If your nephrologist says it's okay, why are you concerned? I've been given the okay by my nephrologist to take Claritin as needed for "allergies" (I don't have any, but spring in DC can be miserable for anyone!).

Low sodium is a good idea for everyone, 1500 mg being the goal (don't aim for lower as you can go too low). Even the AMA and FDA is looking at recommending 1500 mg as the limit for the entire population, regardless of health status, so you're good to go there.

In terms of protein, there's always going to be some controversy, especially when it comes to PKD, as there have been no definitive studies that prove beyond a doubt that decreased protein intake slow the disease progression. But then again, the only study that was done was 3 years long, a blip in time for PKD patients. And when you say you're following a low protein diet, it's important to know how much protein you ARE getting. What are you eating and how much protein (from actual protein sources, not the 1 or 2 grams you get from regular vegetables)? Protein is essential to maintaining muscle mass and metabolism. If you don't get enough protein, your body will start breaking down your muscles (and that includes your heart) to get enough protein. So please, provide some more information about what your definition of a low-protein diet is so we can help you refine/define what is safe and what isn't. Protein sources include meat, dairy, eggs, legumes (beans, lentils), peas, and the like. Please let us know about the diet; it's important to stay as healthy as possible!

Hope the Claritin and Flonase help with yoru allergies; post nasal drip and a runny nose sounds miserable!

Gentle hugs,
Ruth

I'm also stage 3 now, and have had perennial allergic rhinitis for about 15 years. I've been using a nasal spray under medical supervision for about 12 years, and life would be miserable without it. I take the minimum dose (one spray per nostril per day), and it just about keeps it at an acceptable level. I've been using Flixonase (contains fluticasone), but am about to try Nasonex (mometasone) instead,as recommended by my son's ENT consultant. I'm told that long term use is fine, because the dose of steroid is so low. Hope this helps.

Chewitt

I took Claritin for years. I now take Zyrtec. I found it more effective for me. Both had the blessing of my nephrologist. I too am stage 3. I never had any luck with Flonase.