Type 4/5 Kidney disease, but no dialysis

[Tege]

In 2007 I was diagnosed with type 4/5 kidney disease during pregnancy.  I had severe edema and swelled from 190-265 in a matter three days.  I also have lupus, so that even complicated thing further.  They were unsure whether it was a lupus flare, pre eclampsia or kidney disease.  They assumed pre eclampsia and I was forced to have the baby or they said we both would die.  I loss my son in the process.  Any way, after being released from the hospital I was put on cytoxan from July 2007-January 2008.  And regain normal kidney function.  My question is this, if my kidney disease was so drastic, why was I not put on dialysis which is the seemingly normal treatment to types 4 and five?  And Also I am now wondering do I really have type 4 or 5 kidney disease.  When I got the normal function test results, I was not even taking the meds!!!  I am really confused and wonder if someone else has had this issue.  Am I the only person with type 4/5 kidney disease who is no under dialysis treatment?

[7cat7]

Hello,

I also have Stage IV CKD, am not on dialysis, see a nephrologist, take a
slew of medicines, follow a mostly renal diet, have severe edema, chronic gout, atrial fibrillation, when my potassium becomes too imbalanced, and
other complications, due to renal failure.

I receive Procrit injections to increase my hematocrit and hemoglobin levels in my blood since my kidneys no longer do that function. I have other major diseases, including diabetes, that prevent my kidney doctors from prescribing certain medicines that conflict with these other diseases.

[702Sandra]

I also am in late stage 4 failure. I've been in this stage for the last 8 yrs. I have never been on dialysis. I stick to a pretty strict renal diet (low phosphorus, potassium and sodium, low cholesterol and watch triglycerides).. Take tums with my meals (as a medication) and renal vitamins. I see my nephrologist every 3 months. I do have certain side effects from my kidney disease-

I have a couple of friends who are on dialysis. Reasons I really don't want to be on dialysis?. It's very draining on the body- people are usually exhausted between treatments, There is risk of infection. It can lead to frequent hospitalizations.

Write me if you'd like to talk about it. I've never met anyone else in stage 4 (like me) who isn't on dialysis. I lead a productive life.  I hope this helps a little. Hang in there it's not the end!

[missblondi66]

Hi,
sorry for your loss....
I am in stage 3-4 renal failure, closer to the 4....
I also probably developed FSGS during my pregnancy, but they did not catch the failure until about 6 years ago.  I have not had to go on dialysis, but I am on a slew of meds.  The best thing that you can do is keep having repeat tests...I would recommend finding a good nephrologist to do a work up.  In the mean time I would also watch your animal proteins as for someone in renal failure that is very important...I can eat no more than 4 ounces of meat a day...(I learned that from the Mayo clinic in Jacksonville).