One little Question

[Jean]

My last 2 visits to my neph, 3 months apart, I told him my ankles were swelling just a little in the evenings. I am stage 4 and not on dialysis yet. Suddenly, my ankles are beginning to swell, quite noticeably, during the day. I dont have an appointment with him until May 28th. Do you think I should call and get the date moved forward? My last GFR was 24.

[galvo]

Yes.

[Quickfeet]

Call them for sure. They might have you get some blood tests. Good luck.

[Stoday]

Par for the course Jean. You'll probably be given Lasix.

It'll get worse. I used to be in control with 2 Lasix per day, but it's got out of hand in the last couple of months.

[Rerun]

Yes, you don't need to suffer.  They can give you something.

And watch your salt.

[paris]

Don't worry too much, Jean.  It is all part of it.  I take Lasix now and it has made a big difference.  I use to refer to my legs as "elephant legs".  The ankles disappear!  The Lasix helps get the excess fluid out of you (just don't take it before going to bed!)  My neph has always checked my ankles from the very first visit.  I also wear compresson hose when I know I am going to be on my feet for a long time.   Talk to you neph. He will help you. 

[bountyhunter_ga]

My friend before I started Dialysis,I was fishing up in Alaska for two weeks, my legs looked terrible and I barely had the energy to fish. and by all means don't eat any chiness food that will send you in orbit. There are a lot of other problems when you start your dialysis but try to handle one crisis at a time,don't let this crap overload you.

[Jean]

Thanks to all of you for your prompt and helpful replies. I will call him and see. Still in the " I dont know if this is important enough to call the Dr. with " stage.

[Tracy]

I am stage 5 KD and I started gaining weight on the scale,not really in my ankles.  My Neph had already had me on 40 mg of Lasix once a day.  Now I take 80 in am and 80 in pm.  It has helped pull some of the water off me, but my hands still look a little puffy some days.  I would call your Neph today and see if you can get in a little earlier.  My Neph asked to see me once a month.  Maybe you need to start going a little more often?  I don't know.  That is just what my situation is.  Good Luck 

[MooseMom]

Yes, call him and give him the chance to help you.  He can't see your ankles through the ether.  Doctors rely on their patients to give them the information they need to solve problems.  With chronic conditions like CKD, it is important to tell your neph about new symptoms and concerns.  You've been dealing with this disease long enough for you to be able to trust your instincts, and they are telling you that something has changed and needs attention.  Let us know what he says!

[Jean]

A big thank you to all of my smart friends. I was amazed, I actually got thru to his nurse, without having to leave voice mail and she actually called me back the same day. So, its 40mg Lasix every other day as needed. Bummer, I was hoping to not have to have Lasix, cus I wanted to work on my tan this summer. Oh, the sacrifices one must make for ones health. 
Thanks Again all of you.