Wow Susan, I noticed the date of your post. I really wonder if anyone is actually here. I got CKD from taking lithium and never having blood drawn. By the time I had some blood work done ( for another reason), damage had been done.

i have been at stage 3 for about 5 years now. I just had an appointment with my kidney doctor and he encouraged me to keep my blood pressure down, keep my weight at a good number and follow the diet I was on . I have high potassium in my blood, so can't eat foods high in potassium . There's a list of about 20 foods that I cannot have.

I have also been diagnosed with osteopenia- another kidney disease byproduct. Osteopenia is the first step to osteoporosis. The phosphorus in my blood ( that the kidneys aren't filtering ) is leaching calcium from my bones. Of course the answer is to get as much calcium in my system as possible. It's a catch 22 because the calcium will cause the phosphorus level to rise. So instead of increasing calcium, I"m decreasing it. I'm on a diet that is low in phosphorus, and one of the main things to avoid are milk products.

Dr Nepal also told me to stay Away from herbal supplements of all kinds, and only take tylenol for pain- no ibuprofen. ( I had known about tylenol) . He said it was important that I stay hydrated , so drink a good amount of water. I drink a lot of water because I have thin teeth and a dry mouth due to medicines , so I know i'm hydrated.

Well I think i may have addressed some of your questions. It's going to be interesting to see if you respond, or if you've given up on this group! - Holly