A new diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but you're already doing the right thing by asking questions! Stage 3 CKD is a manageable stage, and many people live well with it.
To answer your question — yes, CKD typically affects both kidneys, since it's a systemic condition related to how the kidneys filter blood overall. Stage 3 Show Full Answer
A new diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but you're already doing the right thing by asking questions! Stage 3 CKD is a manageable stage, and many people live well with it.
To answer your question — yes, CKD typically affects both kidneys, since it's a systemic condition related to how the kidneys filter blood overall. Stage 3 is split into two parts based on your eGFR (a measure of how well your kidneys filter waste):
- Stage 3a — eGFR between 45–59 (mild to moderate damage)
- Stage 3b — eGFR between 30–44 (moderate damage)
At this stage, dialysis or a transplant aren't needed, but taking action now really matters.
Some symptoms to watch for include:
- Swelling in the face, hands, or feet
- Feeling tired or weak
- Changes in urination (more or less than usual)
- Foamy or darker urine
- Muscle cramps or trouble sleeping
As one MyKidneyDiseaseTeam member shared, being diagnosed with stage 3 CKD and watching it diligently helped them keep it stable over many years — which is really encouraging!
If any symptoms feel urgent before your appointment, don't wait — reach out to your doctor's office sooner.
July 21
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