Not too bad. He told me that even though I keep a really tight handle on my diabetes, I still have it, it's not curable so it marches on. Actually about the same thing my retina specialist tells me.
He palpitated my kidneys and I didn't feel pain which was a good sign. He ordered up a 24 hr. urinalysis and an ultrasound, plis more blood work. I go back to see him in about 2 1/2 weeks. At that time he said he should be able to tell me what stage I'm in. He did talk about doing a biopsy at some point.
I feel a little better because now at least I have care and it's being addressed. Before, my former internist was just ignoring my protein in the urine and anemia. He seems to bequite on top of the situation with a good plan. We shall see.

I am so glad that you saw a Nephrologist, and your mind is a little more settled. You sound alot like me..... I freaked out when I got the phone call that my kidney numbers were off. I spent weeks trying to figure things out. Searching online for answers, asking people I knew that had some medical knowledge. I just about drove myself, (and others) NUTTY....... When I saw my Nephrologist 3 1/2 months later(earliest appointment i could get) he put everything into perspective. He took time explaining everything, what to expect, when he would do a biopsy, ect. The few things he stressed over and over...... DRINK tons of water a day, eat healthy, and excersice. I follow this like a new religion.

I know that things for you are what they are. You have many health issues to deal with, and none of them are pleasant. Hang in there, treat yourself kind, try and do what's right for your body, and most important...........BUBBLE BATHS, candles, music and a tall glasses of water. Works for me when the world spins out of control.

Hang in there, and keep us informed.......................

Sid

Sounds like you've got a really good Neph. I switched endos about 20 years ago. I went in to see him with severely swollen ankles. I was pretty sure it was my kidneys. At that point I had diabetes for almost 25 years. He told me "That happens to some women". Isn't that incredibly stupid? I cut out the salt in my diet, ate less protein, and the swelling went down. Obviously it was the kidneys! Found a new doc and kept track of my kidney function.

I wouldn't worry too much about what "stage" you are at. It's nice thing to say but doesn't always really mean anything. The stage doesn't necessarily have a lot of correlation with how you are feeling and your symptoms. And that is what is most important. My creatinine was about 8 (700) before I went on dialysis and I didn't even really feel sick.

The good news is that your anemia will probably be treated too and you will feel loads better. As I said before, you may have 20 years before you progress to needing a transplant or dialysis. Now there are not guarantees, but it is possible.

Don't worry, you can still lead a really great life.

Cora

You girls are so kind. Thanks so much!
When you say I may have 20 years before dialysis or a transplant does that mean that no matter what you do this disease progresses? Thst's what it sounds like.
So far the nephro didn't say anything about the anemia. I think he wants to do his own blood work and then put all the tests together, urinalysis, ultrasound and come to a conclusion. I have read that the iron needs to be injected? At 8.6 is there anything I can do now to bring my levels up? They are low. I do feel tired a lot. I wonder why people with kidney disease get anemic? Because we are leaking so much protein?
I'm drinking way more water and with my walking regime, I notice my ankles are far less swollen, which is a good thing. I guess one needs to help themself.

Way to go girl........... You get an ATTA GIRL!!!! Drink, Walk, Walk, Drink! It would be nice if we could just halt any disease, but I guess with some we just can't. But taking care of yourself in the mean time is important. Follow your Dr's advice, and plan, stay active, and do what you have to do to keep healthy. Also stay informed, and be pro-active with your health care.

Hugs!!!!

Sid

Cher - the disease will progress, but how fast it progress can be partially under your control. Please read my last statement carefully. In some cases, no matter what you do, things may progress quickly. On the other hand, if you follow the guidelines you are given (low salt, low protein, keep hydrated, etc) you stand a much better chance of slowing things down, and you will feel better as well.

Some things like NSAIDs and protein are very hard on the kidney and if you continue to indulge, your kidneys may fail faster. Don't forget to continue to exercise. Even on days when you are not feeling that great, a little walkies will still do you good. I made the mistake of not putting more of an effort in and I had a harder time recovering from my transplant because I had let myself go.

BTW, how are you feeling? I mean that emotionally and physically. I hope you are doing well and I hope that having a thorough neph will make you feel more comfortable with what is going on.

Good luck.

Cora