FAQ: KIDNEY DISEASE

What should you do if you have CKD Stages 1 & 2?

  • Have regular checkups with your doctor. He should test your urine for protein and blood which are indicators of kidney damage.
  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet that is low in fat and salt. Pay special attention to protein, potassium and phosphorus intake. See The Pocket Dietitian™ for more information.
  • Control your blood pressure; a) 125/75 for people with diabetes, b) 130/80 for people without diabetes or proteinuria and c) 125/75 for people without diabetes, but who have proteinuria
  • Keep your blood sugar or diabetes under control
  • Take medicines as prescribed by your doctor
  • Exercise regularly
  • Stop smoking

You can't reverse kidney damage, but it may be possible to maintain your kidney function and prevent it from deteriorating. In many cases, getting the right treatment and making changes in your lifestyle can help your kidneys working longer and better. 

What can you expect with CKD Stage 3?

People diagnosed with CKD Stage 3 may begin to experience some physical changes. Talk to your doctor about how you're feeling. There are treatment or lifestyle changes you can make to alleviate any discomfort:

  • Fatigue often as the result of anemia.
  • Too much fluid that leads to swelling (edema) in your lower legs, hands or face, particularly around the eyes.
  • Changes in your urine that makes it appear foamy as a result of protein or dark colored as a result of blood. You may also need to urinate more or less than usual.
  • Kidney pain, which is more common with polycystic kidney disease or infections. Sleep problems due to itching, muscle cramps or restless legs.

How can you take care of yourself when you have CKD Stage 3? 

  • See a Nephrologist, an MD that specializes in kidney disease that can use their expertise to help preserve your kidney function for as long as possible as well as keeping you healthy.
  • See a Renal Coordinator who can help organize your medical care and arrange for you to meet with other healthcare professionals.
  • Consult a Dietitian. What you eat when you have kidney disease can have an impact on how well you can maintain kidney function. A dietitian who is familiar with kidney disease patients can recommend a meal plan individualized for your needs. See The Pocket Dietitian™ for more information.
  • Keeping your glucose level under control and maintain a healthy blood pressure. Many people who develop chronic kidney disease have diabetes or high blood pressure. To help preserve your kidney function, keep your glucose levels under control and maintain a healthy blood pressure. If you are prescribed medication, take it exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Make healthy choices. It's important to eat well, exercise regularly, and quit smoking to keep yourself as healthy as possible. Just as important, managing stress and taking the time to relax will help you live life to the fullest.

What kind of healthcare do you need with CKD Stage 3?

People with CKD Stage 3 will usually need to visit their doctor every three to six months. At your appointments, you will probably have blood tests to check your creatinine, hemoglobin, calcium and phosphorus levels to see how well your kidneys are functioning. The doctor will also monitor your blood pressure and glucose levels and make sure you're in good overall health.

What can you expect with CKD Stage 4?

When you've been diagnosed with Stage 4 kidney disease, you may continue to experience some of the symptoms that are common at Stage 3 kidney disease, such as fatigue, fluid retention, changes in your urine, kidney pain, and sleep issues. You may also begin to experience new symptoms as well. Talk to your doctor about how you're feeling. There are treatments or lifestyle changes you can make to alleviate any discomfort.

Patient in this stage of CKD may experience symptoms such as:

  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Taste changes
  • Loss of appetite
  • Bad breath caused by uremia
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Nerve problems causing numbness or tingling in your toes or fingers 

How can you take care of yourself when you have CKD Stage 4? 

  • See a Nephrologist, an MD that specializes in kidney disease that can use their expertise to help preserve your kidney function for as long as possible as well as keeping you healthy.
  • See a Renal Coordinator who can help organize your medical care and arrange for you to meet with other healthcare professionals.
  • Consult a Dietitian. What you eat when you have kidney disease can have an impact on how well you can maintain kidney function. A dietitian who is familiar with kidney disease patients can recommend a meal plan individualized for your needs. See The Pocket Dietitian™ for more information
  • Keeping your glucose level under control and maintain a healthy blood pressure. Many people who develop chronic kidney disease have diabetes or high blood pressure. To help preserve your kidney function, keep your glucose levels under control and maintain a healthy blood pressure. If you are prescribed medication, take it exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Make healthy choices. It's important to eat well, exercise regularly, and quit smoking to keep yourself as healthy as possible. Just as important, managing stress and taking the time to relax will help you live life to the fullest.

What kind of healthcare do you need with CKD Stage 4?

People with CKD Stage 4 will usually need to visit their doctor every three to six months. At your appointments, you will probably have blood tests to check your creatinine, hemoglobin, calcium and phosphorus levels to see how well your kidneys are functioning. The doctor will also monitor your blood pressure and glucose levels and make sure you're in good overall health. At CKD Stage 4, the Nephrologist will also help prepare you for dialysis or a kidney transplant. The National Kidney Foundation guidelines recommend starting dialysis when kidney function drops to 15% or less. Your Nephrologist will discuss the different types of dialysis options available and help select the option that is best for your diagnosis. Plan early and gain control over your health.

How can you take care of yourself when you have CKD Stage 5?

  • See a Nephrologist, an MD that specializes in kidney disease that can use their expertise to help preserve your kidney function for as long as possible as well as keeping you healthy.
  • Consult a Dietitian. Once you begin dialysis, you will need to make changes in what you eat and drink. Your diet is a big part of your treatment, so you will be working with a dietitian who can recommend a meal plan individualized for your needs. See The Pocket Dietitian™ for more information.
  • Keeping your glucose level under control and maintain a healthy blood pressure. Many people who develop chronic kidney disease have diabetes or high blood pressure. To help preserve your kidney function, keep your glucose levels under control and maintain a healthy blood pressure. If you are prescribed medication, take it exactly as directed by your doctor. 
  • Make healthy choices. It's important to eat well, exercise regularly, and quit smoking to keep yourself as healthy as possible. Just as important, managing stress and taking the time to relax will help you live life to the fullest.