Is GFR RATE OF 37 WORRISOME?

I’m diabetic too. My eGFR is 38. I have chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 3. There might not be any noticeable symptoms at this stage and many Dr.’s don’t seem concerned about it. I guess I was more aware of what kidney problems could become. My father-in-law had end stage kidney disease and needed dialysis until he had a kidney transplant. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two most common causes of kidney problems. I have an endocrinologist to help care for my diabetes and I started seeing a nephrologist in 2008. I learned that one lab test is not that meaningful. Looking at the trend in tests over time is more helpful. I suggest that the next time you see your Dr. you can ask about your lab results and ask s/he recommends.

@robbie44 As you probably have read here on this support group, we look at trends rather than a one-time lab result, unless it is dramatic.

Do you have access to look at the other lab results you have for eGFR? And as a diabetic, take a look at the medications you are taking, to see if there are side effects that might be causing changes in your eGFR.
Ginger

This is a bit long but I have tried to make is as short as I can. I did post a comment probably at the start of the year. That was probably book long as well.

Having been told I had stage 3 CKD In January, I downloaded onto Kindle several books on the subject. Having recently recovered from PMR I had a few books on autoimmune diseases too. Due to my doctors office's inability to attract a second doctor after the only additional doctor left, I have had to rely on Nurse Practitioners for health care. After 3 years, another doctor was hired and she seems to be one of the good ones, about time. At the follow-up office visit, she told me I was actually stage 4. Up to now no one told me anything about the state of my renal health so the news was a little shocking. And as my test results are almost the same this annual physical as the last then I think they should have said something. Now I know, I can do something about it and by the follow up office visit the numbers were a little improved, even though I only had 3 months since my last visit to make any changes

My greatest problem is reconciling the PMR diet restrictions and the CKD diet. I could only find one dietician in my area but even so 50 miles away. I haven't decided to contact this person yet as one of the books I have has been a lot of help arranging meals to satisfy both conditions.

However, there are several questions I haven't had answers to. What is the daily limit of Potassium and Phosphorus? Based on recipes in the self help books they list the individual numbers for both but nothing about daily limits. I have compiled several recipes that fit both dietary requirements and totaled the ingredients by servings. But I feel like I am wandering around in the dark.

My second problem, I’m 80. And the third, my health care is Medicare/Affordable Health Care. I am trying to come up with a plan of what to do if the program is cancelled. Life just gets better and better.
Many thanks for letting me bend your ear.

I have GFR of 47. It has been getting worse. Is there anyway to heal the kidneys ? I mean is there any way to increase the GFR?

Hello,
I know your fear I have been there. I have been in dialysis since October 2024. I had the same questions you have. Yes you need a dietitian. Even if it is an online meeting. Your phosphorus can be controlled with medication. What you need is blood work to say if it is needed.
I got neither till October. And my GFR was 14 by then so you definitely have time. I am 72.

Thank you for your reply Margaret. I wish you all the best. Your advice has helped to cleared up my reluctance to ask for help and I will be calling the dietician on Monday. I am not really afraid as kidney issues have been with me all my life. I caught a germ when I was around 3 or 4 that resulted in total kidney failure. I made a complete recovery but I don't know how they did that. Of course this was before kidney machines so that illness should have been fatal. But, a string of incredible coincidences ever, and the skill and courage of the team of medical people saved me.

Try reading a book called "Healing the Kidneys 101" I not only found in informative but also encouraging. The author, Marie Stephens, very clear states that her work is only for information only and you should follow anything you read there with a Medical Professional. But it's good to know what's possible. Even so there are many CKD books out there and adjusting your diet is a good place to start. My week is spent mostly cooking kidney friendly recipes, in bulk that I then freeze, that I have taken from a book called "Kidney Disease Diet for Seniors on Stage 3", but I think it could be of help for stage 4 as well. Good luck Howard and success in the future.

Thank you for your reply. I suspect I have been ill for a while but poor medical services have resulted in my not knowing. I didn't have much in the way of indications of a problem, and I actually felt the best I have felt for a long time. I do have my results from before and have looked at them but there isn't much difference between than and now which confuses me. I think my GFR is 40.

@bradninchgirl That is a sneaky thing about kidney disease in general. Our bodies learn to deal with the decline in renal function because it usually is slow. It seems to be only after we are on medications or addressing the issue, that we look back and see we feel better in general. When there is acute decline, due to injury or sudden organ failure, is when we suddenly don't feel good. This is why we need to monitor our lab work and the values.

Try taking a look at this website for finding a renal dietician: https://www.renalnutrition.org/home
Like you, I follow a renal friendly diet. I also need to deal with a gout diet. As my joke goes, the only things I can eat is oatmeal, apples, and cardboard!
Ginger

I'd think the oatmeal and apples would be sufficient fiber without incorporating the cardboard...Lol!!