Stage 5 CKD without dialysis

Dialysis
1

My husband has stage 5 and has declined dialysis.

He often needs a magnesium infusion and uses EPO injections

The itching is a problem mainly at night.

Any tips or someone in a similar situation?

3 Likes
2

Hi @BLMM!

Welcome to Kidney Community, thank you for joining :purple_heart: .

Hopefully some other members who are living with Stage 5 CKD, or supporting a loved one who has chosen not to have dialysis, will also see your post and share what’s helped them.

Itching can be a really difficult symptom to live with, especially when it’s affecting sleep.

I’m going to tag you in an itch topic from a member who has also been asking about itching this week.

Thanks,

Brogan

1 Like
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Best thing I found for itching was E45 itch relief cream I use it still occasionally especially in the hot weather but once I was stage 5 it seemed the only thing that really worked

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Hello, I have found the best way to reduce the itch is to cut down on my phosphate intake ie reducing my quantity of hard cheese etc . I also use Adex-gel which I obtain from my doctor on prescription.

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It really depends if the itching is phosphate related or just a build up of toxins. If phosphate related speak with your renal team and ask to speak with a dietitian as no amount of creams and ointment are going to do much other than couple of hours relief until you get to the route cause of the problem :purple_heart:

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Hi BLMM, I’m Stage 5 too but at present pre dialysis. I suffered terribly with the night itching at Stage 4 and the only thing that I found effective is EURAX Cream Crotamiton. You can buy it over the counter in Boots or Superdrug, other places too I should think, although my kidney doctor prescribed it for me when I first suffered with this. I always have it to hand even though I don’t have the itching as often now. I really sympathise with your husband - the itching was so intense on my legs and back I was raking my skin to try and stop it. I found this cream a game changer. I have a large 100g tube by my bedside and always carry a smaller 30g one in my handbag. Hope it brings some relief to your husband too. Thinking of him. Hope this helps.