CKD stage 3 - no support only leaflets.

Thank you so much everyone for the reassuring comments. Turns out it’s not the death sentence I thought it was and life will go on but with just a few adjustments.
What a great forum this is.
With huge thanks x

Jrose

I have exactly the same and was pretty shocked to find out on the NHS app. I questioned it and was told it’s common as we age and just to drink plenty of water. Try not to worry.

My partner is CKD Stage 3b and sees a Nephrologist 3 times a year. He also has to drink plenty fluids but has never been given a list of foods to cut out. The specialist said to change your salt to Himalayan Salt. Most supermarkets have it.Stay clear of magnesium supplements, they will make your readings worse.

I haven't found any evidence that magnesium should be avoided by people with CKD stage 3. I'm particularly interested in any evidence that it is contra indicated as I take a small dose nightly and find it has improved my sleep. I do know it is not recommended in stage 4 or end stage kidney failure but that is because the kidneys become much less effective at filtering generally not because magnesium per se is problematic or dangerous in itself.

"Magnesium supplementation is increasingly considered for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to its potential benefits for vascular health and mineral metabolism. Current research indicates that oral magnesium supplementation is generally safe and well-tolerated in CKD patients, with no major safety concerns reported. However, specific data on magnesium glycinate (as opposed to other magnesium salts) in CKD is limited."

Apparently my readings have been going down since 2011 and my GP only sent me to urology/nephrology 3 years ago. I was advised no salt, no potassium (bananas boo hoo) reduce weight (I was just diabetic and on mounjaro so have done that) also reduce blood pressure. I am now on my 5th BP med the 1st four didn't agree with me. I am also still on one diabetic med although no longer diabetic as it protects the kidneys, per the nephrologist and the inhouse pharmacist at my GP

Apparently I do have CKD not sure which stage now though! Love bananas and avocados etc. in fact most foods. Don’t drink or smoke! Just trying to keep going. At the moment I have a barking cough. Awake at 4am. Horrible.

I have had stage 3 CKD since 2018. It was diagnosed when I went to the GP about a hernia. He couldn't feel it, so sent me for tests, where they discovered my left kidney is practically dead and my right kidney functioning at 65%. I had a stent put in within weeks, as it was found to be caused by narrowing of the tubes to the bladder. That has kept me at stage 3 in all that time.

I had weight loss surgery in 2023 and was concerned that the diet recommended after that is almost the opposite of the diet recommended for CKD. The dietician checked with the renal team and it was decided my CKD was in no way severe enough to need a special diet and my weight loss surgery diet should take priority.

Im not qualified to advise you on your health but I hope me telling you about my experience helps reassure you a bit.

Yes I do have that, found out from GP practice text telling me to go for my CKD blood test. My advice is do not panic (like I did!). Unless you have been advised to change your diet, don’t! You still need that nutrition. I’m afraid I did all that because I also received no advice. I have now severely restricted salt, two coffees only per day, cook from scratch OR observe ‘traffic light’ symbols on foodstuff. My level goes up and back but so far not lower. They will not treat you until you reach eGFR 10, in general. Which may never happen. It’s age related but they’ve only just started jumping on it. Gives you a chance to be a bit healthier.

I agrée. So much conflicting advice. And if you take VitD 3 with K2, you need thé magnesium to absorb it effectively. However, I now dissolve a Mag Glyc capsule in water and sip it throughout the day.

My husband was diagnosed a year ago with stage 4, and was referred to Renal unit, but up to now no appointment 🙄 Tho I have tried to expedite couple of times, to no result. No guidence on diet expect from National Kidney Org. But no salt permitted (by me) no bananas, and double boil potatoes. Good luck to you and you're health

From my experience GPs really aren't that interested that you are stage 3 when you are older. I think they just look on it as part and parcel of ageing. I was told in passing by my GP while having a telephone consultation about another medical issue and DH found out last year when his annual blood test results were posted on his account. No advice given - we just used Dr Google.

I have ckd stage 3 and have had it since 2020 when I had one kidney removed as I had cancer.
I haven't been told that I should drink more - which I won't as I don't want to overload my remaining kidney. medical staff accept this.
and I haven't been advised to change my diet either.
so I'll just soldier on eating and drinking what I want although I do have to keep an eye on my diet as I have type 2 diabetes.

What worries me is that in finding this sort of thing out by accident, not having been informed by anyone, have you invalidated your medical declaration for travel insurance? It quite possibly something they might use to wriggle out of a claim if you were ill whilst abroad. I'd personally find it very upsetting to find out there's a condition that has been identified but I've not been told about. Thank goodness we now have access to our GP medical records online! On the other hand, a letter I asked to be printed off for me from the hospital mentioned COPD but when I called the GP they said there was a note by the GP that I definitely didn't have that! Again, found out both those things by chance as nobody actually told me face to face. To me the lesson is to be proactive about my medical information and trust no-one!

CKD stage 3b here. At stages 3, 3a, and 3b you shouldn’t worry too much about food restrictions. Cut down on salt added after a meal is cooked; avoid processed food and ready meals. Your blood test results should be on your NHS app or, if you don’t have that, your surgery should be able to provide you with a printed copy. The important number to look for on your results is your eFGR, your estimated gromular flow rate, which will tell you how well your kidneys are working.

You don’t necessarily have to drink just plain water. My GP said all fluids count, whether it’s squash, tea, coffee or soup. They all count. I drink a total of 2 - 2.5 litres per day, a mixture of all the above. He said to make my drinks pleasant, not boring - unless, of course, water is your preference. You should, however, avoid fizzy drinks, especially cola.

I have the occasional banana, still eat the odd tomato, and every now and then a jacket potato. All foods that contain potassium, but you can keep an eye on your potassium levels on your blood test results. You need some potassium for your heart’s sake.

Your blood test results not only tell you the levels of the various things in your blood, but they also give the acceptable ranges of them, so you can see if you are higher, lower, or within those ranges.

You may find this chart useful.

I have this & the Dr said it's nothing to worry about. He said as we get older parts of our bodies don't work as efficiently as they did when we were younger. No diet & no meds.

me too Marmar2 though I can be of a nervous disposition and living alone ,.. so good to be able to read what others have to say and share, thankyou all.

Kidney failure is not just caused by the foods you eat there are many factors can be involved which can cause the kidney to malfunction.
I found the NKF {National Kidney Federation} website very useful for support and advice They also have a human manned helpline tel number 0800 169 09 36. Email [email protected] Mon to thurs 8.30am till 5pm
I was on machine dialysis at a local unit close to my home for a year and then was fortunate to be given a kidney transplant just
Over a year ago now. I am 76 and have always had a positive outlook on life and it has helped me deal with everything that has been thrown at me. Kidney Disease is not the worst thing that can happen to you and there is plenty of help out there.
Please reach out for support. As for me , I am counting my blessings and getting on with just enjoying my new lease of life.
I wish you all the best .

My DIL had terrible kidney stones when she was pregnant and for a while afterwards. She received really bad advice from private doctors about diet, exactly the opposite of what she should have been doing, but is now registered with the specialist unit at St. Thomas's and everything is under control.
Personally I'd push to be put in touch with the best kidney unit in your area to get the most up-to-date advice.

There are groups on FB that might help you.
I have read it is better to sip water rather than drink alot in one go.