Connect
← Return to Doctor is concerned about Kidney GFR numbers: Should I be?
Discussion
Doctor is concerned about Kidney GFR numbers: Should I be?
Kidney & Bladder | Last Active: 2 days ago | Replies (38)Comment receiving replies
That is interesting. I was in the ED twice in the last 2 years for UTI, Covid, and sepsis. Both ED DRs were only concerned with creatinine #s, but my nephrologist always looks at eGFR. Aren't they related? A calculation of both? My BUN is around 30 and creatinine 2.2, eGFR 23 (but changes from test to test). Are these the numbers I should be concerned about? I drink a lot of water, 60+ oz a day. But my disease has me in a state of dehydration due to tubules not retaining water. My urine is always very light, like a light lemonade.
Replies to "That is interesting. I was in the ED twice in the last 2 years for UTI,..."
The GFR is a mathematical calculation based on creatinine, gender, and ethnic background. It's not as accurate as a 24 hour urine test, but obviously more convenient once a pattern has been established. Your numbers are close to mine. My creatinine has been in the 2.2-2.4 range for years. My nephrologist is concerned that I stay in that range, and is not so concerned with BUN, which fluctuates more than the other numbers.
Only one time has my GFR dipped below 20. The upside is that it qualified me to pre-emptively get accepted on to the kidney transplant list. I am inactive status, since I'm relatively stable, but am gaining seniority for when/if I need to transfer to active status. It was not my nephrologist who suggested I get on the transplant list; it was a nurse from my insurance company.
Connect
Yes, one measures the other, but as you see from your eGFR it changes from test to test. Creatinine and BUN are what they care about, with me anyway. Yours are both a bit high.
I drink 6 liters minimum of water daily, (about 114ounces) and did that even before my transplant, although it is really hard to get down. Your urine is excellent. (Did you ever imagine having a conversation like this lol)