GFR estimates: How can I improve them?

@sheeb My gfr has been down in the 30s and 40s, but now has jumped back up into the 60s. This is not a good sign. Rather, it is evidence of progressing amyloidosis, and worsening of disease. I don't know if a nutritionist will help, but they might. Have you had your SERUM FreeLightChain tested, and the 24-hr urinary protein measured? If your Serum (not your plasma) FreeLight Chain is above about 1.4 mg/dL, you have your culprit. Same with a urinary protein above 0.5 Gram per 24-hr. Read the Red Light Warnings on Amyloidosis on ALNYLAM.com, and view the videos on Amyloidosis on Mayoclinic.org, and Amyloidosis.org. There is only a small chance this is your problem, but because it is always fatal if not treated properly, it is worth checking it out.

Hello @sheeb,

I can only imagine how worried you must be! We are so glad you've joined Mayo Clinic Connect – Welcome!

I’d like to start by introducing you to Mentors @rosemarya @predictable, and fellow members @fauneconner @lcamino @jjwest @ryman @lindaw @riveroaksfarm @deanna21239 @pkindron, who know quite a bit about bladder and kidney issues from their own experiences.

You may also be interested in reading or taking part in these past discussions:
– Stage 3 CKD https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/stage-3-ckd/
– Possible low kidney function https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/possible-low-kidney-function/
– Diminished kidney function http://mayocl.in/2l9m1P9

For your convenience, I've also copied this information from Mayo Clinic , specifically about GFR:
There are five stages of kidney disease. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) measures how much blood the kidneys filter each minute, recorded as milliliters per minute (mL/min). As the GFR declines, so does your kidney function.
End-stage renal disease usually occurs when kidney function is less than 10 percent of normal. As a part of kidney disease staging, your doctor also may test whether protein is present in your urine.

Stage 1 GFR 90 or above = Normal or near-normal kidney function
Stage 2 GFR 60 to 89 = Mild loss of kidney function
Stage 3a GFR 45 to 59 = Mild to moderate loss of kidney function
Stage 3b GFR 30 to 44 = Moderate to severe loss of kidney function
Stage 4 GFR 15 to 29 = Severe loss of kidney function
Stage 5 GFR Less than 15 = Kidney failure
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/end-stage-renal-disease/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354538
If you wish to get a second opinion from Mayo Clinic, please call one of our appointment offices. You can also request an appointment online.
The contact information for Minnesota, Arizona and Florida can be found here: http://www.mayoclinic.org/appointments

We look forward to getting to know you, @sheeb. What symptoms did you have? Do you have to make significant changes to your diet?

Hello @sheeb,

I can only imagine how worried you must be! We are so glad you've joined Mayo Clinic Connect – Welcome!

I’d like to start by introducing you to Mentors @rosemarya @predictable, and fellow members @fauneconner @lcamino @jjwest @ryman @lindaw @riveroaksfarm @deanna21239 @pkindron, who know quite a bit about bladder and kidney issues from their own experiences.

You may also be interested in reading or taking part in these past discussions:
– Stage 3 CKD https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/stage-3-ckd/
– Possible low kidney function https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/possible-low-kidney-function/
– Diminished kidney function http://mayocl.in/2l9m1P9

For your convenience, I've also copied this information from Mayo Clinic , specifically about GFR:
There are five stages of kidney disease. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) measures how much blood the kidneys filter each minute, recorded as milliliters per minute (mL/min). As the GFR declines, so does your kidney function.
End-stage renal disease usually occurs when kidney function is less than 10 percent of normal. As a part of kidney disease staging, your doctor also may test whether protein is present in your urine.

Stage 1 GFR 90 or above = Normal or near-normal kidney function
Stage 2 GFR 60 to 89 = Mild loss of kidney function
Stage 3a GFR 45 to 59 = Mild to moderate loss of kidney function
Stage 3b GFR 30 to 44 = Moderate to severe loss of kidney function
Stage 4 GFR 15 to 29 = Severe loss of kidney function
Stage 5 GFR Less than 15 = Kidney failure
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/end-stage-renal-disease/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354538
If you wish to get a second opinion from Mayo Clinic, please call one of our appointment offices. You can also request an appointment online.
The contact information for Minnesota, Arizona and Florida can be found here: http://www.mayoclinic.org/appointments

We look forward to getting to know you, @sheeb. What symptoms did you have? Do you have to make significant changes to your diet?

