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

@predictable I certainly agree with you, a feeling of relief once questions are answered.

@thecorporatespy taking time to write down questions/concerns you have, ahead of time, will make a world of difference to get the information you want. A eGFR of 55 is considered Stage 3A. Follow the guidelines of your nephrologist, eat a healthy diet, get your exercise, lower blood pressure if that's an issue, watch sugar intake.
Ginger

They all make an emphasis on your GFR is you are under 60. I’ve been maintaining 43-57 for 15years and only went lower when I had a bacterial infection and once that was under control it climbed back up. You may have some things like hydration or type of food issues going on. Increase water intake, as suggested cranberries or cranberry Juice, avoid high fat dairy, avoid alcohol, reduce or consider eliminating red meat, avoid purines ( liver, heart, etc), etc etc see healthy kidney diet. I would try some of these and request to see what your GFR numbers are like in a couple months. If there is still concern or it’s going lower I’d ask to see or speak to a nephrologist that specializes in Kidneys and CKD.

@gbski Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! I see this is your first post, and it is very informative. Thank you for chiming in here. Good for you, for staying in the Stage 3a range consistently, It sounds like you have taken a proactive approach to handling your kidney disease.

If you are comfortable sharing, what is the reason for your declining kidney function?
Ginger

The nephrologist actually at first could not determine an exact cause an finally pinned a possible causal on a prior Med I was on low dose for a couple years, although I can recall being somewhat low prior to taking any meds. Could be from diet or prior unawareness of being hydrated enough. Just recently another Dr felt I may not totally be in CKD for sure as he said the fact I’ve gone back up as high as 57 wasn’t normally something he’s seen and suggested I get even more diligent on food and water and see how that does. Currently fighting a bacterial infection so that lowered it but almost recovered what I lost after less than a week on antibiotic Rx.

@bgski I wouldn't be quick to discount what a change in diet/lifestyle can do. Someone I know totally changed her eGFR by diet and watching stressors in her life! An infection may certainly affect our bodies in many ways. Good for you for watching yourself!
Ginger

I understand how difficult it can be to get this news - but much better to know because diet does make a difference. This authors books helped me a lot: https://www.gail-raegarwood.com/ I have kept my levels in 3A for a few years now. Stay away from ibuprofen!