Hello,I live in East Anglia and had a kidney removed in 2018 due to the discovery of a tumour , that ultimately turned out to be non-malignant. I am nearly 80 with stage 4 CKD. I have an EGFr of 21 which has fallen from 24 over the last 6 months. My diet is restricted , albeit becoming a vegetarian in 1971, cutting out all the things that have a negative effect on my potassium level and the other restrictions suggested by my nephrologist. In other words, I find my diet incredibly boring. Nevertheless, I am still here , which is the goal. Excercise is becoming more difficult in the wet and slippery weather, but hopefully will restart with a sunnier dryer clime. Hydration is good as is my blood pressure and my diabetes remains diet controlled after 15 years. Age is bummer but better than the alternative , and happiness still reigns.
Welcome to Kidney Community @Beanbag. Great to have you as part of the community. From some of the things you touch on in your post, you may want to explore our category for diet and exercise.
Hello, sounds like you are working really hard, well done. I am 78 and had my transplant in 2016. Prior to this I also had a very restricted diet due to potassium problem. Fruit and veg were my passion so like you it became very boring but it kept me well for 12 years until I needed to start dialysis. I try very hard to maintain a healthy weight and exercise, take my drugs and keep going strong. Is a transplant an option for you? I really admire your attitude……so positive. Have you tried Kidney Beam for excercise. It’s brilliant. Covers loads of different types and levels of excercise…..and it’s free. Take care, regards M to go
Hello, Looking at the stats and after discussing with a GP, it looks as if my chances of a transplant are very unlikely. I cannot complain about that, the supplies are minimal and there is much need amongst younger suffers with young families and /or with their lives ahead of them. It would appear that the benefits of dialysis are also questionable at my age. The whole process of travelling to a hospital , the severe dietary restriction and the ultimate average life span on dialysis at 80 being about 1 year, on dialysis makes me question the choice. I have no death wish, but, would choose quality over quantity at this stage. When faced with the choice my view might change, but I have the strong support of my wife in any choice that I make. I will look into the The Kidney Beam, thank you for the suggestion . It is not something I have ever heard of.
Best Wishes
B
I have just been prescribed sodium bicarbonate , a dosage of 1mg twice a day, apparently for chronic metabolic acidosis., This is as a result of my CKD. Started my course this morning. Is anyone else on this and are there any side effects? Thanks
I’m also stage 4 and have been on sodium bicarbonate for at least 5 years. I’m prescribed x3 500mg tablets twice a day. I’ve only had good results from taking them and no side effects that I’ve ever noticed. In fact, without them I would have major problems so I can only speak highly of my experience with them if that’s any reassurance at all. I started on a low dose too but over many years they’ve been increased to the present dosage. Hope this helps.
Thanks Sara, Very interesting. Best wishes B
Hi I have been on sodium bicarbonate for a few years. It does seem to be helping to keep my potassium down. I’ve not noticed any side effects from it.
Hello, Thank you, Glad you are doing well on it. Best wishes B