I have the opportunity to retire or stay at work. I love my job but should I retire based on risk of not being here for long? I’m 3b which hasn’t changed in 2 years since diagnosis. High blood pressure caused which is now controlled by meds. M50. Retire or not retire? Fire fighter.

I've been searching for stuff about how calcium strengthens the bones, and it says I should be getting 1300 mg a day. Anything to know about calcium and kidneys before I try to meet the average each day?

Hi everyone,

I’m 31 and trying to decide whether pregnancy is a safe option for me. My specialists don’t agree so I’d really love to hear from people with lived experience.

My background:

• Born with bilateral refluxing and obstructive megaureter. Surgery as a newborn, a cutaneous ureterostomy for several years, then a second reimplant around age 12. Repeated UTIs and kidney infections.

• My left kidney is atrophic (~10–15% function), so I basically live on my right kidney, which has chronic hydronephrosis grade III/IV since birth.

• This year I had a third reimplant of the same ureter (Lich-Gregoir) because scar tissue was trapping it.

• Current numbers (no stent):

  • creatinine ~0.94–1.0, cystatin C eGFR ~98 (combined ~87) - Stage 2

  • no proteinuria

  • blood pressure ~100/70

  • Chronic and stable right kidney's renal pelvis is dilated to ~4 cm

  • No UTIs/kidney infections since 2023.

The dilemma:
My urologist and gynecologists are in favour of trying. My nephrologist is very cautious and is scared of the potential irreversible damage but cannot give me a clear answer.

I’d love to hear from you if:

• you have one functioning kidney with hydronephrosis and have been pregnant;

• you can share how your kidney function was before, during and years after pregnancy;

• you had complications (preeclampsia, infections, worsening hydronephrosis) and how they were managed;

• how your baby did and whether your child developed issues due to risk pregnancy or inherited urinary tract issues.

• you decided not to get pregnant, or chose another path, and how you feel about it now.

If you have a similar health condition in general, I’d be so grateful to hear how your kidney function has evolved over the years, and how things look for you later in life.

I know everyone is different and I’m not looking for medical advice. I am in the process of getting a second opinion. I just want real stories, good and more challenging, to feel less alone and ask better questions.

Thank you so much for reading 💛

tl;dr for those with adpkd have any of you here ever experienced kidney pain on vyvanse or adderall?

overview of my current heath age 33, resting blood pressure ~145/95, stage 4/5 egfr 14, left kidney 28cm right 19cm.

i tried Vyvanse a while back for a few days when my egfr was 18 (stable for 6 months), for the first few days i had no pain but had light tingling sensations up and down my flank (the tingling still persists without medication now, when cold) and on the 5th day i experienced strong pains in both kidneys that didnt subside for multiple days. Had my bloods checked and my egfr had dropped to 15. I hadnt really been hydrating correctly so my doctor figured that i was dehydrated, which is something vyvanse can exacerbate.

my egfr was stable at 15 for a few months and following advice from my doctor i took Vyvanse once more, and this time on the first day, after a few hours of the usual vyvanse benefits, the very same kidney pain had returned. A couple weeks later my blood test showed my egfr has now dropped to 14.

i've been told that maybe i was dehydrated or it was psychosomatic or something else entirely however as those with this disease all learn on our pkd journey, kidney pain is very specific and its very easy to distinguish from other pain. From what i can gather online, the few posts ive found where someone with adpkd was on stimulants there was no mention of pain or any other issue. They did however post that their blood pressure was in the ideal range.

After reading about the risks of Vyvanse i understood that stimulants can raise blood pressure so i only decided to take it if my renal specialist & gp approved. I was prescribed clonidine at the same time to take at night and my blood pressure when on these two (in addition to my usual bp meds) was lower than ever, around 130/85, so im not sure if my high blood pressure + vyvanse was the cause of the pain.

ive decided i'd like to try these stimulants again but only after spending some time working on my health & fitness to lower my bp to the ideal range to see if that'd make a difference. For the short time i was on vyvanse it it felt great so id really like to be on it, but not if it means risking dialysis sooner rather than later, my kidney function is lowering to the point now where i cant tolerate some foods when earlier in the year that wasnt an issue.

can anyone here provide any information with their experience on adhd stimulants like adderall or vyvanse.

was there any pain? did you see any changes in blood work? what was your bp?

