Anyone raised eGFR without medical assistance?

@cheyne what a lovely story. You are so motivated and strong to stick to a great diet. I’m so proud of you. I am 69 years old and my GFR is 13 and has been for several years. I eat healthy and live a good life and play sports

@tapdancer
Hi, When I found out my mother in law at 95 with no medical help ever had lived with GFR15 for many years and survived reasonably well, I stopped worrying about my GFR. I think the important thing is to do what you can to protect your kidneys, but don't go overboard with it. You have to live a reasonable life or it is not worth the effort in my opinion.
Cheers

Shall show to my MD who I think is a bit excessive in dietary restrictions especially because I am 86 and have been diagnosed with severe osteoporosis. I am more concerned about fractures and weight loss than kidney failure.

Hi,
Surprise I have been somewhat lax in following my diet of late but my GFR is holding a 45. Can't say the same for my uncontrollable T2 diabetes, all the states have doubled in the last 6 months. How long before it affects the kidneys, remains to be seen. Although there is likely some effect already just not showing up in test results so far.
Cheers

Hi I’ve read all your comments and they have me at 3b kidney failure yet my last blood/urine test put my egfr at 46 which indicates stage 3a. Creatinine abnormal so I’m just confused plus I have been drinking water from a hydrogen glass don’t know if that helps or not

I’m 79, diagnosed with CKD about 12 years ago. No Diabetes or Heart Disease. eEFG33, Creatinine 1.57. All other numbers OK. I am really angry with docs who never told me I should be caring for kidneys in any way. No extra fluids, no watching meds I took, etc. just a wait until you get worse and then we’ll deal with it attitude.
Now I’ve decided I want to live so I’ve taken matters into my own hands and done my research. There are no guarantees but best chance as far as I can see is Stop Kidney Disease by Lee Hull. Mostly plant based diet, almost no salt or sugar, very low protein, amino acid supplements. And 64 oz of fluid a day - mostly water or seltzer. Some people say they’d rather die than be on such a strict diet. Not me. I want to be here to see my grandsons marry and have their own children and enjoy fun times with my friends. Not everything is about food. I love to eat and enjoy everything I put in my mouth. It’s just more work being intentional about your food and diet. Worth it to me!!!

@kittycat70 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! Everyone of us has our similar but unique journey in CKD. How we got here, what is working best for us, etc. And a vast majority will tell you that their doctors were the same, not educating them on how to keep good kidney health. Unfortunately, that dilemma hasn't changed much over the years. It simply boils down to our primary doctors not being all that knowledgeable themselves on kidney disease. Sad, isn't it?

The amino acid supplement you may be taking, if it is Albutrix, is made by the company that Lee Hull works for. You will read here on these pages that diet is the most important factor is taking control of our kidney health! Many of us juggle multiple health conditions that may or may not include other dietary restrictions. Following a sound diet that checks all the boxes for you health wise, can be a chore, but is also worth is. Being able to be part of your own health team is rewarding.
Ginger

Yes. In late 2016, when the accelerating decline of my eGFR was 3+ mL/min/1.73/year at 40 mL/min/1.73m2, I asked my doctor what should be done to stop the decline, she said,"there isn't much we can do". I began to study, found out I had metabolic acidosis, P-bicarbonate was 21 mEq/L. After thorough learning about bicarbonate therapy, I applied it, and by early 2019 the eGFR rose to 50+. By early 2022 it dropped to 37, i.e., in roughly 5 years it dropped by 3 mL/min/1.73m2. That's a rate of decline of 0.6 mL/min/1.73m2. It's about the decline due to just getting older. You must be very careful when applying bicarbonate therapy. For instance, if your body is sensitive to sodium, bicarbonate therapy is contraindicated. I am now close to 91 years old, and my BP does not rise from high sodium, and I don't retain water, either.
Only attempt bicarbonate therapy supervised by a physician. I am sharing my experience only because you have asked if anyone has upped their eGFR without the help of a doctor. Before doing it, I had studied the professional, peer-reviewed literature online for dozens of hours.

I am 90years old and have been on Mayo Clinic prostrate cancer Support Group site for about one year and now have joined the Kidney Support group to listen and learn as I fight the battle on two fronts. eGFR is 54.2, sodium 141,creatinine 1.26,phos 107 so I’m a 3a and pushing the boundaries of normal, I have made an appointment with a dietitian who works in renal kidney area and hope to get a reading on how to diet living in a independent living facility with no particular emphasis on healthy diet. Given a copy of renal diet that covers lots of good information but I’d like to get something a little more personal. Will stay in touch. JackB

Hello:

I am new here. I am responding to alexmimi2023 @alexmimi2023. I had a kidney transplant last year. My eGFR and creatinine increased significantly when I switched to a plant-based diet. I also exercise about two to three times a week. Hydration is important. Protein, potassium, phosphorus, and sodium intake should not exceed allowable amounts for your kidney issue. Please feel free to ask questions.

Tokunbo