All of us have fluctuating kidney function labs. I take 3,000 units of Vitamin D daily. Maybe you need to take more than you are taking-? Your doc may give you a prescription strength to boost you up. Blood in urine isn't good. Was it trace or more? Glad there is no protein.
I recently found out the GFR calculation changed. I was always monitored by CKD MDRD type GFR calculation. All my historic records for GFR monitoring were erased in my records and they started new this Sept. with the CKD EPI creatinine equation.
"On September 24, the Task Force’s Final Report recommended the use of the new eGFR 2021 CKD EPI creatinine equation that estimates kidney function without using race. The Task Force also recommended increased use of cystatin C combined with creatinine for a reliable way to check kidney function."
My GFR is relatively the same, improved a bit from 25 to 30. Theoretically, kicked me back into 3rd stage rather than 4th stage, according to numbers. But more important is stability over time. The numbers go up and down, as they have for me over 8 years but remain somewhat stable. My BUN shows constant dehydration, but that's part of my disease. I'm always dehydrated, no matter how much water I drink.
I used to get upset when my numbers went down and confused when they went back up. There are many factors why that happens. Time of day of the blood draws, exercise the day before, how much water you drink, etc.
You can get blood draws every 3-6 months and watch the pattern. It's really not a concern unless something drastic shows up. A huge drop in GFR or increase in creatinine. I've learned all this over time and through my appointment at Mayo with a Nephrologist. Blood work is basically monitoring, so there is no reason to panic about number changes. As I stated in a previous post a while ago, my Neph at Mayo said many people live a long time on very low GFR numbers. There are so many factors, what kind of disease you have, how quickly changes take place, etc. It's important to get the right diagnosis. I was misdiagnosed by my local Nephrologist. Since then that disease has been taken off my records (AKPKD). I am continuing my relationship with the Mayo Clinic although there is no treatment for my "real" disease. Much of this has to do with how you feel. That's what you should be monitoring. I have no symptoms.
I agree that your GFR is likely to fluctuate 2-5 points based on numerous factors. Your nephrologist will determine when changes to that value are significant. In addition to the factors you have already listed blood pressure is a significant factor as it is a measure of profusion through your kidneys. This is most important for those with CKD. Lastly, if you are having your blood drawn at the same time you have an infection OR are taking any antibiotics or even something as unrelated dental work where you might receive novacane or similar med that will effect the GFR value as well.
I have found the most significant factors to improving the GFR is diet (which includes good fluid intake) and blood flow by maintaining a good blood pressure and a good exercise routine.
@goldsba, hello. You seem very knowledgeable about factors affecting eGFR so I'm asking for your thoughts about the fact that my last CMP showed overall improvement, especially renal function, but I learned a few days later that I also had a UTI at the time. Do you think my renal function would have shown even more improvement if I had not had the UTI?
I agree that your GFR is likely to fluctuate 2-5 points based on numerous factors. Your nephrologist will determine when changes to that value are significant. In addition to the factors you have already listed blood pressure is a significant factor as it is a measure of profusion through your kidneys. This is most important for those with CKD. Lastly, if you are having your blood drawn at the same time you have an infection OR are taking any antibiotics or even something as unrelated dental work where you might receive novacane or similar med that will effect the GFR value as well.
One must remember that there are two types of eGFR; one that is 60+% effective and one that is 90+% effective. Most good nephrologists prefer the latter which is Cystatin C. Indeed, blood pressure and diabetes are 2 of the most common causes of CKD. Throughout the years, my blood pressure has been excellent, but Type 2 diabetes also carries its tolI. I would imagine that a brief infection may change the eGFR at that moment; how significant, I don't know. As we talk most often here, it the Cystatin C trend that is the most important. Since the Cystatin C looks at all your cells for determination of value, I would think that if an infection clears, Cystatin C should normaize unless there is significant damage.
Thank you so much!! U have no idea how much that information helps. Would you know what would cause a increase in the eGFR number over a span of a two years? Can your kidney really get better?