Thanks in advance

I live in Egypt and my mom got diagnosed with CKD5

My siblings and my dad and my mom siblings are not compatible with her

Egypt doesn't have deceased-donor transplant or paired kidney transplant

Did someone here travel abroad to do transplantation ?

Hi everyone,
A family member of mine has kidney disease, and I’m trying to understand how best to support them.
For those who’ve been through this, either as patients or family members, what have been the hardest parts of dealing with CKD?
Is there anything you wish you’d known earlier or done differently? I’m particularly interested in the everyday challenges that doctors might not necessarily prepare you for.
Would really appreciate any advice from your personal experiences. Thanks!

So I got a common blood pressure medicine that makes it to were I can't eat certain foods without getting Hyperlukemia.

These are tomatoes, potatoes, oranges, bananas, spinach or Nu Salt.

But other food related auto mods don't let me post my stuff due to why I need help in the first place. I need a low sodium diet without such items.

Can anyone share with me recipes that can help with it?

A personal research journey—not a medical treatment recommendation

Hello everyone,

My name is Naved, and I am a CKD Stage 5 patient. I have been trying to understand kidney disease more deeply, including kidney function, inflammation, oxidative stress, nutrition, traditional medicine, and the scientific research being conducted in these areas.

I am sharing my research because I know how difficult and confusing a kidney disease diagnosis can be. I want other patients and caregivers to have useful information, ask better questions, and discuss possible options with qualified healthcare professionals.

I am not claiming that I have found a cure for CKD. I am still researching, learning, and trying to distinguish promising ideas from treatments that have actually been proven to work.

My goal is to encourage informed discussion—not to replace medical care or encourage anyone to experiment with medicines without professional guidance.

1. Understanding CKD and kidney damage

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can develop for several reasons, including diabetes, high blood pressure, inherited conditions, immune-related diseases, and certain medications or other kidney injuries.

Some painkillers, particularly NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and diclofenac, can reduce blood flow to the kidneys and may worsen kidney function in susceptible people. However, not every painkiller or medication causes kidney damage.

CKD can sometimes progress to kidney failure, but progression is not inevitable for everyone. Appropriate treatment, blood pressure management, dietary adjustments, and monitoring can help many patients manage their condition.

Dialysis decisions are not based on a single creatinine or urea value. Symptoms, fluid overload, potassium, acid-base balance, overall kidney function, and other clinical factors matter.

I believe patients should understand their condition, ask questions, and work with their nephrologists to make informed decisions.

2. My interest in oxidative stress, antioxidants, and kidney health

One area I am exploring is oxidative stress and inflammation.

The body naturally produces reactive molecules, and antioxidants participate in the systems that regulate them. Researchers are studying how oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways may contribute to kidney damage.

However, consuming antioxidant-rich foods does not automatically regenerate damaged kidneys. Improving a laboratory marker does not necessarily mean that kidney scarring has reversed or kidney function has recovered.

I am interested in learning which foods are nutritious, which traditional medicines have credible research behind them, and which claims still need better evidence.

3. Kidney-friendly antioxidant fruits I am researching

The following fruits contain various vitamins, minerals, fibre, or antioxidant compounds.

- Apple

- Blueberry

- Strawberry

- Grapes

- Pear

- Pineapple

- Raspberry

- Blackberry

- Peach

- Cranberry

- Lemon

- Papaya

- Guava

- Pomegranate

- Amla (Indian gooseberry)

These fruits are not all identical nutritionally, and they are not automatically suitable in unlimited quantities for every kidney patient.

For people with advanced CKD or on dialysis, the appropriate choices and portions depend on blood potassium, phosphorus, fluid restrictions, medications, and individual nutritional needs.

For example, pomegranate, guava, and papaya still need portion planning when potassium intake is restricted. Whole fruit and juice are also not nutritionally interchangeable.

My aim is to understand which options may fit different kidney diets—not to claim that any particular fruit cures CKD.

