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How can I stabilize or improve my eGFR?

Kidney & Bladder | Last Active: Jul 18, 2023 | Replies (13)

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@mrainne

I can relate! But my BP is generally in the range of 115/75 give or take. I do not take BP meds. I just posted a topic about exercise and creatinine. I understand as Ginger noted, GFR fluctuates and there are many factors in play. But my general history is a gradual decline. I'd also like to know the lifespan without dialysis or kidney transplant as GFR steadily reduces. What would cause a huge drop or can one guestimate that kidney function gradually declines over time and age? For example, I'm 65. My GFR is 25. Can I assume I have 10 years before I get to a GFR of 15? I'm healthy and active.

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Replies to "I can relate! But my BP is generally in the range of 115/75 give or take...."

@mrainne I am on PD dialysis, having started it at an eGFR of 14 last September. My prescription is a light one, in that I do one bag a day of fluids. There is a theory that starting dialysis at a higher eGFR may help preserve kidney function a bit. For me, I made the decision to start because I was feeling so poorly, with the combination of kidney disease and blood cancer treatments. Through diligent diet and lifestyle monitoring, I was able to slow the decline on kidney function for well over 10 years.

I hate to say this, but we cannot assume anything as far as kidney function. While you are healthy now [yeah! for you, by the way!] it could be a long time before there is a need for additional treatment/dialysis/transplant. In the worst case scenario, you get sick with a sudden infection or injury, your kidney function could tank on you, and you wouldn't see it coming, no matter how diligent you are. We each work hard at keeping ourselves as healthy as possible, on all fronts of our life. Diet, moderate exercise, stress reduction, no smoking, all play a very beneficial role.
Ginger

My GFR was dropping, but certainly was not as low as yours. I added two vegetables with dinner. I also started getting serious about hydration. I bought a bottle with measurements . I add ice, a cup of juice (or you can put cucumber or fruit in the water overnight) and water. It is fairly easy to add in that 64 ounces. I use juice or pedialyte in the water to help with electrolytes. My kidneys have not shrunk and seem to work fine, so it seems like hydration was the issue. I just have to keep it up. I am 70.