Thank you so much!! U have no idea how much that information helps. Would you know what would cause a increase in the eGFR number over a span of a two years? Can your kidney really get better?
Fitst, there are 2 basic types of kidney disease, acute or chronic. Acute kidney disease relates to an injury or something sudden that can cause this event. There is hope that kidney disease achieved in this fashion can be fully or partially restored. On the other hand, as it's name implies, chronic kidney disease cannot. However, in many cases, it can be maintained with diet, exercise, and better control of Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular health. Even acupuncture may help. There are many studies that show a longer life span for the CKD patient even in Stages 3 or 4.
Lastly, if you have CKD from an unknown source after 2 years, your PCP should probably have uncovered that cause with all labs done over the last 2 years.
Fitst, there are 2 basic types of kidney disease, acute or chronic. Acute kidney disease relates to an injury or something sudden that can cause this event. There is hope that kidney disease achieved in this fashion can be fully or partially restored. On the other hand, as it's name implies, chronic kidney disease cannot. However, in many cases, it can be maintained with diet, exercise, and better control of Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular health. Even acupuncture may help. There are many studies that show a longer life span for the CKD patient even in Stages 3 or 4.
Lastly, if you have CKD from an unknown source after 2 years, your PCP should probably have uncovered that cause with all labs done over the last 2 years.
Just want to add that stage 3, or at least stage 3a that is stable, is not that far from normal. I have been in stage 3a and never saw a nephrologist. I had a quick dip into 3b and did see a nephrologist, but am still not terribly concerned, though it is relevant to medication choices.
Just want to add that stage 3, or at least stage 3a that is stable, is not that far from normal. I have been in stage 3a and never saw a nephrologist. I had a quick dip into 3b and did see a nephrologist, but am still not terribly concerned, though it is relevant to medication choices.
I've never had kidney problems. Recently, I had a random blood test in August as part of a check up. And 3 weeks later had to have another as my husband got pneumonia and they wanted to check me. In those 3 weeks between tests my gfr went from 77 in Aug to 56 in early Sept! I dont have diabetes nor high blood pressure. I'm not ill although I had pneumonia a year ago with sepsis but healed. I've been on nexium for a year as the pneumonia was aspiration. My doctor didnt seem concerned. I am! 20 point drop in 3 weeks? And I see bubbles in the toilet. Only about a rep but they are there. But not every time I go. I'm really worried. I just had a friend die of this and a husband on dialysis. Can anyone shed any light on this?
I've never had kidney problems. Recently, I had a random blood test in August as part of a check up. And 3 weeks later had to have another as my husband got pneumonia and they wanted to check me. In those 3 weeks between tests my gfr went from 77 in Aug to 56 in early Sept! I dont have diabetes nor high blood pressure. I'm not ill although I had pneumonia a year ago with sepsis but healed. I've been on nexium for a year as the pneumonia was aspiration. My doctor didnt seem concerned. I am! 20 point drop in 3 weeks? And I see bubbles in the toilet. Only about a rep but they are there. But not every time I go. I'm really worried. I just had a friend die of this and a husband on dialysis. Can anyone shed any light on this?
I had a big drop in GFR but mine was from 55 to 36, in a few months. Kidney doc has said it could be from low blood pressure, but my bp is not always low. Then doc said could be from muscle wasting but tests show that is not the cause either.
You might want to request a Cystatin C because that is more reliable and mine actually is fine at 54 (relatively speaking), even with a creatinine based GFR of 41.
I no longer take any NSAID's, just tylenol, try to hydrate, and eat salty foods for bp. They also tell me to push protein in my diet, the opposite of what you might think.
Hope you get an anwer. I am just accepting it at this point.
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All of us have fluctuating kidney function labs. I take 3,000 units of Vitamin D daily. Maybe you need to take more than you are taking-? Your doc may give you a prescription strength to boost you up. Blood in urine isn't good. Was it trace or more? Glad there is no protein.
