Connect
What to do if EGFR is 19?
My husband has been seeing a nephrologist for several years since he had aortic aneurysm repair. His kidney function has been stable until now. The dye possibly damaged his kidneys and his egfr is now 19!
His metabolic panel numbers have been mostly normal, but now his creatinine is up. His urinalysis is normal, no protein or albumin in it. His sodium and potassium levels are normal. He has recent blood work and we received the reports but have not talked to the doctor. However the PA has sent a message referring him to a Davita Kidney Class mentioning dialysis. He has slight anemia iron level 11.7 and is on iron and vitamin D. I don’t understand all of the tests, but his doctor has been saying he is stable and in stage 4. He dies not have a lot of energy, but he walks a mile a day, mows grass, plays nine holes of golf a couple of times a week. And helps with housework by vacuuming. We are watching salt and he is not diabetic. I know this is rambling, but I am hoping someone can help me make some sense of it u til we see his doctor. His next appointment is not u til August, but I am going to call for a sooner one. Thanks for any comments.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Kidney & Bladder Support Group.
Connect
@gingerw, similar experience here: also taking furosemide and since potassium supplements would put me over the top and I don't tolerate most juices (gastroparesis,) I researched the potassium content in NuSalt, which is KCl, the same ingredient in the supplements, and found that 1/8 tsp is a bit over 360 mg K so neph ok'd a fourth to a half that amount daily, depending on what else I'm having that day, including banana and unleached potatoes (microwavable baking potatoes peeled after cooking (no potato skin with GP) as well as 2 oz low sodium V8. Sure do enjoy the potatoes!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsMy husbands neph has been sort of doing the same thing saying that numbers are just that. He has not said a lot about diet. Seems like he always said things were good because most of the things measured in the metabolic panel were good and urinalysis always good. Stage 3B in spite of egfr in the 20’s and creatinine 3.3. Then at the last appointment we saw the PA and he wrote up that he needed to go to kidney consulting classes and be preparing for dialysis. Still waiting for some comments from the doctor.
@gingerw
I thought oranges and orange juice were no no's for CKD because of high potassium levels. I believe those on dialysis are allowed many food choices that we could only dream about such as meat or dairy products. Whenever I go to Mayo, I sneak in a latte with oat milk at Starbucks as that is incorporated at the Phoenix Mayo site. Also interesting is that this thread talks about food and diet, which is quite important, and not the equal importance of exercise as it relates to eGFR. Last thing, Ginger, as many of us have followed your journey, but how are you feeling phyically as a result of your dialysis? Some of us are in late stage 3B or 4 and are desperate that we go no farther.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@collegeprof I actually have low potassium! My oncologist feels it is a result of the 80mg furosemide twice a day, depleting my system. We discovered a slight heart murmur, and after starting prescription potassium supplements, and incorporating some potassium rich foods into my diet, the murmur has gone away. I have never been a big fan of dairy products [except an ice cream cone once in a while!], but stayed away from bananas and oranges for over a decade. By golly, that first sip of hand squeezed orange juice was like nectar to me!
In this season, as it is warming up, and the weeds have taken over, I am getting out right at sunrise to "pick a bucket or spend an hour" doing some yard work. Then come inside to have a cup of coffee, some nutrition, and hook up to dialysis. This schedule is working for me right now.
As to how I feel physically. It took me a bit longer to feel better once I started dialysis, seeing that I am also an active cancer patient. Probably 3-4 months for me, where others feel better within weeks. My energy is better, the blood cancer numbers are better. I believe that is due to the dialysis cleaning my blood/system, and allowing the chemo medications to work better. It is an adjustment that I take in small steps. No, I won't be going out to do a marathon run, but that was never on my plate anyway.
You're absolutely right. Diet and exercise play vital parts in our health journey. We are each unique people, and have individual needs. Being in this community, we can share what has worked [or not!] for us, and others learn from us. I am grateful.
Ginger
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
10 ReactionsAgreed, everyone is a different animal and has there own unique body chemistry. For me personally orange juice is crucial. With my “BMI” I need to consume 2500 calories a day just to breathe and laying in bed not exerting energy. With no appetite and a diet a rabbit would complain about…. HAHA….. OJ covers my sugar intake, obviously vitamin C among others. Crucial for me! But I have to counter the Acidity with Omeprazole because I also have a full lemon everyday and apple cider vinegar. So no matter what side the coin lands on I have no choice. Again, that’s me!!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsIt is I who is grateful. You have gone through so much for so many years and have provided this forum with excellent CKD information. You have always had an upbeat attitude despite your many serious maladies. Thank you for more information that many of us will remember.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsYes, my Neph never talks about diet. I asked him about drinking water through the night, no opinion. I like to drink sips of water during the night, maybe I feel like it's keeping me hydrated. Sadly, I learn very little from my Neph. Your husband's creatinine seems high. Mine is 1.9 and I'm considered 4th stage. Difference between males and females? Weight? Age? I'm so looking forward to my appointment at Mayo. Although, I might get bad news. Yet to be seen.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@collegeprof One thing I forgot to mention. When I started dialysis last September, my eGFR was 14%. At my most recent bloodwork, it is now improved to 18%. While that may not sound like much, those of us with decreasing numbers know that any little bit can be a big help! They say that starting dialysis at a percentage higher that 10% can sometimes offer the chance to "bounce back", and this certainly seems to prove the theory.
Typically, the labs pulled for the PD clinic do not include eGFR numbers, as it is generally no longer considered once you start dialysis. I get separate labwork done at my cancer clinic, that includes that value. It is the same analyzing machine each time, so I feel confident in consistent results. To have that value rebound a bit is a win-win in my books!
Ginger
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
5 ReactionsAre you drinking at least 64 ounces of water daily? Yes, I know u pee a lot but it is necessary. Do not drink any pops. Or alcohol. U probably know which foods NOT to eat. Go Vegan, might help.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI drink so much plain water. I don't keep track of the ounces but I bring water with me, pretty much where ever I go. I'm not vegan, but pretty close. We have a working garden in our backyard, and fresh veggies just about daily. I eat lots of beans, pasta, fruit, etc. Once in a great while meat. It does not sit well with me and I eat within an 8-hour window, almost every day. No soda, ever. I tell my kidneys I love them :)). Do you think that helps?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction