1. < Kidney & Bladder

How does GFR move up and down so dramatically?

Posted by mrainne @mrainne, Jun 1, 2023

Hello! I've been reading many posts saying GFR has improved pretty dramatically. I was told kidneys do not repair themselves or get better. I have a good diet (for almost 10 years), being healthy, and exercising. My weight is 133 lbs. Other bloodwork is normal, sodium, potassium, CO2, cholesterol...all normal. But my GFR continues to go down. I drink tons of plain water as well. I am grateful to have an appointment at Mayo this month. Hopefully, I'll get some answers :))

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skribat | @skribat | Mar 29 3:54pm
In reply to @mrainne "Yes, Ginger, GFR at 26. The diet you mention is my mantra and has been for..." + (show)
@mrainne

Yes, Ginger, GFR at 26. The diet you mention is my mantra and has been for 10 years. I'm beginning to think PKD is simply deteriorating my kidneys. Maybe that's just the disease and it progresses regardless. I just took my BP and it stays in this range every time I take it, no matter the time of day. 114/75, 105/73, 111/73...I've also checked it with my nephrologist's machine and it is accurate enough only varies slightly. The two meds I take are lorazepam as needed and lamotrigine which should not affect kidney function, it is processed in the liver. Only Tylenol occasionally. Never NSAIDS. I'll see Neera K Dahl at Mayo this month.

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@mrainne I have just read your post, because, I guess we all have similar problems, I hope you are now making progress. Your question about GFR interested me because I was checking my blood test results and following GFR, it is associated with weight /muscle loss, protein. GFR will fall with weight loss and rise as it increases. Creatinine up GFR down, Creatinine down GFR up. Maybe you already found that out, Good luck.
skribat

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Pat | @pjbaratta | Apr 1 1:09pm

Curious: Why does the GFR go opposite the creatinine?

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millerprm | @millerprm | Nov 10 1:54am

Hi,
I was diagnosed with CKD in 2019. My GFR was 63. I did research online and found a kidney dietician posted information about a diet based on food and PRAL, predictive renal acid load. Very straight forward. It's basically food groups and which are the easiest for you kidney's to process.
For 5 years I have continued to follow the principles of the diet (I also went vegetarian), exercised more and lost 50lb. My function has continued to improved. As of July 2024 my GFR had increased to 88. I am a 67 yo woman.

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2 replies
jgun | @jgun | Nov 10 8:49am
In reply to @millerprm "Hi, I was diagnosed with CKD in 2019. My GFR was 63. I did research online..." + (show)
@millerprm

Hi,
I was diagnosed with CKD in 2019. My GFR was 63. I did research online and found a kidney dietician posted information about a diet based on food and PRAL, predictive renal acid load. Very straight forward. It's basically food groups and which are the easiest for you kidney's to process.
For 5 years I have continued to follow the principles of the diet (I also went vegetarian), exercised more and lost 50lb. My function has continued to improved. As of July 2024 my GFR had increased to 88. I am a 67 yo woman.

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Is it possible to provide a link to the information provided by the kidney dietician. Thanks

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1 reply
Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Nov 10 10:58am
In reply to @jgun "Is it possible to provide a link to the information provided by the kidney dietician. Thanks" + (show)
@jgun

Is it possible to provide a link to the information provided by the kidney dietician. Thanks

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@jgun Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.

Here is a link to Renal Nutrition, that offers you a way to look for a qualified renal dietician in your area. See the top toolbar. https://www.renalnutrition.org/home

When you are comfortable, please share your kidney disease journey with us!
Ginger

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flow | @flow | Nov 11 10:08am
In reply to @millerprm "Hi, I was diagnosed with CKD in 2019. My GFR was 63. I did research online..." + (show)
@millerprm

Hi,
I was diagnosed with CKD in 2019. My GFR was 63. I did research online and found a kidney dietician posted information about a diet based on food and PRAL, predictive renal acid load. Very straight forward. It's basically food groups and which are the easiest for you kidney's to process.
For 5 years I have continued to follow the principles of the diet (I also went vegetarian), exercised more and lost 50lb. My function has continued to improved. As of July 2024 my GFR had increased to 88. I am a 67 yo woman.

Jump to this post

It’s so wonderful that you were diagnosed before your GFR was lower than 60. Most MD do not even mention kidney function until GFR is under 60. Also kudos to you for following the best research on what eases kidney stress! So happy to read of your long success… great inspiration for others to follow in your footsteps!💕

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flow | @flow | 3 hours ago

Author and long time CKD survivor has a new book out that features the most recent valid CKD studies that have been conducted world wide…. He is careful to only include serious scientific studies that follow proper protocols. He also explains, in clear plain easy to understand language the various tests that are critical to track your kidney health. I signed up for his KIDNEYHOOD.org newsletter years ago and through that have the option to download the book chapter by chapter at no cost. It seems to be good information. For those interested, the name of the Book is : The Evidence -Based Guide to Kidney and Renal Disease.

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