In this late stage of CKD, it is important to do everything to slow down the progression through to complete kidney failure. If the kidney fails, that means if the function of the kidney is reduced to less than about 10 to 15% of the normal kidney function, the loss must be replaced by dialysis or a kidney transplant. The exact GFR when to start dialysis depends on many factors (e.g. underlying kidney disease, malnutrition, uraemic symptoms etc.). Please follow your doctor’s advice.
Stage 3b CKD
Stage 3 CKD is divided into stage 3a and stage 3b. Stage 3b belongs to the late stage of CKD. A person with stage 3b CKD has moderate kidney damage and the GFR is at 30-44 ml/min.
Common symptoms that can appear in this CKD stage can include low blood count, malnutrition, bone pain, tingling or numbness of nerves, difficulties in concentrating and a generally reduced sense of well-being.
Stage 4 CKD
At stage 4 CKD, the kidney has advanced damage leading to a GFR of only 15-30 ml/min. In addition to the symptoms mentioned before, some of the most common symptoms in stage 4 CKD are bone disease, restless legs, itchy skin and anaemia. Anaemia means that you have a shortage of red blood cells which can cause fatigue, difficulties when trying to concentrate, loss of appetite, swelling, especially in the legs and around the eyes, shortness of breath and pale skin.
Stage 5 CKD
A person with stage 5 CKD has kidney damage resulting in a decreased GFR of 15 ml/min or less. The kidneys have lost almost all their ability to work efficiently. Eventually, the kidney disease has reduced the kidneys’ functions to a level where a replacement therapy becomes necessary.
