Kidney function

What does GFR stand for? Does it refer to percentage level of kidney function?

glomerular filtration rate. Gives stages of CKD. Look at your blood test results.

Also look at your creatinine levels. Very important.

does anyone have bloated stomach with CKD? mine looks like watermelon. nephrologist sent me to urologist
who plans to perform cystoscopy with urethral stretching since I'm having trouble initiating urination. have to press on bladder every two hours to stave off infection. have ckd 3a-3b. interested to hear from others.
thank you.

I am 73, low blood pressure, 113 lbs, 5'4", active, no diabetes, CKD stage was 3b. My only out of range kidney test number is creatinine. Four months ago my GFR was 39. Doctor put me on Farxega. Then I broke my hand. DEXA scan showed osteoporosis so GP put me on Forteo. I have been on Forteo for 3 months. Just had my kidney work up last week. The GFR went from 39 to 26 in four months. I stay hydrated; I don't take pain meds. I do everything I can think of to protect my kidneys. Dad was on dialysis in his 70s, so my doctor even did a genetic kidney test. It came back negative with unknown variants. Pretty scared right now.

@wgj Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I can certainly understand your range of emotions, especially given that your dad was on dialysis at a late stage in his life.

I am curious why your doctor put you on Farxega, which is used mainly for diabetes. Did your doctor give you an explanation for that? I see that this medication can also be used for controlling Chronic Kidney Disease.

Taking care of your kidneys can be a challenge. Besides the hydration, following a healthy diet with low sodium, low potassium, low phosphorous, good protein sources, all help. Stress level control and moderate exercise also help you. Remember, we try to look at trends, not at a single lab result, to see where we are with kidney function.
Ginger

Thank you, Ginger, for responding. My nephrologist said that Farxega helps to protect the kidneys. I have been seeing him for 2 years, but we just started Farxega 4 months ago. When he did my bloodwork last week, I had dropped from a pretty stable GFR of 40 four months ago to a GFR of 26. The only difference I know of is the Forteo which I started 3 months ago. The doctor told me to stay hydrated, which I do, and to stop the Farxega for two weeks but keep taking the Forteo in case my body is reacting to the combination of drugs. We will do blood tests again in two weeks. I have no out of range numbers in blood or urine except for the creatinine. I will do whatever I need to do to stay off of dialysis, but at this point, I am not sure what that would be.

@wgj I want to add my welcome to you also. @gingerw made some very good recommendations. Trends in your lab tests and eGFR are so important. I have been diagnosed as Stage 4 CKD. My GFR has bounced around from 14 - 42 for the past eight years. Diabetes and high blood pressure are two leading causes of kidney problems Folks with kidney problems often have issues with calcium and their bones. Do you have a provider monitoring your labs & medications?

Cheryl, My nephrologist tests every three or four months. My GP tested once a year, but since starting on Forteo, he will test again when I have been on Forteo for 4 months. Your GFR has bounced around from 14 to 42?? There is hope then that mine can go up again?? I do not have high blood pressure or diabetes--just osteoporosis. I am thankful for this forum. Just replies from the two of you have made me less stressed today. Thanks.

@wgj I will also be curious what the eGFR shows after 2 weeks off the Farxega! Please let me know! Many of us who have had friends or family members with kidney issues, are more aware and in step with being very proactive for kidney care, given we have already seen it first-hand!
Ginger