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Chronic Kidney Failure? MRI with contrast
My Primary just added Stage 3a chronic kidney disease (HRC) to my chart. Last few blood draws show high Creatinine; numbers are not high enough to be worried.
I asked about what the root cause might be and how to remediate.
He said most people get this from Advil (ibuprofen) and I should limit intake; I do not use Advil. He said the contrast from MRIs will also raise your Creatinine. Oh boy have I been getting a whole bunch of those lately.
WATER, WATER, WATER, and MORE WATER after an MRI w/contrast = lesson learned
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do you take creatine supplement?? that will F*** your kidneys up in a hurry..gave me kidney stones..back in 1998..and really started my descent into urinary problems and finally PC-I know they are unrelated.
Hope you get better..and yes, start each day with 8-10 oz water !
High blood pressure medications are notorious for this.
If you are taking one, ask to be switched to something that doesn’t affect the kidneys as much. If he’s reluctant go see a nephrologist. You have to nip this in the bud!
Phil
No supplements
Same Doc does have me on some blood pressure meds.
I'll do some research and discuss with him
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1 ReactionIf not from high creatinine levels or from high eGFR, how are they determining that you have Stage 3a chronic kidney disease?
You indicated “Last few blood draws show high Creatinine; numbers are not high enough to be worried.” How high was that?
@brianjarvis - From mychart
Who do I talk to about this? I think I need to get a new Primary away from Family Practice?
His note: Kidney function is stable, slightly below normal. But he also added the CKD in my chart (Stage 3a chronic kidney disease (HRC))
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1 Reaction@briang1958 Stage 3a CKD is defined as eGFR < 60 and >45. Should have the uACR urine test (Albumin Creatine ratio) at next visit (lower is better). For blood pressure try ACE or ARB (most common are Lisinopril and Losartan) that work by reducing angiotestin (ACE) or blocking its receptors (ARB). These are often prescribed for CKD.
@jim18 Believe it or not, I was on both of those and my GFR plunged, much to my doctor’s surprise!
He switched me to Norvasc - which doesn’t involve the kidney - and the GFR climbed.
Phil
I believe you since everyone varies. It does not invalidate that ACE/ARBs are generally helpful to kidney function (why your doctor was surprised?). Anything started when GFR went down has to be looked at as a likely suspect. Chart showed eGFR was in the 60s since 2021 (bad lab does not list number vs >60). Need to look at why creatinine is persistently high since that goes directly in the eGFR calculation. Typically, from NSAIDs (Naproxen / Aleve as well as Advil) or creatine in supplements as previously mentioned.
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1 ReactionYeah, lots of labs I didn't post. Yes, I am on Losartan. My Doc is not worried about my numbers now. Just told me to avoid Advil and if at all possible, minimize MRIs with contrast.
I have had no less than 8 - 10 MRIs w/contrast in the past 24 months.
Posted this as an FYI.
I hope they told you at your first scan to flush with water after the test. I was told to do so.