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Looking for info - rapidly decreasing EGFR
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) | Last Active: Jul 9, 2025 | Replies (13)Comment receiving replies
Today was a better day. We have repeat blood work on Tuesday and back to the nephrologist on Thursday. He’s the one who has told her that she won’t be a candidate for a transplant and has started talking about the dialysis options.
I’ve got a broad POA. My mom was my dad’s caregiver for years, and now I’m doing all I can to take care of her. He had a complicated medical experience the last few years and it took a lot out of her. I manage her household, her medical appointments, her finances and generally take care of her household. She is independent, but highly dependent.
I don’t know if she will do dialysis. She gets tired of the appointments in general and getting out of the house multiple times a week is is exhausting to her. Going to physical therapy after her stroke sometimes took more out of her than it strengthened her.
I did try to ask her once recently her thoughts on dialysis and she walked away from me. She’s told me quite a few times that she is generally just done and doesn’t want to do anything more.
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@gvan143 I was thinking about your mom last night, and you said you have blood work on Tuesday with appointment on Thursday with nephrologist. My suggestion is to have a list of things and questions that concern you. Explain to your mother you want to completely understand what is going on.
When you mentioned the rapid decrease in eGFR, it occurred to me to make sure your mom is well-hydrated for that next testing. Also, if she had a recent infection, or was on antibiotics, that may have affected her readings. Remember, we want to look at trends, not a one-time reading.
In general, dialysis is talked about, but not started until eGFR reaches about 10%. I myself started at 14%, my choice due to other circumstances. To decide to not do dialysis is also a decision. Let's hope that decision is a long ways off, and this sudden decrease is something that can be remedied. I believe this is why the doctor wanted her back quickly, to look at the fact this was a one-time sudden decrease.
Please let me know what you find out this week, will you?
Ginger