Hi Jane, Sorry I misunderstood your stage. III b is 3b. Diet, fluids, symptoms etc. can vary with each stage. Stage IV is quite different from 3a & 3b. I agree either way the post on this page encouraging you to call the kidney dr. to be seen soon, not next Feb.
There are many great resources here & Fresenius & National Kidney Foundation are very helpful. Not sure if it’s available, but you should be on a special diet, esp. low sodium & no processed foods. Check with your dr as to how much water you should drink as it varies by stage. Does your insurance offer a renal management program with a renal nurse & dietitian?
Finally, unless you are stable in your numbers on lab work results, at stage 4 you should be going for lab work every 3-4 months & following up with your kidney doctor.
Be good to yourself! Judi in VA

Hi Jeanne, Why must you wait 9 months to see the kidney dr.? Doesn’t sound right. I’d find another nephrologist. I see mine or his PA every 3 months. Be well. Judi

Thank you. I am going to do dialysis for 3 months, then re-access.

Have you discussed dialysis with your kidney dr.? It saves lives. I improved from stage 5 to stage 3a where I’ve remained since 2023 after triple bypass. I figure it this way: I can receive dialysis 3x weekly for a while & feel tired those days or do nothing & kidneys worsen, feel like sleeping 24/7, unable to do anything. When kidneys improve, so do symptoms or occurrence of related medical issues like anemia, vitamin D deficiency, bone loss, hyperPTH, hyperkalemia, etc. Wish you well! Regards, Judi

Hi, Yes, I had 3 months of dialysis after one kidney was destroyed & the other damaged due to lack of oxygen & blood flow during an emergency aortic dissection. I dreaded dialysis 3x weekly at 3-hr sessions but was able to stop after 3 months & saved my kidney. I’ve managed to stay at stage 3a-b with proper diet. I hope this works for you. Please contact me if you have any questions.