Kidneys on the Clock: What You Need to Know About Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
- Chronic Candor
- Jul 13
- 4 min read
🚨 Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you’re experiencing symptoms or concerned about your kidney health, please reach out to a licensed healthcare provider or nephrologist.
💡 So, What Is Chronic Kidney Disease?
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is when your kidneys—those bean-shaped, blood-filtering superheroes—start losing their ability to filter waste from your blood over time. Think of it as your internal water filter breaking down slowly. When they stop doing their job well, toxins build up in your system, and that can lead to serious health problems.
Over 37 million Americans live with CKD—and many don’t even know it.
The 5 Stages of CKD (And What They Actually Mean)
Your doctor will talk a lot about your GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate)—a number that shows how well your kidneys are working. Here’s a quick breakdown:
🟢 Stage 1: Mild Kidney Damage (GFR ≥ 90)
You still have normal kidney function, but there might be early signs of damage (like protein in your urine).⚠️ Symptoms: Usually none.✅ Action: Monitor regularly and manage conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.
🟡 Stage 2: Mild Loss (GFR 60–89)
Still no major symptoms, but kidney function is slightly declining.⚠️ Symptoms: Fatigue may start creeping in.✅ Action: Stick to kidney-friendly habits and keep chronic conditions in check.
🟠 Stage 3: Moderate Loss (GFR 30–59)
This is where people start to notice changes.⚠️ Symptoms: Swelling, back pain, fatigue, changes in urination.✅ Action: Time to see a nephrologist and take kidney protection seriously.
🔴 Stage 4: Severe Loss (GFR 15–29)
Your kidneys are struggling big time.⚠️ Symptoms: Nausea, anemia, bone pain, fatigue.✅ Action: Prep for dialysis or transplant.
⚫ Stage 5: Kidney Failure (GFR <15)
This is end-stage renal disease (ESRD).⚠️ Symptoms: Breathing issues, confusion, vomiting, extreme weakness.✅ Action: Dialysis or transplant is needed to live.
🚨 Common Symptoms of CKD
Early CKD might sneak up silently, but as it progresses, here are some things to watch for:
Swollen feet or face
Foamy or bloody urine
Constant fatigue
Trouble sleeping or concentrating
Nausea or poor appetite
Muscle cramps or itching
🧪 How Is CKD Diagnosed?
Diagnosing CKD isn’t complicated, but it takes the right tests:
Blood test (to check your GFR & creatinine levels)
Urine test (to detect protein or blood)
Imaging (like an ultrasound or CT scan)
Biopsy (only if absolutely necessary)
🛠 Treatment Options: Slowing Down the Damage
While there’s no cure for CKD, you can slow it down or manage it well with:
Medication: Blood pressure meds, phosphate binders, meds for anemia
Diet: Low-sodium, low-potassium, low-phosphorus foods
Lifestyle: Daily movement, stress management, and avoiding NSAIDs (like ibuprofen)
Mental Health Support: Therapy and support groups help cope with the emotional load
💉 Dialysis: The Backup Crew for Your Kidneys
When your kidneys can’t do their job, dialysis steps in. It’s a way to remove waste and excess fluid from your blood.
🏥 Type 1: Hemodialysis (HD)
Your blood is pumped out, cleaned by a machine, and returned to your body.
How often? 3 times a week, 3–5 hours each session
Where? Dialysis center or at home
Access types:
Fistula: Best long-term, lowest infection risk
Graft: For weaker veins
Catheter: Temporary, higher infection risk
🏡 Type 2: Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)
Instead of using a machine to filter blood, this uses your peritoneum (the lining of your abdomen) as a natural filter.
How? Dialysis fluid goes in through a belly catheter, sits, then drains out
Types:
CAPD: Manual exchanges throughout the day
CCPD/APD: Done overnight with a machine
Quick Comparison:
🔄 From Dialysis to Transplant: The Next Step
A kidney transplant may offer more freedom and a better quality of life than long-term dialysis.
👣 Steps to a Transplant:
Evaluation: Doctors test you to see if you're a good candidate.
Waitlist or Living Donor: You can be matched with a deceased donor or receive a kidney from a living one (usually a relative or friend).
Surgery: New kidney is placed in your lower abdomen.
Post-op Care: Lifelong medications are needed to prevent organ rejection.
✅ Why choose transplant? More energy, fewer diet restrictions, no dialysis, and a longer life expectancy.
🧠 Mental Health Matters
CKD doesn’t just affect your body—it can shake up your emotional world too. Many patients experience:
Depression
Anxiety
Brain fog
Sleep problems
Isolation
Support groups, therapy, and honest conversations are vital. You don’t have to go through this alone.
🌿 Lifestyle Tips for Healthier Kidneys
Small changes can make a big difference:
✅ Drink water (but follow fluid limits if you're on dialysis)
🧂 Lower your sodium intake
💪 Stay active (even light exercise counts)
🍽 Eat kidney-friendly meals
🚭 Quit smoking and cut back on alcohol
🧘🏾♀️ Practice stress-reducing habits like yoga or meditation
💬 Final Thoughts
CKD is a serious diagnosis—but it doesn’t define you. With knowledge, care, and community, you can live a full lifewhile managing your condition. Catching it early gives you the best shot at slowing its progression and avoiding dialysis altogether.
👉 Stay empowered. Ask questions. Make a plan. And above all, take care of your whole self—mind, body, and spirit.
🌀 Need support? Follow @chroniccandor on Instagram and/or @chroniccandorblog on TikTok for more chronic illness advocacy, real talk, and healing inspiration.
Sources Cited:
National Kidney Foundation (www.kidney.org)
American Kidney Fund (www.kidneyfund.org)
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Mayo Clinic