CKD numbers increased

Posted by Mary Klimek @brklimeks, Sep 23, 2021

Ginger, I have been diagnosed a few months ago at stage three CKD. My most recent lab test showed GFR greater than 60. Two questions: first am I out of the woods totally? I took myself off of Spironolactone a couple months and I wonder if that has anything to do with it. Second question is what other medication should I watch out for. I am on gabapentin (for neuropathy pain ) 1500 mg and I truly don’t want to get off of that.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Kidney & Bladder Support Group.

Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Sep 23, 2021

@brklimeks Well, dang! I had a reply almost typed out and somehow hit a wrong key, it all disappeared!

There are several factors when we look at the eGFR of kidney function. One, with advancing age, there is a natural slight decline in function level. Two, function level with chronic kidney disease can fluctuate depending on how we are feeling, and the root cause of the CKD. Is it hereditary [such as polycystic kidney disease], lifestyle or medication side effects [high blood pressure or diabetes, or side effects of long-term psychiatric medications, for example]?

You say you took yourself off Spironolactone, which is a high blood pressure medication. Did your dr replace it with something else, or is he aware you did this? As far as Gabapentin, it can cause some issues long term for kidney disease patients, but according to this chart, you are within range: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5291335/

Definite medications to be careful of, with kidney disease, is aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. I hope this helps you, and if you have further questions, please let me know!
Ginger

csage1010 (Sue) | @csage1010 | Sep 23, 2021

Ginger, I so love reading your posts. You are so intelligent and your responses are so well thought out. Thank you.

Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Sep 23, 2021

In reply to @csage1010 "Ginger, I so love reading your posts. You are so intelligent and your responses are so..." + (show)

@csage1010 Well, gosh, thank you so much! I have had to be educated on my own health issues since 1988, when I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus. I am grateful to be able to share things i have found out, to help others on their own journeys!
Ginger

Mary Klimek | @brklimeks | Sep 24, 2021

In reply to @gingerw "@brklimeks Well, dang! I had a reply almost typed out and somehow hit a wrong key,..." + (show)

Thanks for the reply. I called my PCP before I dropped spironolactone. She was okay with that. My previous Dr put me on it as a water pill. My BP almost always runs under 120/80 even without it. I check it at home as well as during appointments. I’m not diabetic but I am on Cymbalta for pain from neuropathy as well as depression I think. Thanks for the chart. I’ll check it out. Have a great weekend!