Hello @sheeb,

I can only imagine how worried you must be! We are so glad you've joined Mayo Clinic Connect – Welcome!

I’d like to start by introducing you to Mentors @rosemarya @predictable, and fellow members @fauneconner @lcamino @jjwest @ryman @lindaw @riveroaksfarm @deanna21239 @pkindron, who know quite a bit about bladder and kidney issues from their own experiences.

You may also be interested in reading or taking part in these past discussions:
– Stage 3 CKD https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/stage-3-ckd/
– Possible low kidney function https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/possible-low-kidney-function/
– Diminished kidney function http://mayocl.in/2l9m1P9

For your convenience, I've also copied this information from Mayo Clinic , specifically about GFR:
There are five stages of kidney disease. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) measures how much blood the kidneys filter each minute, recorded as milliliters per minute (mL/min). As the GFR declines, so does your kidney function.
End-stage renal disease usually occurs when kidney function is less than 10 percent of normal. As a part of kidney disease staging, your doctor also may test whether protein is present in your urine.

Stage 1 GFR 90 or above = Normal or near-normal kidney function
Stage 2 GFR 60 to 89 = Mild loss of kidney function
Stage 3a GFR 45 to 59 = Mild to moderate loss of kidney function
Stage 3b GFR 30 to 44 = Moderate to severe loss of kidney function
Stage 4 GFR 15 to 29 = Severe loss of kidney function
Stage 5 GFR Less than 15 = Kidney failure
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/end-stage-renal-disease/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354538
If you wish to get a second opinion from Mayo Clinic, please call one of our appointment offices. You can also request an appointment online.
The contact information for Minnesota, Arizona and Florida can be found here: http://www.mayoclinic.org/appointments

We look forward to getting to know you, @sheeb. What symptoms did you have? Do you have to make significant changes to your diet?

Hello @sheeb,

I can only imagine how worried you must be! We are so glad you've joined Mayo Clinic Connect – Welcome!

I’d like to start by introducing you to Mentors @rosemarya @predictable, and fellow members @fauneconner @lcamino @jjwest @ryman @lindaw @riveroaksfarm @deanna21239 @pkindron, who know quite a bit about bladder and kidney issues from their own experiences.

You may also be interested in reading or taking part in these past discussions:
– Stage 3 CKD https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/stage-3-ckd/
– Possible low kidney function https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/possible-low-kidney-function/
– Diminished kidney function http://mayocl.in/2l9m1P9

For your convenience, I've also copied this information from Mayo Clinic , specifically about GFR:
There are five stages of kidney disease. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) measures how much blood the kidneys filter each minute, recorded as milliliters per minute (mL/min). As the GFR declines, so does your kidney function.
End-stage renal disease usually occurs when kidney function is less than 10 percent of normal. As a part of kidney disease staging, your doctor also may test whether protein is present in your urine.

Stage 1 GFR 90 or above = Normal or near-normal kidney function
Stage 2 GFR 60 to 89 = Mild loss of kidney function
Stage 3a GFR 45 to 59 = Mild to moderate loss of kidney function
Stage 3b GFR 30 to 44 = Moderate to severe loss of kidney function
Stage 4 GFR 15 to 29 = Severe loss of kidney function
Stage 5 GFR Less than 15 = Kidney failure
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/end-stage-renal-disease/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354538
If you wish to get a second opinion from Mayo Clinic, please call one of our appointment offices. You can also request an appointment online.
The contact information for Minnesota, Arizona and Florida can be found here: http://www.mayoclinic.org/appointments

We look forward to getting to know you, @sheeb. What symptoms did you have? Do you have to make significant changes to your diet?

@sheeb Yes, the GFR can go back up, but that is not always a good sign. In fact, it can be a strong danger signal. It can show progression in certain diseases such as amyloidosis. And a high GFR is pointless if it only shows that the kidneys are removing urine, and not the protein pieces in the serum or plasma. So its a mixed bag.