What you can do to help yourself with CKD
In this article, we will describe what you can do to help yourself with CKD.
There are the THREE important things you can do to help yourself
1. Monitor (and write down) the 2-3 numbers written below. The blood and urine tests can be performed and monitored by your GP, but you can do a lot of this yourself; to help 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, and be measured every 3-6 months – more frequently if CKD worsens
- eGFR. The creatinine level can be put into an equation to calculate eGFR, and hence your CKD stage – the higher the creatinine, and lower eGFR, the higher (i.e. worse) CKD stage [“yes it is confusing” Ed]. eGFR should be above 60 mls/min, ideally above 90 mls/min. It should be also measured every 3-6 months
Note. You can chase your own blood tests using the Patient Knows Best (PKB) website - Protein in the urine. Some patients need urine protein measurements too, this is calculated with a simple urine test. When the kidneys leak protein it is a sign of strain. It is called a ‘uACR’ (urinary 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 most useful thing you can do for 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.
Get your BP checked. Better still buy your own machine and check it yourself.
3. 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.
Summary
We have described what you can do to help yourself with CKD. We hope it has been helpful.
Other resource
What I can do to help myself with CKD (longer article)
Last Reviewed on 29 May 2024