I noticed if I forget to flush the toilet after peeing (wait 30 min or more) eventually patches of foam appear at the top. I already know this is protein but is this a normal amount of protein or is this kidney decease. Like does everyone have a little foam appear after letting it stand in the bowl for an hour?

Idk about these drug combinations, I’m going to ask my nephrologist. But I usually take 1 furosemide, farxiga, vitamin d3, and tacrolimus when I wake up, then when I’m going to bed I take 1 lisinopril, atorvastatin, and tacrolimus. I still have proteinuria but normal kidney function. But I haven’t seen any marginal improvement since my diagnosis in January. If anything I feel as if it’s getting worse. I woke up today with my face completely swollen. I admit I don’t follow a low sodium diet however my nephrologist said it shouldn’t be that big of a deal and my egfr is 131 the last time I got tested in September

I just had an appointment with my nephrologist and he is going to start me on Jardiance. Even with my kidney issues I do still drink alcohol from time to time. Does anybody have experience drinking alcohol while on this medication? I am finding conflicting information online, some state it isn’t dangerous and others state it can be potentially dangerous. So not sure if I should cut out alcohol completely. Any experience you can share is appreciated. Thank you.

It’s been a week since I got my kidney biopsy but i'm still in pain…Like everytime i breathe it hurts? No visible blood in my urine tho, but should i be worried?

23M with CKD stage 3b here. Im currently experiencing fever and really swollen tonsils. I did just come back from japan, watched my diet however there were a lot of people coughing, drank many cold water and had a light cough the last week i was there.

Now my nose is blocked, have a high fever and hurting tonsils. I took paracetamol in hopes to lower my fever and drinking lukewarm ginger tea. I will go to a doctor tomorrow, any advice would be appreciated.

Hi there! I have some cooking questions about a kidney safe diet.

I'm moving in with an older loved one soon and I'll be taking over cooking meals. I love it and am a pretty good cook if I do say so myself. Everyone in this household has no allergies and has an adventurous palette.

My issue is knowing what can I safely cook for my family member. She has had a kidney removed and is supposed to be on a special diet. However she doesn't follow it and says she can eat what she wants in moderation.

I know she is supposed to have low protien, low salt, no potatoes, and no dark leafy greens like spinach or kale. Otherwise I have no idea. I keep looking on Google but apparently that's a crap resource now because one website tells me something is safe and another says the same ingredient is deadly. My loved one is no help and says she is happy to eat what I make.

Can I please get some single kidney safe ingredients? Or at least a list of things I shouldn't feed her under any circumstances? I have a few months before I move in and I want to have a repertoire of recipes ready.

Hey everyone,

I’m in stage 4-5 ckd. Bouncing from 15-20 and back. My symptoms are unpleasant. Constantly nauseated, very tired, my brain feels fuzzy and I have no appetite at all. I don’t have any itching, swelling and I’m still urinating quite a bit however. I’m fairly healthy otherwise, I just moved to a new house all weekend and was definitely able to work hard albeit sick to my stomach

When do I throw in the towel with the nausea and goto emergency? Is it an emergency? Should I wait till I start swelling? I haven’t had my blood work done in a bit, lost my requisition and haven’t been able to get through to my nephrologist to get a new one.

Thanks for the advice. This has been rough.

Join renal dietitian Jen Hernandez LIVE on Dadvice TV for an AMA (Ask Me Anything). Jen has worked as a renal dietitian in dialysis centers and now helps kidney patients slow the progression of their CKD to avoid or at least delay the need for dialysis. Catch the LIVE broadcast this Tuesday, Dec 3, at 6 pm Eastern at https://youtube.com/live/mQcT3cZF4rc

James @ Dadvice TV

https://preview.redd.it/blbjq1nlha4e1.jpg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0ff5117cf3002c7dc20fd2c11c704dee5ab8cfff

What hacks/habits helped you to increase gfr, even if just minimally? My grandma’s gfr is around 12-13 and we would be very happy it we could increase it to 15-16. Is it feasible? Any habits you applied that improved your gfr even if just slightly?

Hi. I am being treated for idiopathic nephrotic syndrome - autoimmune disease. Now a year in from treatment start with rituximab and while many blood markers have improved I have become progressively more and more anaemic with low haemoglobin (104g/l) low haematocrit and low red blood cell count. I presume this is why I am so tired which is really my only symptom of note now. No one has ever offered any treatment for the anaemia - does anyone know if there is a treatment option , or am I condemned to sleep until this naturally improves (if ever)!?

Hello, I am trying to make changes to my diet because I have stage 2 chronic kidney disease. I’m aiming to reduce the amount of animal protein in my diet, but the truth is, I’ve always been on the lighter side, tending toward being underweight, with a BMI of 21. It’s challenging for me to follow this diet without losing too much weight. How do you handle this? Do you have any tips?

For the last couple of years I've been cooking for someone on a renal diet. I've been using the Ener-G Baking powder which is sodium and phosphorus free, but now Amazon is out of stock and Ener-G says they can't ship to my address.

Does anyone know of another product which is more readily available?

