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What 3 BIG things should CKD patients do to help themselves?
There are the THREE important things you can do to help yourself.
- 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.
- 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.
- Know your medication
- 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 medications, and take them as prescribed
- Do not run out.
Get your BP checked. Better still buy your own machine and check it yourself.
