Low kidney function: What does it mean? Should I be worried?

My kidney function has gone from 92% to 60% in 2 years. 3 months ago it was 70%. I was advised by our government medical site that a person should see about it even it is in the healthy range and goes down 10% a year and it means your body is doing this and it needs to be looked after. 3 months a go my kidneys stopped producing the hormone that makes hemoglobin and I was given a hormone replacement shot. I have not been tested since and have severe anemia on my last test at that time. I got all hospital records and am making a list of all blood tests I want done. I can not see a specialist as I can not see one till stage 4 under our medical program. I see a dietitian in 3 weeks for free.I am at stage 2. The last tests 3 months a go I got done at one hospital and 2 walk in clinics to get the results and all tests I wanted and to find out I have 3 blood clots in one lung as well. You sometimes have to see more then one Dr. to get what information you need. I see a pharmacy on some heart health tests in 3 weeks then will arrange for more recent blood tests.

I have low blood pressure 80/60 and Dr. advised me to add salt daily and it keeps it at 100/65 daily. If I do not exercise for 3 days it will go to 120 and back down the first time after I go to the gym. I am at stage 2,but 2 years ago was 92% function and 4 months a go 60%, 3 months a go 70%. I will see someone soon to find out the problem on my own. I have anemia because my kidneys stopped producing the hormone that makes hemoglobin,I was given a hormone replacement shot and do not know if it worked.

Today I found out that my kidney function is low. The dr told me that there wasn’t anything to be concerned about. Is this true?

@vivianwaters Welcome to Mayo Connect! We are a group of patients, family members, and caregivers here, who share our experiences and offer support as we each journey on our own health travels.

You have just found out your kidney function is low. The function of a kidney is usually signified by the eGFR, or glomeruli filtration rate. What did the Dr tell you it is? Like most organs in our body, our solid organs tend to slow down a bit naturally as we age. The kidneys are real workhorses, filtering a lot of unneeded materials out of our bodies.

Deep breath, please. Until you have more information, and when you care to share with me, we'll walk through this one step at a time. Is there any family history of kidney problems, or have your experienced any before?
Ginger

@vivianwaters

I'm sorry to hear that your kidney function has been found to be low. While it's never good to be overly stressed I do think you owe it to yourself to be proactive and learn more.

Kidneys are damaged by excessive salt and high blood pressure, being overweight, dehydration, a number of diseases and many other things.

There is a lot of good information on the National Kidney Foundation's website.

Did your doctor give you any reasons why your kidneys function was below optimal? Is the a plan to retest in the future?

Jolinda

I was not given a reason why my kidney was los. Dr did not mention retesting.

In all probability your lab results were pretty good, therefore the doctor made a positive comment. Suggest you ask a medical assistant for a copy of the report.

@vivianwaters There are many factors why a kidney function level may be "low". It might be slightly lower than your normal, and could be caused by something as simple as being slightly dehydrated the day of blood draw! Like @veteran1950 mentioned, contact your dr's office, or the lab, and get at least the last two labwork reports, so you can see for yourself what the dr is speaking about.

Do you have any underlying health conditions?
Ginger

I have asthma, osteoporosis, IBS, hiatal hernia, recurring sinus infections, allergies, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, recurring fatigue, and sleep apnea

@vivianwaters Thank you for listing your other issues. One of the leading causes for kidney problems is untreated/uncontrollable high blood pressure, if you were not aware of that. That is what caused my husband's kidney problems. [my kidney problem is from a very rare autoimmune disease].

Have you considered getting a thorough physical exam and bloodwork, in order to maximize your health? You might find that changing up your diet, lifestyle, medications, and exercise would go a long way to helping. I know it's a big task - been there myself! It's one of those "okay, how do I work on making this better?" Lab tests look at several values to come together to see if there is something to consider.

I hope this has not confused you! Please let me know, okay?
Ginger