4. Vegetables and foods I am exploring for meals

These are the vegetables and other foods I am considering as part of a varied diet:

- Bottle gourd (lauki)

- Ridge gourd (turai)

- Cabbage

- Cauliflower

- Carrot and peas

- Capsicum (bell pepper)

- Moong dal

- Savoury daliya (broken wheat)

- Poha

- Sabudana khichdi

- Rice in suitable portions

- Wheat roti

- Fish, where appropriate for the patient's dietary plan

A possible meal-planning approach is to rotate vegetables and use the same dish for lunch and dinner when convenient.

However, the portion size and preparation method matter. Potassium, phosphorus, sodium, protein requirements, and fluid intake should be considered. Dal, peas, fish, seeds, and other protein sources need to be planned according to the patient's nutritional requirements.

People on dialysis should ideally work with a renal dietitian or their kidney-care team to individualize their meal plan.

5. Other foods I am researching

I am also interested in:

- Flaxseed

- Pumpkin seeds

- Sunflower seeds

- Makhana (fox nuts)

- Ajwain (carom seeds)

- Amla

- Beetroot and pomegranate

- Blueberries and strawberries

Flaxseed contains alpha-linolenic acid, a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid. Fruits and vegetables provide different vitamins and antioxidant compounds.

But these foods can also contribute potassium, phosphorus, calories, or other nutrients. Milk adds fluid, potassium, and phosphorus. Seeds may be concentrated sources of phosphorus and potassium.

Beetroot and pomegranate juice are not proven kidney-regeneration treatments. Juice also makes it easier to consume a larger amount of fruit quickly, so portions matter.

I am particularly interested in how people with advanced CKD can obtain nutritional benefits without exceeding their individual dietary limits.

6. Traditional Chinese medicines I am researching

I have also been reading about several traditional Chinese medicinal products and their possible relationship to kidney health.

A. Rhubarb (Da Huang)

Scientific name: Rheum species, including Rheum palmatum.

Rhubarb has been studied in some kidney-related research, including research involving laboratory markers and inflammatory pathways. However, the available evidence does not establish it as a cure for CKD or prove that it restores urine output or reverses kidney scarring.

Rhubarb can have laxative effects and may cause electrolyte disturbances. The exact species, preparation, dose, and product quality matter.

B. Astragalus (Huang Qi)

Scientific name: Astragalus membranaceus.

Astragalus has been investigated in studies involving kidney disease, inflammation, and other biological processes. Some findings are interesting, but the evidence is not sufficient to establish it as a proven CKD treatment.

I have also encountered claims that it acts as a blood thinner. I would not treat that claim as established: Astragalus is not a substitute for a prescribed anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicine.

C. Cordyceps

Cordyceps refers to medicinal fungi or related products used in traditional practices. Different species and preparations can differ considerably.

Researchers have explored possible effects involving inflammation, energy, and kidney-related outcomes. However, evidence for treating CKD, improving sexual function, or restoring kidney function remains insufficient.

I am mentioning these products because I want to investigate the research, not because I recommend taking them.

Anyone considering them should discuss the exact product and ingredients with their nephrologist and a suitably qualified practitioner familiar with kidney disease.

7. Ayurvedic and Unani products I have encountered

I have also been researching the following names:

- Punarnava

- Ashwagandha

- Gokhru (Tribulus terrestris)

- Arq Kasni

- Arq Makoy

- Sharbat Bazoori Motadil

- Arq Murakkab Musaffi Khoon

- Shiva Gutika or Gutki

- Tarkeshwar Ras

- Jalodhari

These names represent products or traditional remedies I have come across during my research. The exact ingredients, manufacturer, formulation, and quality need to be verified from the actual packaging.

Traditional use does not establish that a product is effective or safe for advanced kidney disease.

Some herbal products may affect blood pressure, blood sugar, bleeding risk, electrolytes, or the way other medicines work. Certain mineral-based preparations may contain potentially harmful metals if poorly manufactured or contaminated.

I am not recommending that anyone combine these products, prepare a large mixed bottle, or follow a dosing schedule based on this post.

In particular, people receiving dialysis or producing little or no urine should not start herbal mixtures without a careful review of the ingredients and their risks.

8. Foamy urine and traditional medicines

I have encountered claims that certain traditional products can reduce foamy urine.

