diet

[luannh13157]

I have a question about nutrition. I am in stage 3 kidney disease. My gfr is 45, my bun is 37 and creatinine is 2.9. I am seeing a nephrologist every 3-4 months. I'm wondering if I should be controlling my potassium and phosphorus at this stage or is that only for people closer to dialysis? The only way I learn about kidney disease is on the web and some brochures I get in the mail. I've been eating some potatoes and tomatoes in moderation and some cheese occasionally. I am a type 2 diabetic. I found out I had pyelonephritis first, then kidney disease. If it is harming me to be eating these foods now I will cut them out but just wanted to know if it is necessary at this stage. Thank, LuAnn

[Beth Witten MSW ACSW]

What were your potassium and phosphorus on the most recent labs that your doctor drew? Whether you need to restrict your intake of certain foods or take medicines to help get rid of toxins left over from the food that you eat depends on your lab values

If you haven't already found it, you might want to read the information on chronic kidney disease (CKD) at www.lifeoptions.org/kidneyinfo/ckdinfo.php.

You might be interested in these brochures that discuss chronic kidney disease and nutrition:

* Nutrition and Chronic Kidney Disease
www.kidney.org/atoz/pdf/nutri_chronic.pdf
* Potassium and Your CKD Diet
www.kidney.org/atoz/atozItem.cfm?id=103
* Phosphorus and Your CKD Diet
www.kidney.org/atoz/atozItem.cfm?id=101

Everyone hears about the "renal diet." Actually the restricted diet that people talk about is the 3 times a week hemodialysis diet. People that get more frequent dialysis, like those on peritoneal dialysis or daily or nocturnal home hemodialysis have less restricted diets and some say they can pretty much eat what they want and still have good labs.

[DoriSchatell]

Hi Luann,

I just wanted to add that you're doing everything right--you know your labs, you know your stage of kidney disease and the reasons for it, and you're asking excellent questions in a timely way. I wish everyone was as proactive as you are--it will stand you in good stead dealing with your diabetes and your kidney issues!

If you haven't found Kidney School yet, I recommend it for you. The Nutritition and Fluids module does NOT cover stage 3 CKD, but you may find some of the other modules helpful--and it's free. it's http://www.kidneyschool.org.

[luannh13157]

Dear Dori and Beth, Thank you for your replies. The next time I see my nephrologist, in Nov, I will ask for a copy of my labs and also ask him this question directly. I am trying to learn all I can to help myself as I want to be around for a long time. Again, Thanks

[patty]

My sister is a type 2 diabetic too and I wanna share some information on what I know. Some Swedish researchers have found through a study that type 2 diabetic patients were twice as likely as type 1 diabetics to experience complications following laser photocoagulation treatment. The study taken by them demonstrated that instances of foveal burn, enlarging laser scars, new blood vessel growth, and some other complications, are more likely to occur in patients with type 2 diabetes.