# Latest **URL:** https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/latest.md [Latest](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/latest.md) · [Categories](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/categories.md) · [Tags](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/tags.md) --- ## [Introduce yourself](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/introduce-yourself/18)
**Author:** [@Kidney\_admin](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/u/Kidney_admin)\ **Replies:** 909\ **Last updated:** [24 October 2026 06:16 UTC](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/introduce-yourself/18 "2026-10-24T06:16:09Z")
Hello and welcome everyone! We are so happy you have joined us. This online forum is a safe and friendly space to support and connect with others who share some of the same experiences that you do. If you are new, or if… --- ## [Could a new blood test identify kidney damage earlier?](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/could-a-new-blood-test-identify-kidney-damage-earlier/1031)
**Author:** [@Kidney\_admin](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/u/Kidney_admin)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [22 October 2026 13:05 UTC](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/could-a-new-blood-test-identify-kidney-damage-earlier/1031 "2026-10-22T13:05:08Z")
Researchers at the University of Bristol, led by Dr Matthew Butler and Professor Simon Satchell, have developed a potential new blood test that could detect early kidney damage. Their study, published in Nature Communica… --- ## [Pain after Biopsy](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/pain-after-biopsy/1023)
**Author:** [@Betha](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/u/Betha)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [22 October 2026 09:43 UTC](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/pain-after-biopsy/1023 "2026-10-22T09:43:51Z")
I had my kidney biopsy last week, and I still have pain down that side. I’m finding a hot water bottle is the only thing that eases the pain, but as soon as I take it off it’s painful again. How did others find their bi… --- ## [Are we entitled to covid jabs?](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/are-we-entitled-to-covid-jabs/1014)
**Author:** [@mgf72](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/u/mgf72)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [22 October 2026 09:10 UTC](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/are-we-entitled-to-covid-jabs/1014 "2026-10-22T09:10:47Z")
Hi, Does anyone know what the latest advice is for kidney patients? I’m stage 3a, and have my flu jab booked, but the gp surgery didn’t offer covid ob the email this year. The local hospital to me is already in emergen… --- ## [Medical ID bracelet or card](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/medical-id-bracelet-or-card/1002)
**Author:** [@Gav](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/u/Gav)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [20 October 2026 15:17 UTC](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/medical-id-bracelet-or-card/1002 "2026-10-20T15:17:05Z")
Hi all. I am thinking of purchasing a medical ID bracelet for CKD. I was just wondering if there are any free options available before I spend money? --- ## [CT scan with contrast](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/ct-scan-with-contrast/241)
**Author:** [@JohnB](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/u/JohnB)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [17 October 2026 09:34 UTC](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/ct-scan-with-contrast/241 "2026-10-17T09:34:21Z")
I am due to have a CT scan with contrast. I keep hearing stories about the effect on my kidney. I am stage 3b, eGFR is about 40. Should I be concerned? --- ## [Back pain, tight chest](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/back-pain-tight-chest/989)
**Author:** [@Gav](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/u/Gav)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [16 October 2026 12:57 UTC](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/back-pain-tight-chest/989 "2026-10-16T12:57:54Z")
Hi all. I am stage 3a CKD. I have recently been experiencing persistent back pain and tight chested. I have a GP appointment booked for November, just wondering if this is a common ailment with CKD? Thanks --- ## [Daily challenges](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/daily-challenges/670)
**Author:** [@Kidney\_admin](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/u/Kidney_admin)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [15 October 2026 18:38 UTC](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/daily-challenges/670 "2026-10-15T18:38:52Z")
What do you struggle with most day-to-day? poll --- ## [The Renal Reading Group 📚](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/the-renal-reading-group/980)
**Author:** [@Alex\_admin](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/u/Alex_admin)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [14 October 2026 16:01 UTC](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/the-renal-reading-group/980 "2026-10-14T16:01:18Z")
Reading can be a great escape from the world and a fun way to pass the time. Whether you’re reading while you’re on dialysis, before you go to sleep or if you’re sneaking in a chapter in your lunch break, this is your pl… --- ## [Living with kidney disease has taught me](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/living-with-kidney-disease-has-taught-me/1000)
**Author:** [@Alex\_admin](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/u/Alex_admin)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [14 October 2026 12:34 UTC](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/living-with-kidney-disease-has-taught-me/1000 "2026-10-14T12:34:33Z")
What is the biggest thing living with kidney disease has taught you? --- ## [Dealing With Fatigue](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/dealing-with-fatigue/975)
