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Kidney function
My gFR was slowly declining. I’ve had hypertension for about 25 years. In the past 9 months the blood pressure getting worse and gFR was 55 last November, 48 in March, 44 in September, and last week it was 42. Today it dropped to 19. I’m only 53, 138#0, 5’4. My potassium is low and I’m seeing nephrologist next week. Tips, suggestions, advice?
Jody
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@wgj Farxiga is used for both diabetes and kidney disease. The difference is the strength meaning that endocrinology use 5 mg and nephrologists use 10 mg. With both, there can be multiple severe side effects such as urinating frequently at night causing lack of sleep. I went off of it twice and my creatinine eGFR improved but there are others who continued with Farxiga with good results. As others have said, good daily hydration levels and watching intake of sodium, potassium, and phosphorus go a long way to improving your eGFR score. You may also wish to use a 24 hour urine test which many nephrologists like for kidney function in complimenting eGFR.
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1 ReactionAgree on taking someone with! My partner goes to every nephrologist visit. 4 ears much better than 2, especially with a foreign doctor behind a mask! He asks questions I might not think of.
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1 ReactionThank you. I have stopped the Farxega for the next two weeks and will be tested again then. I had also upped my protein a lot when I started Forteo; maybe that contributed. I didn't know GFR could rise and fall so dramatically with CKD. I have adjusted to the slow decline, but 40 to 26 in four months is pretty scary.
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1 ReactionIn many cases, the reason for large variations in creatinine eGFR is due to hydration levels and/or medication. That is why you follow up with your PCP or nephrologist, and get a Cystatin C test for better eGFR consistency as that looks at your cells as compared to muscle mass.
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2 ReactionsThis is so helpful. Thank you!!! I weigh 113 pounds and make myself drink 50 ounces of water every day plus 8 ounces of almond milk, so I suspect medication is the culprit. I will ask for the Cystatin C test when I get my bloodwork on the 18th.
wgj, what you said is interesting. My GFR is 27 and I'm monitored every 3 months. I am not diabetic, weigh 130 lbs, normal BP. Every time a medicine is suggested, a lot of thought goes into it, even antibiotics. When I took antibiotics for a UTI, I took less over a longer period. My kidneys don't clear meds, sodium, potassium, etc efficiently at my GFR level. I do not take supplements and eat a mostly vegetarian diet. Maybe you're taking too strong a dose of Forteo? I take very few meds. I do take lorazepam as I have tinnitus that keeps me up at night. Lorazepam is not a concern for kidney function and I've taken it for years. Only a small dose, only at night.
Cheryl, I have always refused medication if I could help it. I have taken sertraline 50 mg for pure OCD for years and have tried many times to get off of it, but it seems that is one med I am stuck with. I take cranberry, D3, B12 and a bone building supplement that only gives me 300mg of calcium. I try to get the rest through food. I rarely eat red meat and had been limiting protein, but I thought that I should be getting more with the bone scare, so that is a change. My nephrologist put me on Farxega to keep my GFR stable. I was hesitant because I know people who take so many medications, and I think meds sometimes hurt more than help. I refused a DEXA scan for years because I knew I would not take bisphosphonates. After breaking my feet three times and now my hand ( I play bass in a band, sigh), I started the research and thought that Forteo was the best choice for my kidneys because I inject it daily and can stop it right away if my numbers change. I didn't even take pain meds when I had the fractures because I want my kidneys to have the best chance to keep going. We are trying two weeks with out Farxega and retesting. I am also going to ask for a Cystatin C Test that was suggested here. My dad was on dialysis for two years before he died. I don't want to go there if there is any way I can avoid it.
I know this seems scary. My levels jump around as well. Keeping doing what you are... good hydration, lower sodium, eat good food with good protein, limit any sodas, sugars, and don't take any NSAIDS such as aspirin, ibuprofen etc. Lots of sunshine, fresh air and good sleep. Lower your stress how you can.
Prayers for you!
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1 Reaction@wgj the operative word is “bounce”. Think of a red rubber child’s ball at recess or gym class. (What goes up does eventually tend to come down.) I’m 67, have had diabetes since my teens and a history of hypertension controlled by meds. I was hospitalized with nephritis when I was 5 years old. No one can tell me if that is related to the stage 4 chronic kidney disease (CKD) that I have now. I also have anemia and osteoporosis. I have a primary Dr. (Internal Medicine), an endocrinologist and a nephrologist. These people prescribe my meds and over the counter (OTC) things too. I am blessed that they are part of the same healthcare system and can collaborate on my overall treatment plan. I also have access to nutritional services who are well versed in diabetes and renal diets. I’m thankful that we are all on the same page. I see the GP as needed. I see endocrinology and nephrology about quarterly. The doctor’s in endocrinology and nephrology alternate between themselves and nurse practitioners. I see endocrinology later this month and nephrology in May. My last eGFR was in the low 30’s. It is important to remember that a single lab result is less important than the overall trend.
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1 ReactionYou guys are so great. Thank you.
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