What concerns you the most?
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2 ReactionsI agree that your GFR is likely to fluctuate 2-5 points based on numerous factors. Your nephrologist will determine when changes to that value are significant. In addition to the factors you have already listed blood pressure is a significant factor as it is a measure of profusion through your kidneys. This is most important for those with CKD. Lastly, if you are having your blood drawn at the same time you have an infection OR are taking any antibiotics or even something as unrelated dental work where you might receive novacane or similar med that will effect the GFR value as well.
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4 ReactionsI have found the most significant factors to improving the GFR is diet (which includes good fluid intake) and blood flow by maintaining a good blood pressure and a good exercise routine.
-
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Helpful -
Hug
4 Reactions@goldsba, hello. You seem very knowledgeable about factors affecting eGFR so I'm asking for your thoughts about the fact that my last CMP showed overall improvement, especially renal function, but I learned a few days later that I also had a UTI at the time. Do you think my renal function would have shown even more improvement if I had not had the UTI?
@goldsba
One must remember that there are two types of eGFR; one that is 60+% effective and one that is 90+% effective. Most good nephrologists prefer the latter which is Cystatin C. Indeed, blood pressure and diabetes are 2 of the most common causes of CKD. Throughout the years, my blood pressure has been excellent, but Type 2 diabetes also carries its tolI. I would imagine that a brief infection may change the eGFR at that moment; how significant, I don't know. As we talk most often here, it the Cystatin C trend that is the most important. Since the Cystatin C looks at all your cells for determination of value, I would think that if an infection clears, Cystatin C should normaize unless there is significant damage.
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Hug
2 ReactionsThank you so much!! U have no idea how much that information helps. Would you know what would cause a increase in the eGFR number over a span of a two years? Can your kidney really get better?
-
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Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@jessgarduno30
Fitst, there are 2 basic types of kidney disease, acute or chronic. Acute kidney disease relates to an injury or something sudden that can cause this event. There is hope that kidney disease achieved in this fashion can be fully or partially restored. On the other hand, as it's name implies, chronic kidney disease cannot. However, in many cases, it can be maintained with diet, exercise, and better control of Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular health. Even acupuncture may help. There are many studies that show a longer life span for the CKD patient even in Stages 3 or 4.
Lastly, if you have CKD from an unknown source after 2 years, your PCP should probably have uncovered that cause with all labs done over the last 2 years.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsJust want to add that stage 3, or at least stage 3a that is stable, is not that far from normal. I have been in stage 3a and never saw a nephrologist. I had a quick dip into 3b and did see a nephrologist, but am still not terribly concerned, though it is relevant to medication choices.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI've never had kidney problems. Recently, I had a random blood test in August as part of a check up. And 3 weeks later had to have another as my husband got pneumonia and they wanted to check me. In those 3 weeks between tests my gfr went from 77 in Aug to 56 in early Sept! I dont have diabetes nor high blood pressure. I'm not ill although I had pneumonia a year ago with sepsis but healed. I've been on nexium for a year as the pneumonia was aspiration. My doctor didnt seem concerned. I am! 20 point drop in 3 weeks? And I see bubbles in the toilet. Only about a rep but they are there. But not every time I go. I'm really worried. I just had a friend die of this and a husband on dialysis. Can anyone shed any light on this?
I had a big drop in GFR but mine was from 55 to 36, in a few months. Kidney doc has said it could be from low blood pressure, but my bp is not always low. Then doc said could be from muscle wasting but tests show that is not the cause either.
You might want to request a Cystatin C because that is more reliable and mine actually is fine at 54 (relatively speaking), even with a creatinine based GFR of 41.
I no longer take any NSAID's, just tylenol, try to hydrate, and eat salty foods for bp. They also tell me to push protein in my diet, the opposite of what you might think.
Hope you get an anwer. I am just accepting it at this point.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction