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3 Effective Ways CKD Patients Can Help Themselves
There are the THREE important things you can do to help yourself.
1. Know (and write down) your numbers
The blood and urine tests can be performed and monitored by your GP, but you can do a lot of this yourself; to help your GP and nephrologist (hospital kidney specialist) if you have one.
- Creatinine blood test. This is the most reliable measure of kidney function; the higher the number the worse the kidney function. It should be below 120 mcmol/L. It should be measured at very variable rates; from every 2 weeks to 12 months – i.e. more frequently, as CKD worsens
- GFR. The blood creatinine level determines your GFR (glomerular filtration rate) and hence CKD stage – the higher the creatinine, and lower GFR, the higher (i.e. worse) CKD stage [“yes it is confusing” Ed]. GFR should be above 60 mls/min, ideally above 90 mls/min. It should be also measured regularly; again at very variable rates – from every 2 weeks to 12 months
Note. You can chase your own blood tests using the Patient Knows Best (PKB) website
- Urine protein in the urine. Some patients need urine protein measurements as well. This is calculated with a simple urine test. When the kidneys leak extra protein it is a sign of strain. It is called a ‘ACR’ (albumin-to-creatinine ratio). Again, you should chase the protein level – again via Patient Knows Best.
2. Blood pressure – make this a primary focus
- Having normal or low blood pressure is the single most useful thing you can do for your CKD
- So, buy a BP machine from any chemist or large supermarket or Amazon – prices vary, approximately £20-£40. ‘A&D’ is a good make
- Take your own BP once a week until stable.
3. Know your medication – really know it
- Many people with CKD take alot of medication: to lower blood pressure (especially two types of blood pressure medicine, ACE inhibitors and ARBs); remove fluid (diuretic, i.e. water tablet), control blood glucose, and lower cholesterol
- In more advanced CKD they may take vitamin D, a phosphate binder and erythropoietin (EPO)
- It is important to understand your medication in detail, and take them as prescribed
- Do not assume that all doctors (GP and hospital) have an uptodate list of what you are taking. YOU should carry that list at all times
- Do not run out.