I am very new to this. I just turned 43 on November 14th, and had the graft put in the day before my birthday and let me tell you I did not realize that was a surgery that they actually put you under for. Jesus. Anyway, I am currently having trouble finding rides to dialysis on Saturday. There is transport that comes around through the week, and I use that through the week, and I have something lined up for the next three weeks on Saturdays but I need to find a more permanent solution for the area that I live which is Childersburg, Alabama. (My dialysis center is in the neighboring town of Sylacauga) I can only use regular cars because I cannot get up in an SUV. Everyone I know with the exception of my current arrangement has an SUV, I have not been out to make connections and my family has already passed, the only remaining family I have is way down in Coral Gables Florida and they cannot be with me because their life is in Florida just like mine and my medical care is in Alabama. Has anyone else run into this problem and could you possibly provide me with some ideas? I thought about reaching out to local churches but they never answer their phones. So if anyone knows of anything I could possibly try. Also, my insurance does not really provide much because currently I am Medicaid but I am trying to get something better. This is a lot to take on and humiliating to put all of my business out here like this... I really need a friend right now. 😞 Please feel free to DM me.

I know CKD has no cure and those with the disease can never go back to not having it, but can eGFR & the stage you’re in be reversed and bumped back?

New to the forum but would like to find out if anyone is taking Farxiga an SGLT-2 inhibitor for kidney disease. It helps reduce blood sugar by excreting sugar through kidneys and helps prevent progression of kidney disease from failure and is heart protective. My concern has been worsening of my kidney functions since on it by my Primary physician but told this is not unusual when first starting medication and it will be beneficial in the long term to preserve my kidney functions. Should I stick it out with the medication? Will try to see nephrologist soon.

Who do you recommend?

I’m finding I’m not doing too well with self-management of better eating habits and need a dietician or nutritionist to give me better guidance and keep me on track.

Thanks in advance!

Has anyone here known someone who opted to forego dialysis and/or transplant? I've had a REALLY long road with Ulcerative Colitis at 22 turning to cancer at 27, and getting a J-Pouch. Then being diagnosed with PSC and getting Liver cancer at 41 that required 6 weeks of intensive chemo and radiation that almost killed me before I got my transplant with weeks if not days to live. I'm 46 now and I've been having some issues and am now diagnosed with Crohn's disease in addition to my kidney GFR dropping every year, currently sitting at 46 while I was at 116 just after my cancer. Doc's are doing all they can to preserve my kidney, but I'm seriously considering EOL care when it comes time. Does anyone know how it works? I heard once your GFR hits 20 it's a fairly fast decent to failure and doc's will just prescribe you pain meds and let you pass. I'm in Florida if it matters. thanks in advance

My egfr has been stable around 48, creatinine around 1.6, 30 protein in urine. I’m going to get new labs next week. I’m seeing my nephrologist in January.

My main question: Is it okay to have a cheat day on special occasions? If I eat in moderation on Christmas for example will it set me back permanently or if I drink plenty of water, can I minimize the negative effects?

I’ve been fairly strict (low sodium, no pork/beef, lots of veggies/tofu, some chicken/fish). I do a lot of my own cooking and experiment with different herbs and spices to add flavor without any salt, but it’s pretty bland. When eating out I mostly eat salads/vegan. Drink lots of water.

Frankly speaking, this low sodium, low flavor diet is sucking the joy of living out of my life. I know I have to do it for survival but as a former foodie and someone who used to enjoy cooking it’s a real downer. I’ve only been on this diet for a year or so. I’d love to hear your advice and experiences. Thanks!

My (59 yr old male)labs show creatinine is 1.98 and GFR is 38. I have polycystic kidney disease. My kidney Dr said he uses a different formula to calculate kidney function and says my kidneys are functioning at 29%, not 38. The GFR calculater on Davita website says 39. The Dr is trying to get me approved for Jynarque, a very expensive medication because of the 29%. What calculation could the kidney Dr be using that comes up so much lower?

With NSAIDs being out of the picture for most of us, what do you guys do for joint pain and or muscle soreness.

Just found out I am 3a kidney disease. Found out through bloodwork. eGFR was 55. All other labs were good except glucose was 116. She only mentioned the glucose but I asked about the egfr. She said as we age our kidney function can drop lower. I’m 64.
Just to cut back on salt, don’t take any over the counter pain meds and drink lots of water. repeat labs in 6 months. I do have high blood pressure but I think I have finally got it under control with meds. Had it for most of my life.
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU CAN GIVE ME TO STAY AT THIS STAGE? Any advice would be appreciated.

Has anyone taken 40mg Telmisartan and noticed a urination volume and frequency decrease accompanied with a drop in EGFR, i.e., from 39 to 31?

I am having panic attacks. I am so scared. Also thinking of rejection and all. My husband is donating, hopefully it will not be a waste. I even visited therapist but didn’t help

I had read where 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda with water was good for your kidneys. I’m stage 3a and trying to stay there. Wanted to get your thoughts.

TLDR: Looking to see creatinine levels in very muscular people, who after cystatin or other testing did not have CKD.

