. I did look more closely at what I ate, and was suspicious of any new drug and looked up its kidney toxicity. I had function tests every 2 months and it became apparent that my function was stable. Best of luck!
KenR
Linda_Mac Lillian0214
Posted
I've been diagnosed with CKD for over ten years, but it was probably caused by two medications I took long term for other chronic conditions, so I didn't really pay attention and my physician never said anything to alarm me because it was pretty much stable. Three years ago, I had a kidney workup at the ER for complications from a UTI, which included a CT scan, and soon after I became aware that my diagnosis was Stage 3. I have shared the fact that I have CKD with some family members, but only my husband and sister-in-law (she worked in the hospital with dialysis patients) know that I am at Stage 3. Since I'm relatively healthy, despite three chronic conditions, I choose not to make a big deal of it and just to focus on doing the best I can to stay healthy, which includes low salt, sugar and balanced eating. I avoid all pain killers, particularly NSAIDS and am careful about any new medication or supplement. I like my nephrologist and I take all of my visits with him seriously and ask lots of questions when we're reviewing my latest bloodwork results. None of my family seems to be alarmed at my diagnosis, even my husband so they are just following my lead. I don't have children, so I can't give you my experience there, but I think if I did, I wouldn't share the diagnosis unless I was ill and needed more of their help and support through treatment. For younger children in the home, again I think I wouldn't let them know unless I was becoming sick with symptoms long term and even then just so that they would know what's going on. You probably have a long time to figure this all out and take your time making your decisions. Good luck to you and take care.