MyKidneyDiseaseCenter

Unfortunately, the search results don't contain specific information about chickpeas and tahini in relation to kidney disease. For accurate guidance about these specific foods, it would be best to:

1. Consult with your nephrologist or renal dietitian
2. Have them review your current lab values
3. Consider your specific dietary restrictions
4. Get personalized recommendations based on your stage of kidney disease While waiting for professional guidance, focus on foods that are known to be kidney-friendly. Some safe options include:

- Egg whites for protein
- Low-potassium vegetables like cabbage and radishes
- Eggplant (naturally low in sodium, potassium, protein, and phosphorus)
- Cauliflower (good source of vitamin C and fiber)

MyKidneyDiseaseCenter

Question: What can cause pinkish color spots just above the lunula of your nail?

In people with kidney disease, nail changes like this are fairly common. The most notable condition is called "half-and-half nails" or Lindsay's nails, where the bottom portion near the lunula appears white while the upper portion shows pink, red, or brown discoloration. These color changes may be related to:
- Anemia causing the white bands at the bottom
- Increased melanin production due to elevated urea levels causing darker bands
- Changes in blood vessels under the nail

It's important to note that these nail changes can occur even with mild kidney impairment and may not improve with treatments like dialysis.

MyKidneyDiseaseCenter

How can chronic infections affect kidney health?

Chronic infections can weaken the immune system in people with kidney disease, making them more susceptible to complications. Several factors contribute to this increased vulnerability:

• Age (particularly in those over 75)
• Use of immunosuppressive medications
• Malnutrition
• Dialysis treatments When the immune system is compromised, it can lead to inflammation that damages the kidneys' filtering units (glomeruli). This inflammation can cause:

• Reduced urine output
• Fluid retention and swelling
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Breathing difficulties

Early recognition and management of infections is crucial to prevent further kidney damage.

MyKidneyDiseaseCenter

Based on the search results provided, there is not enough specific information about amyloid classification in kidney disease to provide an accurate answer. To properly address this question, additional medical information about amyloid in the context of kidney disease would be needed.

It would be best to discuss this specific question with your nephrologist who can explain how amyloid relates to your individual kidney condition and treatment plan.

MyKidneyDiseaseCenter

Fatigue after dialysis is a common experience. Your body is going through an intensive process that requires significant energy. During dialysis, your blood is being filtered and cleaned, which can be physically demanding on your system.

Some key factors that contribute to post-dialysis fatigue include:
• The filtering process itself requires energy from your body
• Your body needs time to adjust to changes in fluid and mineral levels
• You may need more calories than usual to maintain energy To help manage fatigue:
• Allow yourself extra rest time after treatments
• Make sure you're eating enough calories to support your body's needs
• Talk to your healthcare team about your symptoms
• Keep track of your energy levels to identify patterns

Remember that it's okay to take things slower and give your body the time it needs to recover between treatments.

MyKidneyDiseaseCenter

Unfortunately the provided search results don't contain information about Social Security benefits eligibility for people with end-stage renal failure. However, this is an important question that deserves a proper answer.

It would be best to:
1. Contact your nephrologist or social worker for guidance
2. Visit the Social Security Administration website (www.ssa.gov)
3. Call the Social Security Administration directly at 1-800-772-1213
4. Speak with a disability attorney who specializes in kidney disease cases What we do know from the search results is that end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is Stage 5 kidney disease, defined by kidney function (eGFR) less than 15%. This severe level of kidney dysfunction typically requires dialysis or transplant for survival, which can significantly impact a person's ability to work.

MyKidneyDiseaseCenter

White nails (leukonychia) can occur at various stages of kidney disease and is particularly common in people who have received kidney transplants. The appearance of white nails isn't necessarily tied to a specific stage of kidney disease.

One specific type of white nail change called Muehrcke's lines appears as horizontal pairs of white lines across the nail, parallel to the half-moon shape at the base of the nail (lunula). It's important to note that nail changes may take time to develop. Some people with kidney disease may not notice changes right away, and it could be several years before visible nail changes occur. If you notice changes in your nails, it's best to discuss them with your healthcare provider as they could be related to various aspects of kidney disease including anemia, calcium regulation issues, or nutritional factors.

MyKidneyDiseaseCenter

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progresses through 5 stages, measured by your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine tests. Here's a breakdown:

Stage 1: Normal eGFR (90+) with signs of kidney damage
Stage 2: eGFR 60-89, minimal symptoms
Stage 3a: eGFR 45-59, noticeable symptoms begin
Stage 3b: eGFR 30-44, moderate to severe damage
Stage 4: eGFR 15-29, severe damage
Stage 5: eGFR below 15, kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant Your current lifestyle choices could impact kidney health. Making positive changes now is important. Consider these steps:

- Reduce processed foods and sugary drinks
- Increase water intake
- Add fruits and vegetables to your diet
- Start gentle exercise
- Regular medical check-ups
- Monitor UTI symptoms

Early detection is key - schedule a kidney function test with your healthcare provider to check your eGFR and urine protein levels, especially given your UTI history.

MyKidneyDiseaseCenter

When living with kidney disease, it's important to be mindful of protein intake since eating more protein than your body needs can increase kidney dysfunction. It's recommended to cut back on high-fat meats and focus instead on leaner options.

Some kidney-friendly protein options include:
- Fresh fish (avoiding raw fish if you have end-stage renal disease)
- Lean cuts of meat in moderation
- Plant-based proteins like beans and nuts (in controlled portions) Important tips:
- Avoid processed meats like pepperoni, ham, sausages, and hot dogs as they're high in sodium
- Limit deli meats due to high phosphorus content
- Work with a registered dietitian nutritionist to determine the right amount of protein for your specific situation

MyKidneyDiseaseCenter

While the search results don't specifically mention avocados, it's important to note that people with kidney disease need to be mindful of potassium intake. Since avocados are high in potassium, you should consult with your kidney specialist or dietitian about whether they can fit into your personal meal plan.

Some lower-potassium alternatives for healthy fats include:
- Cauliflower
- Eggplant
- Radishes
- Cabbage (boiled with water discarded if on potassium restriction) Remember that dietary needs can vary significantly between individuals with kidney disease. What works for one person may not work for another. Your healthcare team can provide personalized guidance based on your specific kidney function and lab values.