CKD Variations

I am on my own chronic illness journey that is also susceptible to food and the changes it brings and I can tell you that I never expected eating and choosing the right foods to play such a huge part in my daily life. Now, I worry about what I will buy at the grocery store, what I will eat for snacks, and especially what am I going to eat for dinner! UGH! That's a big one, so I totally get how it could cause anxiety. It is something that people don't understand unless they experience it themselves but, fortunately, we know exactly what you mean! You are not alone! Keep on keepin' on, DPM

Good Morning. First let me say I’m sorry for your anxiety and how these three conditions are causing you stress. Deep breath I know it’s a lot. I personally don’t have diabetes but I really can’t imagine having to pay attention to the food you eat for each condition. The first thing I would do is get a certified renal dietitian who also specializes in diabetes. They can help you set up a successful plan to take care of all three conditions. In my research I have found that a plant based diet helps to slow the progression of CKD. There are several articles by hospitals, research centers, and clinics about the success of a plant based diet. If you can’t find a certified renal dietitian in your area there are some on Facebook that do remote zoom meetings. A lot of insurance companies cover dietitians with your CKD/diabetes diagnosis. Here are two that I have worked with. https://www.facebook.com/share/1AzriEsVFQ/?mibextid=kFxxJD
https://www.facebook.com/share/19RRq7mN7Q/?mibextid=kFxxJD
Just so you know I don’t get any kick back or anything from recommending these two it’s just that I have been following them for a couple of years and I have remained stable. I was one point away from a stage 4 and now my number is higher. Also, my protein spill has come down from 500 to 150.
As far as getting a Nephrologist I think the more eyes on your kidneys the better. I mean that’s all they do is look at this one organ in our body. Please if you decide to see one have a list of questions ready to ask. If the doctor can’t or won’t (as in just sort of ignores your concerns) then interview another one. I spent 7 years with one who was a sweet doctor but she didn’t tell me a thing about how I could help my kidneys. She never told me how much water I should be drinking a day or she never shared about these studies that have shown a plant based diet can help. I was languishing in her care. I got angry and researched doctors and found my new one who spends oodles of time with me and helps me stay stable. She listens and answers all my questions.
I hope you can find someone to come along side of you and help to relieve some of this stress. I do believe a certified renal dietitian could do that for you. Also, I hope you can find a good nephrologist who listens, is open minded to try new things, and takes the time to answer all your questions and concerns. Please keep reaching out we are here to encourage, listen, and help when we can. Cindy (Team Member).