Promises of improved kidney function?

We should also keep in mind that if you take your GFR test 3 times at 3 different labs in the same day it would NOT be unusual to get very different scores (e.g., 52, 47, 61). The number means far less than the trend of your GFR scores over time. Be very careful before you assume your score has actually changed and before you attribute a random fluctuation in score to a specific treatment that does not have actual research from a refereed journal behind it.

I agree in full with you. Any person who was born and raised in Europe, was treated for minor illnesses with herbs, because the knowledge about those herbs is still very present in the population. Because most of all herbs are the same on the Eurasian continent, I assume very much that we had the same herbs available as any Chinese person has. My grandmother knew some herb for any ailment one could have. But nobody would have even tried to treat kidney disease with herbs only. We know that acupuncture is effective to treat pain an some condition, (TENS care is partly based on the same principles), but we very much know, too that it does not heal these conditions.
As a medical person, who worked in the lab for many years, I also know that specifically blood tests are not super accurate, and are mostly used to see some trending, and the results are very often not reproducible!
I am a medical professional, and I have kidney disease. If I would know about any reliable method to treat my disease, outside the established medical field, I sure would be going for it!

Linde

@citizenofottawa Absolutely! As I have mentioned several times, there are differences in machines, where you go for your labs, your hydration level [that changes during the course of a day], your general health on a given day. The general trend is what a good clinician will be watching.
Ginger

I am ten years older than you, and just had a similar shock. My healthy lifestyle and eating choices, and being a vegetarian, left me shocked with the diagnosis. Mine is attributed to a 6 year span of taking Bactrim - which kept me alive. No one suggested a kidney scan. I am terrified. I am interested in any comments from people who have been able to lower their GFRs. Mine is 51, not too bad, but I don't want a life of progressive kidney failure and all it entails, especially for my family. The only hope I see is diet.

So far, I have had to fight the entire way. The original kidney specialist I saw did not even bother to mention diet. SO I have become more aggressive than is my nature.

I read all the advice on here from those of you who have raised their GFRs.

Susanna,
Although some on this site may have difficulty with progress that is not scientifically proven by Western standards, I believe one can incorporate both modalities. I would recommend following a kidney friendly diet, one with low Potassium (if your Potassium is high). And if you have a nephrologist who is not partnering with you, I would get another doctor. Depending on where you live and what practitioners are available, you might look into an acupuncturist who has treated kidney disease. That’s what I did and changed my numbers after 3 years of declining a GFR. So I encourage you to be proactive.

Thank you. I have been in a state of shock and terror. I am otherwise in good shape, and I work full time. I have been reading all I can find. Did you follow any particular kidney diet plan? I did just change doctors from someone who told me would be okay, and I could live out my life: and gave me no guidance or help at all. New doctor seems more of a partner.

I had not thought of an acupuncturist, altho it had wonderful results for my dog.

You made my day. Thank you.

Good luck! I was fortunate to find an acupuncturist who also specializes in Chinese Herbs(not every Acupuncurist is experienced with this). So my regimen includes a vegan diet, low Potassium, acupuncture and herbs.

How long on your regimen before you saw a one point rise in your GFRs?

And, did you follow any special kidney diet? I did just change doctors to one who will, I believe, be more proactive. I do not expect to live forever, but among the issues, I would like to spare my family all the things you have to go through wasting away with a kidney disease.I found out by accident, and even before a confirmation, I changed my eating.

Wise words.

@susanna82 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! You have landed among people who share your similar health journey, and offer their experiences to show what has worked for them!

As you have found out, changing your diet to one that is lower in potassium, calcium, and phosphorous can certainly help the health of your kidneys. Also, exercising and keeping a healthy blood pressure will go a long ways towards feeling better. The medical community will usually look at the trend of a patient's eGFR [estimated glomular filtration rate = kidney function], not necessarily a one-time value. There are many factors for differing values, including hydration level, and even different labs or machines. And, as you know, everyone is different, which is why we get so much out of what everyone share here.

Have a medical team who you feel comfortable with is crucial. Like you, I just changed to a new nephrologist, and have an appointment with her next week. Has your doctor given you the reason for your kidney disease [hereditary factors, blood pressure, diabetes, etc]?
Ginger