GFR down from 58 to 43.8 over 3 years

Hi,
Don't be too alarmed. Your GFR readings can be affected by what you have been doing before blood has been taken and what you have eaten. I try to always have and do the same things prior to testing and as much as possible at the same time of day. This gives me some constantcy to the readings. They will stil fluctuate and it is an overall picture of several tests that is what you should be considering. I can drop 15% by taking a strong painkiller, mostly recoverable, touch wood.
Kidneys do infact decline with age. Dietry change and lifestyle changes can make a difference. One of the worst drinks are diet sodas, they love to kill kidney function, it is the artificial sweetener that does the damage. I stick with Stevia only and am salt free as well. Every little change can help. Find a kidney friendly diet if you haven't already. Some choices are not palatable but can give benifits.
Cheers

@tiglet same thing happened to me, with almost the same numbers. I was in the 50's for years and didn't give it much thought. Then I got a 36. And lots of low 40's.

First thing is to hydrate. Dehydration lowers eGFR significantly.

My nephrologist also does a Cystatin C, a different GFR, and that is more stable- and higher. It is less influenced by other factors like muscle loss.

@tiglet Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! Responses here by @cheyne and @windyshores are right on.

Unfortunately, many PCPs do not consider declining eGFR to be "a big deal" until it is a big deal. Foremost is figuring out what might be causing a decline, and we always want to look at a trend rather than a single test result. Are you hydrating enough? Are you getting over an infection? Are you taking antibiotics? Has there been a change in medications in any way [type/frequency]? Different labs processing your samples? Change in healthy diet protocols? All these can be factors that might change up our numbers.

Health conditions can contribute to declining eGFR. Uncontrolled diabetes or high blood pressure, side effects of medications [sometimes long term], lifestyle, or genetic factors can all play a part, too.

Yeah for you, already changing up your diet. Sodium, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, and processed foods are important to watch on your intake. Hydration is key, also! Have you felt any difference, feel better but cannot "quite" pinpoint why? Subtle changes can have a big impact!
Ginger

The diet question is complicated. My nephrologist wants me to have more salt, and more protein! The salt due to low blood pressure which can affect eGFR. The protein for muscles because muscle loss can also affect eGFR. Everyone is different! But the main thing is hydration!

Hi,
A simple thing I do is constantly monitor my urine. The colour should be between clear and light straw colour which indicates your kidneys are getting enough fluid to do their job. All be it you haven't had something like beetroot that can change the colour to red!
I get through about 3 liters of fluid per day plus what is in the food I eat. This has kept me in the GFR 40 range for 12 years now. If you stick rigidly to a kidney friendly diet you can push the GFR up, but it is a struggle to be so restrictive in diet. Eventually I had to relent to a more sustainable diet and not be so regimented. I'm dealing with 4 major health issues which each have their own dietry requirments, so it becomes a balancing act as what is good for one can be bad for another.
One major revalation I learnt is that CKD is not D for death it is merely D for disease. Once you get past the shock it isn't so bad after all, there are things you can do to help and still enjoy life.
Cheers

Thank you, I've not had any illnesses, but I have been taking SSRIs for depression for many years. My HRT patch was swapped for a pill a few years ago due to availability and then after 3 years the doctor put me back on patches, saying pills weren't ideal. I was also given Lansoprazole for acid reflux in 2021, still on it now, and I wonder if that had contributed too.

I have had a lot of fatigue, and from talking to transplant patients I know this could be related, even at this stage. Today I feel quite down, but I know I will probably feel more positive tomorrow.

Thanks for your kind reply!

Thank you, I think I am still probably I'm the "shocked" phase, and I think you are probably right in that I don't drink enough. I don't drink any fizzy pop, I do have some sparkling mineral water and tap water, not too much coffee and I do love tea.

I am going to make a point of measuring my fluid intake to be sure I get enough.

Hi,
I paniced when I was told I had CKD and 5 years to live. I settled all debits finished all the projects around the house and updated my will. Walked away from my business and waited, it never came knocking.
Now plus 7 years in credit and don't really give CKD another thought. I try to have 6 cups of tea a day, but not always possible with Dysautonomia controlling my digestion and other functions. I'm over worrying about my health issues, one of the five will get me sooner or later or maybe time might just run out for me. Who knows, I just get on with life the best I can while I can.
I try to keep myself busy and not dwel on my health too much, just be mindful it is a factor in my continued existance and don't do anything stupid to damage it too much.
Cheers

@tiglet my eGFR based on creatinine fluctuates but the GFR from Cystatin C is steadier and higher.

@cheyne why were you told that CKD would mean 5 years to live? Is your eGFR in the teens? Did they mention dialysis? I just don't want anyone newly diagnosed with CKD to panic with this 5 year thing.

I have had CKD for years and years and my doctor never even mentioned it. When I saw my eGFR dip to 36 I got a nephrologist. I stopped taking NSAID's and drink more- simple measures- and it has stayed in the mid-40's/low 50's.

My mother had a GFR in the low 20's for years and I have a friend with GFR of 18 still not on dialysis.

It's pretty darn common after a certain age to technically have CKD (GFR below 60). It goes down with age. A sudden big drop needs to be investigated though.