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GFR dropped 5 more points and I don't know why.
HI all, I got some blood work today and I was actually expecting the results to be good, or at least stable. My GFR dropped from 59 to 54 in 2 months. I have lost 20 pounds and my sugars are within normal limits. So sad.
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Fluctuations do happen. Our kidneys respond to a lot of factors.
If I have a lot of exercise it cause a drop , if I am not hydrated well for the days prior it can drop, if I overeat protein the day or two before it can drop, if I am under a lot of stress that affects it as well, even eating too many carbs affects my levels ... and aging can affect it as well... but then it
can bounce back. One drop is not concerning if it bounces back. It's the average that is really telling. So paying attention to some of your lifestyle factors can help you identify what is happening. I would just identify a healthy diet you enjoy, stay hydrated with water, limit caffeine, dont use NSAIDS, get some gentle exercise, spend time daily outdoors, and write your questions down for the next appointment to help relieve some stress. I dont think your doctors are allowing you to fail, I think they are just trying to monitor and not overreact to a test that does fluctuate. You can Advocate for ourself, and ask for followup lab tests to allow you to see how things are progressing . Sending prayers
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5 ReactionsJust thanking you for the suggestion to drink more water. I did that and I’m told the GFR went from 49 to 60.1. Could that be wrong? It’s strange that the only two times it’s gone up it’s just above the baseline. In Feb it was 49. Could it change that much in 2 weeks? I’m never dehydrated before a lab test because I drink at least 16 oz of water after taking a thyroid pill every morning. Thanks again for your comments.
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1 ReactionThat could be right! Drinking fluids all day is the goal. If you drink caffeine such as in coffee or teas, they can dehydrate you quickly as well. That is why water is recommended . That is great numbers ! Happy for you!
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3 ReactionsThank you!
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1 Reaction@macvarb0503 I can only write about my own experience which has been that adequate hydration brings the GFR up dramatically. Glad it did for you!
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2 ReactionsThanks, and thanks again for telling me before I went to the lab. I just found it hard to believe it could make that much difference in two weeks, but I’m happy it did.
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3 ReactionsI just have the low GFR. They recommend paying attention to hydration: I tend to forget to drink enough water. I think i have to also give up my beloved daily can of cola.
@marye2 Some days I want fluids, other days, not so much. So it seems to be a love/hate relationship for me, too! But I feel better when I am hydrated enough. Being on dialysis, I try to get about 60 ounces of fluid into me a day. Water is my go-to, sometimes flavored with True Lemon or True Orange.
Daily can of cola - how are the phosphorous values in your labs? Some people "eat for their labs", meaning their diet revolves around what they see at lab results. I never was a big cola drinker, so it wasn't an issue, but can you switch to a clear soda instead, which they say is better?
Ginger
If I ever find a clear classic coke I will switch. The clear liquids at the moment are citric acid based and those really give me gastric distress. I just have a low GFR in the 50s at the moment.
@marye2 if you are a certain age, low 50's isn't bad at all. My nephrologist was over the moon when I got back to low 50's. If you enjoy cola, I hope you can still enjoy it, in moderation!