Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 4 means that you have about 15-29% kidney function left. When you fall below 15%, that means it is time for renal replacement therapy such as dialysis.

Some of the sympthoms you are experiencing are not uncommon for someone heading towards ESRD (end-stage renal disease) (Stage 5). Some of which include:

• easy bleeding and bruising
• headache
• fatigue and drowsy feeling (more than normal or usual for you)
• weakness
• mental symptoms such as lowered mental alertness, trouble concentrating, confusion, seizures
• nausea, vomiting, and generally less desire to eat
• thirst
• muscle cramps, muscle twitching
• nocturia (night-time urination)
• numb sensation in the extremities
• diarrhea
• itchy skin, itchy eyes
• skin colour changes (grayish complexion, sometimes yellowish-brownish tone)
• swelling and puffiness (more than you had while in advanced renal failure, and most likely in the feet and/or ankles)
• difficulty breathing (due to fluid in the lungs, anemia)
• high blood pressure
• decreased sexual interest
• changes in menstrual cycle (and difficulty getting pregnant)
• decreased urine output (however, you should be aware that some people with ESRD will continue to get rid of water as urine, but not wastes - therefore, the urine may be very clear and normal-looking, and some may have increased urine output rather than decreased).
• poor digestion (varying degrees of gastroparesis).

With your advanced disease, you need to be asking these questions to and taking advice from your physicans instead of this forum. Good luck.

tiny_suzy,

I appreciate you filling me in on the varying symptoms of someone with my level of kidney failure.

I also appreciate your advice about asking these questions to and taking advice from my physician instead of this forum.

However, my family doctor left this area recently and the nephrologist I consulted with charges a very high fee for consultation...I have no insurance...I'm sure you understand my situation.

Again...thank you so much for filling me in and letting me know that I can expect these things as I advance into kidney failure.

Jan55,

You have around 29% kidney function left which is still a great deal. The reason you want to be under the care of a nephrologist is with proper medical management, you may be able to delay (or even stall) the progression of the disease. This could give you additional months/years of living dialysis-free.

I understand your finanical situation. I don't know where you are located but if you are in the United States, contact one of these organizations below. They may be able to help you and/or direct you to resources that maybe able to help.

American Association of Kidney Patients: www.aakp.org

National Kidney Foundation: www.kidney.org

tiny_suzi,

Thanks sooooooooooooooo much! I'll contact them, tomorrow.

I was really worried about the dizzy spells...you just never know when they are going to happen! I was driving one day with my daughter (14 years old) in the car when suddenly, I couldn't see!

Although my creatnine level has remained at around 1.9 for the past two years, I have no swelling in my legs or ankles (just my abdomen).

I truly appreciate your help...thanks so very much.