My creatinine levels have gone up, my GFR has gone down to 40.

Yes, anything over 60 is considered “normal” but definitely below average for 65 year old. And the proteinuria not a good thing especially as it was increasing (172 to 195 over 2 years).
I don’t think anyone knows if this is connected to MGUS or just aging kidneys.
I believe there’s chronic inflammation in my body and the turmeric reduced it. 🙌

Good for you. So you think the turmeric helped. Any special type of tea?? Wow, 64 to 71, amazing and so happy for you. I would be so happy to see my GFR numbers go up next week. I'm trying to drink 60 oz. of water since sometimes my urine output is slower than usual. Lord how I love talking about urinating. : ) I just may look into the turmeric and tea. Thanks so much for your information and take care. Nancy

@leslie2121 What is normal for us is what is normal for us. It is difficult for me to believe some of the charts that indicate if your are such and such an age, your eGFR should be this number! We all are unique, and have to keep in mind a range, not a specific value. We look at what our labwork tells us, and look at trends.

Increased proteinuria could be a result of a condition, but it could also be the result of too much intake of protein in our own case. I have to increase my intake because I am on dialysis. But at the same time, I have multiple myeloma [with no renal involvement], so it is a fine balancing act to watch that. Dehydration, intense exercise, stress, diet and even pregnancy can also be a cause of proteinuria! Wow, did you know that!?
Ginger

I take Thorne turmeric capsules and drink 1 single sip serving of Republic of Tea turmeric. I tend to stay hydrated- rarely drink a diet soda, but do love iced tea.

Aren’t our bodies amazing?

Do you have a nephrologist? How much water does your nephrologist say to drink? Anyone else? How much does your doctor say to drink? I just had radical nephrectomy on January 12. I see doctor on January 30. What questions would you ask?

I was followed by a nephrologist for a year but decided together to discontinue as there was nothing I was needing to do. Other than exercise, healthy Mediterranean diet, lose a little weight.
Limit alcohol, caffeine, sodas, which I already do.
Do you still have 1 kidney? Those are good questions for your doctor. How to protect renal function. I do know some drugs can damage kidneys so you will want to make sure anything you take is safe.

Hi Leslie,
Thank your information. I do have to exercise more and I have upped my water intake to about 60 ounces a day. I do have both kidneys, I have limited my coffee, I don't drink soda, I each little protein. My blood work this week will tell me how I'm doing by upping my water. My doctor thinks my numbers dropped because I may have been dehydrated and I knew I wasn't drinking as much as I should have been. Let's see what my blood work tells me. Thanks again! Nancy

Hello, I'm sorry but I don't know what a radical nephrectomy is. I am upping my water intake to as close to 64 ounces a day as I can. He thinks that drop in my GFR numbers was due to dehydration and I think he is correct. I know I wasn't drinking enough so up it I did. As far as questions my doctor is very thorough and goes through every number so I can understand things. I do watch my protein, (very careful with salt), no red meat, chicken and fish. Maybe make a list of your questions so that you don't forget anything that you are concerned about no matter how many questions you may have. I wish you good luck with your appointment and please update if you can. Take care! Nancy : )