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Low kidney function: What does it mean? Should I be worried?
My doctor just informed me I have diminished kidney function. This was a complete surprise to me because I'm not aware of any symptoms. I had an ultrasound and the results were normal but my doctor still wants me to see a specialist. This is all making me feel very anxious. Has anyone else gone through similar circumstances? What can I expect at my appointment with the specialist? I'm 61 years old and have had a very, very stressful, anxiety-filled year. I am seeing a psychiatrist and a counselor at this time to deal with rhe issues.
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@bwardccm I use Topricin products, also! They have a fibromyalgia cream, and a pain relief cream that I like. I also have topical CBD. Hot shower first thing most mornings, aimed at my lower back.
Yes, I see a nephrologist. I have a rare kidney disease, and my eGFR is about 25% at this point. I follow a pretty strict renal diet. If you search for messages from @kamama94, she has downloaded smart recipes and food charts for us with kidney issues. The big things to watch out for are high potassium, high sodium foods. Keeping to a diet as natural as possible is good. There is lots of great information and experiences within the pages of Mayo Connect, and all it costs is your time for sitting to read! Another great website, is rsnhope.org.
Ginger
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2 ReactionsHello All,
I've just retired from the Military and am 43. My entire career's been marked with good health and have never been told i'm high on anything during blood work. I've been out about three months and went for my introductory exam at the local VA Clinic. After some blood work the nurse called me and told me I had low kidney function with the Creatinine range being .7-1.3 for the test, mine was 1.4. With a number so close to the range I asked via the messaging system if this was something to worry about and if I have kidney Disease. The nurse told me yes I have Kidney Disease but that the doctor wasn't too worried about it and it would be reviewed at my next annual blood draw. I have GERD as well and have had to take a proton pump inhibitor for the last couple years.
Glad the doctor's not worried, because i'm terrified. Was terrified literally all weekend due to how I was told on the phone my numbers were not within norms and to "have a nice day" by the nurse. After talking with my uncle i've discovered that my grandmother died from heart attack while on a Kidney Dialysis machine at age 53. This didn't improve my mental health any.
My wife, who's also a nurse looked at my bloodwork numbers and said she's surprised they even talked to me about it they were so close outside of ranges.
What did I come here for? I don't know. Did an internet search to educate myself a little bit about this disease and didn't seem to find many rays of sunshine. Guess I just wanted to put my thoughts to the internet, even for just expression.
@thecorporatespy Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, first of all! You have come to the right place to talk about kidney issues, whether they be severe or mild. With your blood work did you get your eGFR level? That shows you kidney function level. Remember that anytime you have blood work done, you may have varying numbers due to hydration levels and even the machines that are used. So the next time your numbers may be a little bit different thing, and that's not necessarily bad. It's good to come here and vent. I myself am in stage 4 kidney disease and at 22% function.
Sorry if there are any typos here. I saw your post and am answering from my cell phone because I can sense your sense of panic right now. You say your wife is a nurse and she says there is nothing to worry about. Then believe her! Please come back and let us know if there are any questions you might have. Will you do that for me?
Ginger
TheCorporateSpy (intriguing username), welcome. Not long ago @macarl and @vivianwaters each wrote a message very similar to yours. For that reason, I moved your message to this existing discussion called "Low kidney function: What does it mean? Should I be worried?"
I recommend that you read through the past posts to see the exchanges, information shared and support offered by @bwardccrn @jolinda @veteran1950 @predictable @rosemarya @gingerw and others. You've come to the right place to get support, info and perspective.
What did you doctor say the next steps are?
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1 ReactionWas you BUN normal and other kidney function tests? Do you hydrate and drink cranberry juice?
I just found my EGFR on it. It is 55.5. Albumin is within the acceptable range of the test. So i'm not sure why that's so low.
Just a quick reply @thecorporatespy. I thought you'd be interested in my eGFR, which reads in the 36-40 range every lab test for the past several years. Stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD) is my diagnosis, and a nephrologist is one of my favorite and most consulted physicians at Kaiser Permanente. One other thing: Did your medical team mention the kidney implications of proton pump inhibitors? Martin
No, as a matter of fact my doctor basically told me, "See you next year." No words that I should make an appointment to consult her at her office. Nothing.
I've made an appointment to see her to discus my labs and current medications for Friday. Like I said, the phone call as terrifying both in it's implications, and it's less than emergent tone.
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1 ReactionIt is encouraging that people are able to manage this disease effectively for as long as you're telling me. My father died at a young age from lung cancer due to smoking and it's one of my biggest fears, leaving my kids behind too young. One's 7 and the other 5.
It's hard walking around the house feeling as scared as I do without it showing on my face for them.
Hi, @thecorporatespy. I'm glad to hear that you and your doctor will meet on Friday to talk in more detail about your laboratory results and other issues causing your apprehensions. That's the best medicine I could imagine for dealing with too-little information about what's going on with our health. Hope you have time to jot down a list of questions that are most worrisome for you now -- and perhaps in the longer run of the past. I'll bet that your worries will be relieved a great deal from just getting information from an expert professional. The final brick in this structure is mutual respect and trust between you and your medical team -- your Primary Care Provider and any specialists on whom you rely. And you can get a measure of confidence also from other members of Mayo Connect. Martin
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