Understanding GFR and kidney disease: What's normal?

@bugsowen, My first indication of kidney disease was from a scan report ordered by my primary doc (pcp) for something else and mailed to me by the specialist reading the scan. I immediately called for an appt with pcp to ask for a referral to a nephrologist. My pcp hadn't mentioned that my egfr scores had been running lower than normal for some time. Only learned that I was stage 3 ckd at first visit with nephrologist who'd used scan results to tell me of my diagnosis. Have learned since from other ckd patients that many pcp's don't consider ckd worth discussing until a patient reaches stage 4.

It then took 2 requests to pcp and 2 requests to nephrologist to get referral to the dietitian. That persistence paid big dividends for me because I'd also been diagnosed with prediabetes and trying to come up with a diet plan for both was time consuming and nerve wracking. Modifying my diet with help from dietitian, learning how to read lab reports and make needed adjustments and learning from other ckd patients on this and another patient site are the three best things that have happened for me with my ckd.

Had I not asked for the nephrologist referral and persisted in requesting the dietitian referral, I am certain that I wouldn't have learned of the stage 3 diagnosis and that my ckd labs would not have shown the improvement they have. After three appts with the nephrologist, I will be changing to another nephrologist because other than telling me at the first visit to stop NSAIDS and take Tylenol instead for over-the-counter pain relief, she has provided almost no instruction on how to better maintain my kidney function. Becoming informed through research online from reputable sites like Mayo and NKF and membership in the patient groups has helped me become a much more proactive patient advocate for this serious health condition. Wishing you the best and hope you'll let us know how your next doc visit goes.

Hello, I am new to this site and am overjoyed to have found it! I am in stage 3, diabetic and started a vegan diet 30 days ago.

@nssmir2

Welcome, I'm glad you found us.

A food I found shortly after going mostly vegetarian was lentils, they are amazingly nutrition and meld well with all types of cuisine.

How long have you been in a stage 3 diabetic? Have you modified other aspects of your lifestyle as well. We love to hear all of the newest tips and tricks people have.

@jolinda

Thanks to everyone! I will let you know how my PPC appt goes

I was diagnosed by my June blood work but PPC didn't seem alarmed even though GFR in December 2019 was 56 and June came in at 48! A
I immediately started researching and was scared and angry when PPC gave me no instructions except water. Exercise and cut down on alcohol. Nothing about anything else and ordered more blood work for a week prior to my October 2 appt. I immediately became vegan in late July. My current labs showed GFR 60! I'm asking for a referral for renal dietician and nephrologist. Wish me luck!;

@jolinda and @nssmir2 Lentils may need to be watched if you include them a lot on a kidney-friendly diet. They tend to be high in both phosphorus and potassium, which need monitoring if you have kidney issues!
Ginger

@nssmir2. Welcome

@nssmir2, Hi, and welcome to this group. Glad you found this group because it has been such a wonderful help for me.

Many here have been dealing with combined kidney and diabetes diagnoses and found and shared many ways they are finding to maintain and improve their conditions.

Have long have you been diagnosed? Have you seen a dietitian? Getting a referral to one made a great difference for me because I was given a meal plan that addressed both diabetes and my stage 3 ckd. Changing my diet and adding more walks each week has improved my numbers.

Have you seen a nephrologist and if so, are you receiving some good guidance for the ckd? Hope you'll post more about your journey and look forward to becoming better acquainted.

@bugsowen, Hope your doc gives you the requested referrals and that you'll let us know how the next appt with your primary doc goes for you. Yay!! for your improved GFR score!

I was wondering if your GFR can go up from 78. My Creatine is 0.8 was that last time with GFR of 105. I’m all confused