GFR dropped 50 points then Rebounded. Meaning?

Posted by gardendoglover @gardendoglover, Oct 12 11:03pm

I've never had any kidney issues.
Feb GFR 100, Creatine 53
In May, I started taking a stupid supplement from China for my gut health that was a HUGE MISTAKE! Please don't ask me about it. I'm too ashamed to explain.
Aug GFR 75, Creatine 85
Oct 7 GFR 56, Creatine 99
I fasted, drank a lot of water, put a heating pad on my kidneys and tested two days later.
Oct 9 GFR 103, Creatine 52
I don't understand.
Yes there is more to this story. I was taking an unregulated supplement from China. Help me, please.

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@gardendoglover it looks like you are okay again, is that right?

My nephrologist tells me the creatinine based eGFR is affected by many things. She also does a Cystatin C test that has a more stable eGFR and then says the truth lies somewhere in between.

I am glad your kidneys recovered. It seems like no long term harm was done and now you can avoid that medicine!

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gardendoglover,
rebounded means you recovered kidney function rapidly from a dangerous 50 to a normal 100.
While this is a site of no shame, your story is tantalizing without details--best told exactly as you have.
Still, if you want to confess fully, we grant absolution in advance.

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@gently

gardendoglover,
rebounded means you recovered kidney function rapidly from a dangerous 50 to a normal 100.
While this is a site of no shame, your story is tantalizing without details--best told exactly as you have.
Still, if you want to confess fully, we grant absolution in advance.

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@gardendoglover I have had an eGFR of 50 or so for years and never even saw a nephrologist. Below 60 is common at a certain age so I had no worries. It isn't the value that is concerning, it is the drop, from what I have been told.

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@windyshores

@gardendoglover I have had an eGFR of 50 or so for years and never even saw a nephrologist. Below 60 is common at a certain age so I had no worries. It isn't the value that is concerning, it is the drop, from what I have been told.

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Thanks. Useful !
1st ever eGFR is 44 .I am 80 m very active ,healthy.
Thinking diet could 3.+ mg of Creatine daily over last 5 mo for heavy lifting
cause false indicator ? Yes ,I have asked 2 PCP's & awaiting info ! All other #'s positive for 66yrs old rated body .

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@ljtn590321

Thanks. Useful !
1st ever eGFR is 44 .I am 80 m very active ,healthy.
Thinking diet could 3.+ mg of Creatine daily over last 5 mo for heavy lifting
cause false indicator ? Yes ,I have asked 2 PCP's & awaiting info ! All other #'s positive for 66yrs old rated body .

Jump to this post

Apparently creatine supplements can raise creatinine and therefore the eGFR.

From US News:

What causes high creatinine levels?
Factors that can elevate creatinine levels but don't necessarily indicate kidney problems include:

Certain conditions, like a muscle injury.
Taking creatine supplements. Bodybuilders may take creatine supplements to help build muscle.
High muscle mass.
Your diet. Consuming a lot of meat can increase creatinine levels without signaling a significant kidney problem.

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@windyshores

@gardendoglover I have had an eGFR of 50 or so for years and never even saw a nephrologist. Below 60 is common at a certain age so I had no worries. It isn't the value that is concerning, it is the drop, from what I have been told.

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That's why i was concerned. GFR dropped 44 points in six months. So I went to the ER last night because i was freaking out, The doctor said that GFR can fluctuate a lot - which I'd never heard. Very relieved. It was 101 as of last night. She also said that the GFR wasn't the most pertinent number to track - creatine

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@gardendoglover

That's why i was concerned. GFR dropped 44 points in six months. So I went to the ER last night because i was freaking out, The doctor said that GFR can fluctuate a lot - which I'd never heard. Very relieved. It was 101 as of last night. She also said that the GFR wasn't the most pertinent number to track - creatine

Jump to this post

Correction of my last post: creatine supplements might raise creatinine levels and thus LOWER the eGFR. Sorry to be sloppy!

Again a level of 50 is not dangerous.

It sounds like you have rebounded and have a very healthy eGFR.

Was the 101 after IV hydration?

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Kidneys are amazing. I have one kidney secondary to radical nephrectomy this past January. After much study, research, questions I have found that kidneys do not like surprises or abrupt changes in hydration or blood pressure. There is much discussion on what is too little or too much hydration, therefore “just drink a lot.” Your kidney’s do not like high blood pressure and they also do not like low blood pressure. Therefore, be sure to monitor your BP. If you get sick or have an infection be sure to hydrate, have controlled blood pressures and go to your doctor. Blessings.

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