Kidney Disease Treatment in India

Ishaan Ali, a 58-year-old restaurant owner,...

Ishaan Ali, a 58-year-old restaurant owner, had managed his type 2 diabetes for years but struggled with consistency. Over several months, he experienced overwhelming fatigue, persistent puffiness around his eyes, and foamy urine. A routine check-up revealed dangerously high blood pressure and elevated creatinine levels. His primary doctor referred him to a nephrologist, Dr. Chen, who diagnosed him with Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Dr. Chen recommended an aggressive conservative management plan to delay dialysis, including strict blood pressure control with specific medications, a renal diet low in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus, and tighter diabetes management. Ishaan found the dietary changes incredibly challenging, mourning the loss of foods central to his culture and livelihood. He felt angry at his past self and fearful of the future. After six months of diligent effort, his kidney function stabilized. While not cured, the progression halted. Ishaan felt a profound sense of hard-won control and hope. He now sees his diet as an act of self-care, not deprivation, and has become an advocate for early screening in his community.