Too long background: It's been about 2 years since my Drs began worrying about my kidney function. At the time creatinine levels were around 140, and have since rose to 170. I used to be a competitive natural bodybuilder, and now weigh 205lbs at 5'8, 17% bf. I am 32, have no lifestyle factors that should have resulted in CKD.

An eGFR of 42 based on creatinine was enough for the nephrologist to diagnose me with kidney disease. With no further testing. I live in Canada where we have free but extremely limited healthcare. This is the only nephrologist in the region. They do not have cystatin testing anywhere in the country. I've been on a wait list for an ultrasound for a year.

I'm currently on a lot of wait lists to try find another Dr who can assist, but these are often years away. In the last year I've developed chronic muscle spasms in every muscle of my body, these occur 24/7 when I lengthen a muscle, unless I supplement extreme amounts of sodium. This lessons them to a degree. Fatigue, very foamy urine, though I have had urine analysis which never has protein in it. I pee more frequently than anyone I know regardless of fluid intake. Sleep very poorly despite good sleep hygiene and a rigid schedule.

At first I wrote off the diagnosis, as a creatinine test alone is simply not enough to give one. Given my muscle mass I expected higher levels. However specifically the muscle spasms have gotten so debilitating, and none of the Drs I've seen have had any ideas. So I am revisiting this. I may go to the US for cystatin testing, however the nephrologist does not seem open to writing a requisition for another country.

Thank you.

Being fairly new to this community as i (M23) have just been recently diagnosed with CKD stage 3b. I did 2 tests to double check my kidney function and the first was 39 then when i started taking the medicine prescribed by my doctor i did another test and i was down to 34.

I already had kidney problems when i was young like having high RBC in urine and was suspected of glomerulonephritis but doctors saw there is a lack of symptoms and i was prescribed steroids, but now they didnt want to do a biopsy to me because the kidneys have shrunk and have all these spots all over it. They said that 80%, it is already CKD. Regardless, my doctor said my treatment wouldnt change either way as i needed to look after my diet.

I notice myself just staring blankly as i overthink about my health and life in general. I just graduated from college this year and yet here i am wondering how to avoid an early death and how my life will change with a kidney transplant.

I apologize for venting here, but I don’t have many close friends to turn to. I’ve been living with diabetes for over 35 years, but last Christmas, I was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Since then, my kidney function has rapidly declined—from stage three to failure (eGFR 8) in just nine months. I’ve been on medical leave since the diagnosis, unable to work, and started dialysis a little over a month ago. While there are some okay days, most are really difficult. I’m constantly exhausted, have no energy, and can barely walk due to severe muscle loss from spending four months in the hospital. On top of that, I developed a large ulcer on my foot, essentially a bedsore, from being confined to the hospital bed.

Today, things became even harder. I got into an argument with my boss and team on a Teams group chat. I’m surviving on a small salary during medical leave while waiting for my Social Security disability application to be approved. My wife and I are struggling to make ends meet. I used to earn a very good salary, but I haven’t worked all year. To help with our situation, I started a GoFundMe campaign. I was upfront about why I needed the money—primarily to buy an iPad since I’ll have to return my work laptop, with any extra funds going toward bills and groceries. The response was overwhelming, and I reached my goal in just two days. But my colleagues were upset, claiming I shouldn’t have done it, even though I was transparent about my intentions.

Now I feel like I don’t have a job to return to, even if I recover. My position is remote, and the team is already under immense stress due to recent mass layoffs. Thousands of people have lost their jobs, but I’ve been protected because of my medical leave. Still, the conflict has left me feeling alienated, and I worry I’ve burned bridges I can’t rebuild.

This whole situation has left me hopeless. I’ve lost my sense of purpose, and I’m terrified about the future. I nearly died several times in the hospital from sepsis and kidney infections. While my family and close friends have been supportive, agreeing I haven’t done anything wrong, I can’t shake the feeling that my life has lost its meaning.

I’m so tired of fighting. Sometimes, I feel like I just want to stop dialysis and let go. The only reason I’m still here is because of my incredible wife—she’s my one lifeline. Without her, it would feel easier to give up entirely. I hate this disease. I miss feeling normal, being able to live without constant pain and exhaustion.

I don’t know what to do anymore. I’m lost, afraid, and utterly exhausted.

Anyone else have a sharp drop-off in eGFR in a short time period, secondary hyperaldosteronism (high aldosterone and renin), new low complement c4 but c3 is normal, severe renal potassium wasting, hypoxia with no heart or lung issues? I do have a mostly uncontrolled autoinflammatory disease and partially controlled RA but I had to wean off my steroids recently because I got Cushing's syndrome.

My docs are definitely on top of things but I've been really sick since 2018 and now this so if anyone has any experience with some of these symptoms I'd appreciate anything you want to say about it. Thanks for reading

I just got my catheter placed a couple days ago. I went in today to flush it for the first time and it was incredibly painful. Is that normal? Even hours after having been home I still have a sharp pain near my bladder…

I’m just hoping someone can tell me it gets better because I’m currently so miserable and uncomfortable.