There are five stages to kidney disease. You can find out what stage you’re in by testing:
Depending on your stage of kidney disease, your test result will vary. There will also be different ways to manage your health. While everyone’s experience of kidney disease is unique, we’ve prepared some guidelines on what you can expect below.
You may not know you have early-stage kidney disease, as you feel completely normal. This is because there are no obvious signs. If you’re unsure, speak to your doctor. Your eGFR result will be 60-90 or more.
This stage is when you are most likely to be diagnosed with kidney disease. This is because you may start to feel unwell as the waste in your body increases and your blood pressure rises. Your eGFR result will be 15-59.
If you are diagnosed, your doctor will recommend making changes. For example, you may start taking tablets to lower your blood pressure and be asked to check your levels regularly. You may be asked to increase physical activity and reduce your salt and sugar intake, too. It may be best to avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Nurofen and Voltaren and will need to speak to your doctor before starting any new medication (including vitamins and natural or herbal supplements). Everyone experiences kidney disease differently and there is no one-size-fits-all to treatment.
Even with the best management, kidney disease can sometimes lead to kidney failure, which can be life threatening. Patients with kidney failure require dialysis or a kidney transplant to stay alive. Your eGFR result will be less than 15.
During this stage, it’s normal to feel tired, sad or fearful. But with appropriate treatment, it’s still possible to continue to live a fulfilling life. Surround yourself with others that can support you, both physically and emotionally.
No matter what stage you’re at, being aware of how you feel, along with effective management, can slow the progress of kidney disease and reduce the chance of other complications.
If you’d like to know more, Kidney Health Australia is here for support. You can call our Kidney Helpline and speak to a health professional on 1800 454 363 between 9am-5pm Australian Eastern Standard Time. It’s a free call.
