Connect
← Return to Newly diagnosed with CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease) and terrified
Discussion
Newly diagnosed with CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease) and terrified
Kidney & Bladder | Last Active: 20 hours ago | Replies (119)Comment receiving replies
It seems that an eGFR less than 60, still in the 50's, does not merit a nephrologist. In my experience that has been valid because it remained stable for decades and I had no concerns. But with a sudden drop I was immediately referred to nephrology.
As a side note I had to request blood tests before my next annual appointment. We have to take care of ourselves with the busy medical system we have.
Replies to "It seems that an eGFR less than 60, still in the 50's, does not merit a..."
Just want to clarify...when you say that you had to request blood tests before your next annual appointment, were you saying that the doctor didn't proactively order them and, so, the onus was on you to ask for them?
Connect
Yes, it took a while for my kidney function to deteriorate, as my nephrologist saw that it had started years earlier. My eGFR was in the low 30's when I first saw a nephrologist. I did progress to stage 4 and remained stable at that level for years.
But I don't think doctors should say that they're not concerned when they see our function deteriorating, even if we don't yet need a nephrologist. I think that if we are made aware that our kidney function is deteriorating, (even before we need a nephrologist), we can begin to take measures to preserve function by doing things like starting a kidney-friendly diet to eliminate those foods that are hard on the kidneys and moving away from medicines that hurt the kidneys. I think that if we adopt those types of measures, that could help to slow the progression of the disease, remain stable, and preserve kidney function. Maybe I could have been taking measures sooner to slow the progression.
You are right we have to take care of ourselves.