Dizziness with ckd

@johnmacc thank you for your reply. I know you mean we’ll but my post that you are replying to is from 2017 (5 years ago)! The ironic thing is that I was at a nephrology appointment when the notification came of your reply. Here’s an update on my CKD now. I am stage 4, but stable. My doc assures me that dialysis &/or kidney transplant is in my future. I’ve been evaluated for Kidney transplant at several centers and I’m inactively listed at Mayo in Rochester, MN (too healthy for active listing). I have dietary recommendations from local and Mayo nutritionists. My Dr. says “eat for the labs”. I have standing orders for labs every 3 months. The Dr. adjusts meds, makes dietary and fluid consumption recommendations accordingly. My GFR has bounced between 14 - 42 in the past six years that I’ve been on this journey. It is currently 29. I’ve been better and I’ve been worse. “We’re in not too bad a shape for the shape we’re in” as my husband would say. Today we both got our flu shots and advice on updating COVID vaccines. This Dr. is great. We had a wonderful lunch date after the appointment because “we both behaved well”. I am so blessed!

Hi there. Sorry for the late reply. I must have been looking deeper into conversations and found you. I'm any event, I looks like your getting good advice from a pro so I will beg off and wish you well on your journey. John

Hi, I'm new to connect. I'm 80 years old. PCP has been working to stabilize my BP. I'm on Metoprolol 100mg. eGFR was 55. Then added Micardis 80mg/HCT 12.5mg. eGFR dropped to 41. One month ago, decreased Micardis to 40mg/HCT 12.5 mg. eGFR now 44. No further follow up scheduled. Next annual not until 9/23. Should I ask (insist) on repeat blood work before then?

As our mentor, @gingerw suggests, better understanding of kidney disease requires a trend of values. To accomplish this, in my opinion in Stage 3, is to meet with a team of docs like your PCP, nephrologist, and others, and get your kidney values checked as often as possible to establish that trend. I am not familar with the medications you take, but it appears there may be a need to meet more often with medical professionals to reduce fluctuations in your eGFR as a result of medication changes. By waiting nearly a year may increase those fluctuations. Stage 3 can lead to Stage 4, and you have the opportunity now to possibly delay your disease by being proactive. For some, this may be a difficult decision to make for insisting or asking, but having a team allows you to make the right choice.

I forgot to say welcome to this forum. Hopefully, you will get other comments as well.

@mary42 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! It appears the medications you listed are used for controlling high blood pressure. As @collegeprof said, looking at trends in lab reports for kidney disease is the best indicator of how we are doing.

A few things I would like to point out, in no particular order:
- high blood pressure, along with diabetes, are the leading causes of chronic kidney disease. So, getting those under control by lifestyle and medication will go a long ways to keeping your kidneys functioning at their peak;
- lab results can vary based on your hydration levels, and even the different machines used by labs to calculate those results. A single result should not be interpreted as a "stand alone" in most cases;
- in my opinion and experience, waiting for a year to see a doctor when you have a chronic condition [for you, both kidney and high blood pressure] is not a good idea. Insist on bloodwork every three months to monitor your conditions. Do you take your blood pressure at home every day or at least twice a week?
- diet plays a large part in managing kidney disease. As does adequate hydration. Quality protein, no or few processed meats, fresh fruits/vegetable. Choose those low in potassium/ calcium/phosphorous;
- likewise, get moderate exercise, however you like. Even simple walking counts, and this time of year with seasonal changes, it can be a glorious one! Gentle stretches, swimming, yoga, Tai Chi all are doable by most people.

Yes, insist on being followed every three months. Request a referral to a nephrologist [kidney specialist]. Your health is of utmost importance to you, and being your own advocate may feel intimidating, but it lets your team know you are serious!
Ginger

Well, I’m so new to this I can’t be depended on for information. But I will say that my CKD was diagnosed after I complained of dizziness with very low blood pressure, well below the minimum‘s of 90/60. Apparently, from what I’ve read here, hypertension is sometimes associated with CKD. FYI, I am also 3B.

Hi , my brother is starting to feel dizzy he is stage 4 ckd . How did you improve your GFR ?

There are some medications that may cause dizziness and/or frequent urination ending up with dehydration. I was in Stage 4 with Farxiga and Torsemide (a diuretic) on separate occasions, each time causing me restlessness and fatigue. I stopped those medications on separate times and my labs last week showed my eGFR in Stage 3A . I try to drink 70 ounces of water daily.

Thank you for your prompt reply .My brother is also on farxiga maybe that is why he has dizziness and dehydration