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You’re walking out of the doctor’s office with a stage one chronic kidney disease (CKD) diagnosis. Your mind starts to spiral with questions: Will it get worse? What changes do I need to make right now? What will my life look like with CKD? While you might not feel physically different, knowing that something could be wrong with your kidneys makes every choice you make about food, water intake, and stress levels feel much heavier.
If you’ve just been diagnosed with stage 1 CKD, it’s natural to feel anxious and uncertain. But knowledge is power, and understanding what this diagnosis means can help you regain control over your health. Let’s take a closer look at what this diagnosis means for you, how to manage your health, and most importantly, how to manage the anxiety that can come with it.
Knowledge Is Power
One of the most important things to know about chronic kidney disease is that it doesn’t always progress. In fact, with the proper steps, you can stop the progression or at least slow it down significantly. The more informed you are about your condition, the less likely you are to let fear and uncertainty dictate your health decisions.
Here are a few key steps you can take to help manage stage 1 CKD:
Step 1: Monitor Kidney Function Regularly
Regular monitoring of your kidney function is crucial for catching any potential changes early. This can be done through blood and urine tests, measuring levels like your glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and albumin levels. Regular check-ups will help you and your doctor stay ahead of any issues.
Step 2: Adopt a Kidney-Friendly Diet
A well-balanced, kidney-friendly diet can help you maintain your kidney health. This typically involves reducing your sodium, potassium, and phosphorus intake while increasing your consumption of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Working with a dietitian can help you craft a personalized meal plan supporting kidney health while addressing your tastes and needs.
Step 3: Manage Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar
High blood pressure and diabetes are two of the leading causes of kidney disease progression. Managing both conditions through medication, diet, exercise, and regular doctor visits can significantly reduce your risk of kidney damage. Keeping your blood pressure and blood sugar levels within a healthy range is vital for protecting your kidneys.
Health Anxiety That Keeps Us Up At Night
When you’re diagnosed with CKD, a flood of overwhelming questions can take over your mind. Let’s address some of the most common concerns that keep people up at night.
Does Stage 1 Kidney Disease Always Progress?
No, stage 1 kidney disease does not always progress. In many cases, with proper lifestyle changes, the progression can be halted or slowed. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and controlling blood pressure are essential to prevent further kidney damage.
Can You Stop the Progression of Kidney Disease?
Yes, you can slow or even stop the progression of kidney disease by taking proactive measures such as making dietary changes, staying hydrated, managing underlying conditions (like high blood pressure and diabetes), and avoiding smoking and excess alcohol consumption. The earlier you address the disease, the better your chances of keeping it from progressing.
Should I Be Worried About Kidney Disease?
While it’s natural to feel concerned, worry alone won’t help your situation. Being proactive about your health and following your doctor’s recommendations can greatly reduce the risks associated with CKD. Focusing on a healthy lifestyle and getting regular check-ups can empower you to manage your condition and alleviate some of the fear.
How Long Can You Live With Stage 1 CKD?
Stage 1 CKD is the earliest and most manageable stage, meaning that many people with this stage of CKD live long, healthy lives. It’s important to understand that with proper management, kidney function can remain stable for years, even decades. Your prognosis depends on how well you take care of your kidneys moving forward.
How Quickly Does CKD Worsen?
The progression of CKD varies greatly from person to person. In some cases, CKD may progress slowly over several years, while in others, it may progress more quickly. The key is early intervention, regular monitoring, and lifestyle changes that can slow or prevent the worsening of the disease.
What Are Signs of Dying From Kidney Failure?
In advanced stages of kidney failure, symptoms may include fatigue, swelling in the legs and ankles, changes in urination, shortness of breath, and confusion. However, it’s important to remember that stage 1 CKD is early in the disease, and with proper treatment, most people do not reach this point.
How Does Kidney Disease Affect Mental Health?
A CKD diagnosis can take a toll on your mental health, leading to feelings of anxiety, stress, and even depression. It’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed by the uncertainty of the future or by the lifestyle changes that come with the diagnosis. Seeking support from a therapist or counselor who specializes in chronic illness can be incredibly helpful.
Seeking Therapy
Therapy can be a great tool to help you navigate the mental and emotional challenges of living with chronic illness. A therapist who specializes in chronic illness can help you develop coping strategies for stress, anxiety, and depression and guide you in the early stages of a CKD diagnosis.
Companies like Alma can help you find licensed therapists from a large, diverse pool of providers specializing in the right type of therapy.
Advocate for Yourself
A stage 1 CKD diagnosis can be overwhelming, but it's early and manageable. By educating yourself, staying proactive, and making lifestyle changes, you can often prevent CKD progression. Address health anxiety by focusing on the tools available to keep your kidneys healthy.
If anxiety feels unmanageable, remember you're not alone—resources and support are available to help you through both the physical and emotional aspects of CKD. With the right approach, you can live a long, healthy life despite your diagnosis.