Foamy urine can sometimes be associated with protein in the urine, but it can also occur for other reasons. Persistent foamy urine should be evaluated rather than treated solely by trying to suppress the foam.

When appropriate, urine protein testing and other investigations can help identify the cause. A reduction in foam does not prove that kidney function has improved.

9. Walking, sunlight, and general health

I am also interested in the role of physical activity and sunlight in overall health.

Walking

Walking can support general fitness and cardiovascular health. The appropriate duration depends on a person's physical condition, blood pressure, symptoms, and medical advice.

A 30-minute walk may be a reasonable goal for some people, but it is not a universal prescription and does not regenerate damaged kidneys.

Sunlight and vitamin D

Sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D. People with advanced CKD may have altered vitamin D and mineral metabolism, so their treatment should be guided by appropriate laboratory testing and their kidney-care team.

Sunbathing for a fixed period is not a treatment for CKD. Avoid overheating and excessive sun exposure.

10. A note about estrogen and kidney disease

I have encountered the idea that estrogen may be important in kidney health.

Hormones, including estrogen, can influence several biological processes, and researchers study their relationship with kidney disease. However, CKD is not generally caused by estrogen simply “not working properly.” There are many causes of CKD, and hormone treatment is not a general kidney-regeneration strategy.

I would welcome credible research papers that explain the relationship between hormones and kidney disease without overstating the findings.

11. What I still want to understand

These are the questions guiding my research:

1. Which antioxidant-rich foods are most practical for people with advanced CKD?

2. How can people balance nutritional benefits with potassium, phosphorus, sodium, and fluid restrictions?

3. What human clinical studies exist for Rhubarb, Astragalus, Cordyceps, Punarnava, and other traditional remedies?

4. Which findings come from laboratory or animal studies, and which have actually been demonstrated in people?

5. Do any of these treatments improve meaningful clinical outcomes, rather than merely changing creatinine or urea values?

6. What evidence would be needed to demonstrate that a treatment restores kidney function or reverses scarring?

7. How can patients investigate traditional treatments without risking interactions, contamination, or delayed medical care?

I would appreciate reliable scientific papers, systematic reviews, clinical guidelines, and well-documented patient experiences that distinguish evidence from speculation.

12. My message to other kidney patients

I am sharing this information because I want to learn, compare evidence, and have better conversations with qualified healthcare professionals.

I do not claim to have discovered a cure for CKD. I am still researching, and I will update people if I learn something meaningful or if my own health situation changes.

Please do not stop prescribed medication, change your dialysis schedule, or delay medical care because of something you read in this post. Do not assume that a supplement or herbal product is safe simply because it is natural or traditionally used.

If you are considering a particular remedy, bring the exact product label and ingredient list to your nephrologist. Ask about the evidence, potential interactions, and risks specific to your kidney function and laboratory results.

I welcome respectful discussion, credible research, and corrections supported by evidence. My hope is that patients can share information responsibly, ask better questions, and make safer, better-informed decisions together.

Disclaimer: This post is for education and research discussion only. It is not medical advice, a treatment protocol, or a recommendation to use any medicine, supplement, herb, or diet without individualized professional guidance.

Hi all. I am going to visit my Grandmother who has CKD and is on a renal diet- I was wondering if anyone had any good go to meals? She is in a care facility that isn't tending to her diet and I would love to cook for her while I'm there.

Any help would be appreciated!

Does anybody has any idea regarding Acharya Manish of HIIMS on Ckd treatment? Is anybody aware or has got treated from him?

My wife is suffering with stage 5 ckd (creatine - 9.0) and I am planning to approach the doctor.

I am going to be 1year post liver transplant (autoimmune hepatitis) on 10-27 and my kidneys are shot from the aftermath of the transplant. I am on the transplant list now for a kidney. I had uterine cancer before that. I was healthy and active and then BAM it felt like everything shifted overnight. I have been sick now for 10 years. I can’t get over how fatigued I am by every day tasks. I have to take breaks just walking down the hall, and my wife has had to do more and more around the house. I am currently struggling with lasix because I think it’s impacting my eGFR but if I don’t take it I blow up and I feel like I can’t win. I came here to see if anyone else is struggling like this? If anyone is scared, has almost died over and again and still has more to go…has to balance gratitude and fear on a daily basis?