EGFr drop

@beanbag Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! It sounds like you are being followed by a nephrologist at this time. What is the underlying cause of your chronic kidney disease? Is that condition under good control?

As you have read here in other threads, we look at trends, not always a single blood result. Factors that could affect a lower rGFR reading include dehydration or illness at the time of the blood draw. How has the function levels been showing over the last year?
Ginger

Hello, I see a nephrologist every 6 months. The last reading was from my GP who always makes the same comment, "Abnormal but expected, no further action". every time. As I have a wait until my next hospital appointment, I was interested in other people's advice. My trouble started when following a routine foot operation , I suffered from Water retention and the hospital referred me for various scans. The Nephrology Consultant told me about an 8 cm tumour on my left kidney which he assured me was 99% malignant. After the removal of that kidney it was found that the tumour was benign. That was 9 years ago and my remaining kidney has been deteriorating since. I am not a person who is in any way frightened by the future, but some planning
would be sensible. Getting appointments these days is becoming more and more difficult , hence my self help
question.
Thanks

Sorry, Pushed 'Post' too quickly. My underlying health has been pretty good , although I have been a diet controlled diabetic for many years. Over a 5 year period my EGFr has ben a steady 24 - 25 lowering to 22 in September 2025.
Thanks

@beanbag Enter ALL of your information into Gemini Ai.
Example:

Clinistix Health Test Kit: creatine 3+, ablumin normal? Meaning?
In 2026, interpreting your Clinistix Kidney Health Test results involves looking at the relationship between the two pads on the strip to determine your overall risk level.
Based on your report:
1. Albumin: Normal
Meaning: This is a very positive result. It means the test did not detect any significant amount of albumin (protein) leaking through your kidney filters. For someone with an eGFR of 60, "Normal" albumin is the ideal finding and suggests that while your filtration speed is reduced, your filters themselves are not currently "leaking".
2. Creatinine: 3+
Meaning: In a urine dipstick, "3+" for creatinine indicates a high concentration of creatinine in that specific urine sample.
Interpretation: Because creatinine is a waste product your body should be getting rid of, higher levels in the urine are generally better. It indicates that your kidneys are actively filtering waste out of your blood and that your urine is well-concentrated.
3. The Overall Ratio (The Most Important Part)
The Clinistix kit uses the creatinine pad to "adjust" the albumin reading based on how concentrated your urine is.
A "Normal" Albumin combined with a "3+" Creatinine almost certainly results in a "Normal" albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR).
Ideally, your urine should contain a high concentration of creatinine (which you have) and very little or no albumin (which you also have).
Summary Table
Result Meaning for eGFR 60
Albumin Normal Your kidney filters are not leaking protein.
Creatinine 3+ Your kidneys are effectively removing waste and concentrating urine.
Result Status Normal/Low Risk. This confirms your kidneys are functioning consistently with your Stage 3a status without active damage.
Action Step: Keep this result to show your nephrologist. A normal uACR is a powerful piece of evidence that your kidney condition is currently stable and that your proactive diet (low-sodium, limited protein) is working.

My eGFR dropped from 21 to 16 due to sepsis plus recent UTI infections that causes hospitalization. My nephrologist at Mayo in Rochester suggested looking at a kidney transplant. My first appointment with Northwestern Memorial Hospital is this month. My husband offered a kidney, his eGFR is over 100. Just to mention eGFR is based on of 3 calculations that are considered for kidney health. Creatinine, Cystatin C and iothalamate which is the gold standard to determine kidney health. This will be a long process. We don’t know of we’ll qualify to go forward. I have no choice as I cannot do dialysis. My right arm had 10 lymph nodes removed due to BC. I have extensive scarring in my abdomen from previous surgeries. The left arm with a fistula cannot have blood pressure or blood tests o protect the fistula.

This said I remain positive. I feel good and am living normally. We just returned from a 2 week vacation in Italy. Take care of yourself. Be aware of infections. This is one of the most dangerous things that can happen to reduce kidney function. Enjoy life, eat well, exercise.

Thanks for your advice. Taken on board

As a matter of interest, I have been placed on the Easi Kidney trial . This involves taking Empagliflozin 10 mg and
Trial B1 690517 , now being called Vicadrostat 10 mg per day. The Empagliflozin is also beneficial for those with Diabetes . The trial is a commitment for 5 years, (but being in my 80th year I would not put money on it) . The manufacturers are optimistic that the outcome will be very positive for those with CKD , mine being stage 4.
The important requirement is an acceptable potassium level, which is sensible for all CKD patients anyway.
I am currently on monthly monitoring , then 6 monthly check ups.
Is anyone else out there on this trial ?
Thanks