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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.
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I know this seems scary. My levels jump around as well. Keeping doing what you are... good hydration, lower sodium, eat good food with good protein, limit any sodas, sugars, and don't take any NSAIDS such as aspirin, ibuprofen etc. Lots of sunshine, fresh air and good sleep. Lower your stress how you can.
Prayers for you!
@wgj the operative word is “bounce”. Think of a red rubber child’s ball at recess or gym class. (What goes up does eventually tend to come down.) I’m 67, have had diabetes since my teens and a history of hypertension controlled by meds. I was hospitalized with nephritis when I was 5 years old. No one can tell me if that is related to the stage 4 chronic kidney disease (CKD) that I have now. I also have anemia and osteoporosis. I have a primary Dr. (Internal Medicine), an endocrinologist and a nephrologist. These people prescribe my meds and over the counter (OTC) things too. I am blessed that they are part of the same healthcare system and can collaborate on my overall treatment plan. I also have access to nutritional services who are well versed in diabetes and renal diets. I’m thankful that we are all on the same page. I see the GP as needed. I see endocrinology and nephrology about quarterly. The doctor’s in endocrinology and nephrology alternate between themselves and nurse practitioners. I see endocrinology later this month and nephrology in May. My last eGFR was in the low 30’s. It is important to remember that a single lab result is less important than the overall trend.
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wgj, what you said is interesting. My GFR is 27 and I'm monitored every 3 months. I am not diabetic, weigh 130 lbs, normal BP. Every time a medicine is suggested, a lot of thought goes into it, even antibiotics. When I took antibiotics for a UTI, I took less over a longer period. My kidneys don't clear meds, sodium, potassium, etc efficiently at my GFR level. I do not take supplements and eat a mostly vegetarian diet. Maybe you're taking too strong a dose of Forteo? I take very few meds. I do take lorazepam as I have tinnitus that keeps me up at night. Lorazepam is not a concern for kidney function and I've taken it for years. Only a small dose, only at night.