**Author:** [@Alex\_admin](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/u/Alex_admin)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [14 October 2026 07:32 UTC](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/dealing-with-fatigue/975 "2026-10-14T07:32:37Z")
Tiredness and fatigue can be really hard to deal with. What are your top tips for pushing through or getting your energy up? --- ## [Survey: Help shape information about cancer risk after kidney transplantation](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/survey-help-shape-information-about-cancer-risk-after-kidney-transplantation/995)
**Author:** [@Kidney\_admin](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/u/Kidney_admin)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [13 October 2026 11:07 UTC](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/survey-help-shape-information-about-cancer-risk-after-kidney-transplantation/995 "2026-10-13T11:07:03Z")
Have you received a kidney transplant, or do you support someone who has? We are looking for people to complete a short survey to help improve information and support about cancer risk after kidney transplantation. Your… --- ## [Newly diagnosed](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/newly-diagnosed/149)
**Author:** [@Pinky](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/u/Pinky)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [13 October 2026 08:48 UTC](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/newly-diagnosed/149 "2026-10-13T08:48:51Z")
Hello I’ve just joined this group because I have just been diagnosed with CKD 3a. I’ve had to send off for diet and information regarding this desease. I’m quite concerned that I’ve just been left to my own devices. I do… --- ## [Can I go on holiday? Where to start](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/can-i-go-on-holiday-where-to-start/88)
**Author:** [@Kidney\_admin](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/u/Kidney_admin)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [13 October 2026 08:02 UTC](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/can-i-go-on-holiday-where-to-start/88 "2026-10-13T08:02:22Z")
Going on holiday might feel like it’s more challenging living with kidney disease. Let’s share experiences with each other about planning and holidaying whilst managing kidney disease. No matter what stage you are at, yo… --- ## [Starting peritoneal dialysis soon](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/starting-peritoneal-dialysis-soon/956)
**Author:** [@Tinokay](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/u/Tinokay)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [8 October 2026 07:29 UTC](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/starting-peritoneal-dialysis-soon/956 "2026-10-08T07:29:25Z")
Hi. I recently had surgery to insert the PD catheter and will be starting training in a couple of weeks. Can anyone share their experience of starting at-home PD so I know what to expect? Thanks --- ## [How do you organise your at-home peritoneal dialysis?](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/how-do-you-organise-your-at-home-peritoneal-dialysis/93)
**Author:** [@Kidney\_admin](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/u/Kidney_admin)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [7 October 2026 15:44 UTC](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/how-do-you-organise-your-at-home-peritoneal-dialysis/93 "2026-10-07T15:44:25Z")
What are the best and worst things about peritoneal dialysis at home? How well does it fit around your life? Do you dialyse to live, or live to dialyse? --- ## [For carers, friends and family – how are you doing?](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/for-carers-friends-and-family-how-are-you-doing/99)
**Author:** [@Kidney\_admin](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/u/Kidney_admin)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [7 October 2026 11:30 UTC](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/for-carers-friends-and-family-how-are-you-doing/99 "2026-10-07T11:30:13Z")
This is a post for those supporting someone living with kidney disease. Supporting someone living with kidney disease can be rewarding, confusing and everything in-between. Knowing what’s the right thing to do at the rig… --- ## [GFR 41 newly diagnoised](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/gfr-41-newly-diagnoised/970)
**Author:** [@Morag](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/u/Morag)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [7 October 2026 08:51 UTC](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/gfr-41-newly-diagnoised/970 "2026-10-07T08:51:01Z")
Hi, I aged 78 yrs have been newly diagnosed with Stage 3b kidney disease. I am totally confused about diet as I have to watch my HBA1C as diabetes in the family.Weight hs been excellent over the years. Major abdomina… --- ## [What stage were you diagnosed at?](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/what-stage-were-you-diagnosed-at/85)
**Author:** [@Kidney\_admin](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/u/Kidney_admin)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [6 October 2026 20:59 UTC](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/what-stage-were-you-diagnosed-at/85 "2026-10-06T20:59:42Z")
On this thread share with others what stage you were diagnosed at. When you were told about your kidney disease, what did you know and how did you find the information and support you needed at the time? What do you know… --- ## [What happens now?](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/what-happens-now/503)
**Author:** [@Caz](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/u/Caz)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [5 October 2026 21:36 UTC](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/what-happens-now/503 "2026-10-05T21:36:43Z")
So, my eGFR was 27 in February, today, 5/6/ 2026 my eGFR has gone down to 20. My eGFR seems to be going down every couple of months. What happens now? I’m waiting for an appointment at the renal clinic: What happens at… --- ## [What has been the biggest change you've had to make to everyday life since your diagnosis?](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/what-has-been-the-biggest-change-youve-had-to-make-to-everyday-life-since-your-diagnosis/945)
**Author:** [@Alex\_admin](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/u/Alex_admin)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [4 October 2026 19:45 UTC](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/what-has-been-the-biggest-change-youve-had-to-make-to-everyday-life-since-your-diagnosis/945 "2026-10-04T19:45:28Z")
Kidney disease can have a real impact on your everyday life. What are the biggest things you’ve had to change? How have you coped with those changes? --- ## [Recently diagnosed](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/recently-diagnosed/965)
**Author:** [@happydays](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/u/happydays)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [3 October 2026 10:08 UTC](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/recently-diagnosed/965 "2026-10-03T10:08:45Z")
i have a 20cm tumor pressing on my side all the indicators suggest its cancer have appointment in November asked to bring it forward. I feel sad but resigned to a hard journey. --- ## [Tolvaptan and Drinking Excessively](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/tolvaptan-and-drinking-excessively/959)
**Author:** [@Swiftey](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/u/Swiftey)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [1 October 2026 13:13 UTC](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/tolvaptan-and-drinking-excessively/959 "2026-10-01T13:13:50Z")
Tolvaptan and fluid intake Hello, I’ve been on Tolvaptan for the better part of a year now. EGFR has gradually increased to 70 over the year, electrolytes are always normal. My intake for water can range from 7 to 9 lit… --- ## [Just diagnosed progressive stage 3 kidney disease](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/just-diagnosed-progressive-stage-3-kidney-disease/917)
**Author:** [@Betha](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/u/Betha)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [1 October 2026 09:00 UTC](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/just-diagnosed-progressive-stage-3-kidney-disease/917 "2026-10-01T09:00:35Z")
Hi, Im 30 years old and have just been diagnosed with progressive stage 3 kidney disease, I have had scans and nothing found, and I am now having a biopsy in a couple of weeks. I have hypothyroidism which could possibl… --- ## [Does anyone else feel like the mental side of CKD is harder than the physical side sometimes?](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/does-anyone-else-feel-like-the-mental-side-of-ckd-is-harder-than-the-physical-side-sometimes/758)
**Author:** [@hopewell](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/u/hopewell)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [30 September 2026 19:35 UTC](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/does-anyone-else-feel-like-the-mental-side-of-ckd-is-harder-than-the-physical-side-sometimes/758 "2026-09-30T19:35:29Z")
I’ve been thinking about this a lot recently. Most appointments focus on blood results, medications, blood pressure, and kidney function, but very little is said about the emotional side of living with CKD. Some days I … --- ## [How life changes with kidney failure and dialysis](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/how-life-changes-with-kidney-failure-and-dialysis/877)
**Author:** [@Chalky13](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/u/Chalky13)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [30 September 2026 18:02 UTC](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/how-life-changes-with-kidney-failure-and-dialysis/877 "2026-09-30T18:02:10Z")
I thought I’d start a thread for people to use as somewhere to get their thoughts out on what’s coming, what they are going through, or what they would like to pass on to others ————— I’m planning on home HD, and the p… --- ## [What’s helped you move forward recently?](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/what-s-helped-you-move-forward-recently/796)
**Author:** [@Kidney\_admin](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/u/Kidney_admin)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [30 September 2026 14:01 UTC](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/what-s-helped-you-move-forward-recently/796 "2026-09-30T14:01:19Z")
What has been a breakthrough for you recently, however big or small? --- ## [What do you wish you knew at diagnosis?](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/what-do-you-wish-you-knew-at-diagnosis/889)
**Author:** [@Kidney\_admin](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/u/Kidney_admin)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [29 September 2026 02:15 UTC](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/what-do-you-wish-you-knew-at-diagnosis/889 "2026-09-29T02:15:37Z")
Looking back over your experience since being diagnosed, what advice would you have found helpful? What do you wish you’d been told? --- ## [What do you do during dialysis?](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/what-do-you-do-during-dialysis/911)
**Author:** [@Kidney\_admin](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/u/Kidney_admin)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [28 September 2026 17:16 UTC](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/what-do-you-do-during-dialysis/911 "2026-09-28T17:16:25Z")
Dialysis takes up a lot of your time, whether you’re at home or at the hospital. What do you do to pass the time? --- ## [Distressing Doctor Experience](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/distressing-doctor-experience/748)
**Author:** [@Albert](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/u/Albert)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [28 September 2026 11:10 UTC](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/distressing-doctor-experience/748 "2026-09-28T11:10:51Z")
I’m writing to share a recent distressing consultation I had with a Nephrologist two days ago. I have been attending a Kidney Clinic for a number of years now but as my GFR has dropped below GFR20 on the last two visits … [Next page](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/latest.md?page=1)