1. < Kidney & Bladder

My GFR Dropped from 54 to 44

Posted by nscappa @nscappa, Jun 22, 2023

I just got my blood results re my CKD3 and I am very concerned about the drop in the GFR number. I don't know if it's something that I am not doing correctly re my food (I am careful with salt and protein) plus other things. My creatinine is a bit higher. Any thoughts about this. I couldn't keep my appt. with my because I have pneumonia so I got my bloodwork at my primary location.

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Jeff | @jeffreykallis | Jul 4, 2023
In reply to @gingerw "@nscappa Here is a link to an article from Fresenius Kidney Care, about coffee, potassium and..." + (show)
@gingerw

@nscappa Here is a link to an article from Fresenius Kidney Care, about coffee, potassium and our enjoyment of it. I personally do not do black coffee, but do use a non-dairy creamer and artificial sweetner. Hey, it's one cup a day, so I am going to enjoy it, dang it!

As for why your eGFR level dropped, it could be any number of reason. You were not feeling well, perhaps you were on antibiotics? We need to look at trends, not always a one-time thing. And frankly, as our kidney disease progresses, we have to accept that the numbers indicating a lower eGFR may be here to stay. It sounds like you are watching your diet closely, and reading food labels have to be part of that. Meals don't have to be boring, spicing them up with spices can be a great thing and fun to try!

I will be interested to hear what your nephrologist has to say when you have that appointment.

https://www.freseniuskidneycare.com/thrive-central/can-you-drink-coffee-kidney-disease
Ginger

Jump to this post

Ginger,
Thank you for the link to the coffee article. There are so many conflicting articles regarding the consumption of coffee and it's impact on the kidneys. I talked to a dietician that specializes in nephrology nutrition. She stated that drinking a cup a day is fine. It is important to drink water or Crystal Light with the cup of java as coffee is dehydrating.

If you do drink coffee, be sure to brew it. Instant coffee is not good for the kidney.

There is one part of the article that I don't agree with. It suggests drinking tea. Everything I've read advises you not drink brewed tea. I would steer clear of tea.

REPLY
2 replies
Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Jul 5, 2023
In reply to @jeffreykallis "Ginger, Thank you for the link to the coffee article. There are so many conflicting articles..." + (show)
@jeffreykallis

Ginger,
Thank you for the link to the coffee article. There are so many conflicting articles regarding the consumption of coffee and it's impact on the kidneys. I talked to a dietician that specializes in nephrology nutrition. She stated that drinking a cup a day is fine. It is important to drink water or Crystal Light with the cup of java as coffee is dehydrating.

If you do drink coffee, be sure to brew it. Instant coffee is not good for the kidney.

There is one part of the article that I don't agree with. It suggests drinking tea. Everything I've read advises you not drink brewed tea. I would steer clear of tea.

Jump to this post

@jeffreykallis Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am sorry to read of your RCC diagnosis, and glad you have found us here at Connect.

Like so many of us have found, diet plays such a major role in management of kidney disease/disorders, and that is something we each have direct control over. For me personally, I like a cup of herbal tea once in a while, it helps to relax me. Yes, coffee is dehydrating, and my mornings start out with a glass of crushed ice and water.
Ginger

REPLY
spudmato | @spudmato | Jul 6, 2023

There has been much talk about coffee, the last information, I believe, is that it is not dehydrating, maybe yes, maybe no.
My question is: are you on more of a dosage, or on a new medication.
My GFR dropped when I was on a new medication, and bounced back when I stopped using it. Kidneys do like to be overworked.
God luck.

REPLY
2 replies
nscappa | @nscappa | Jul 6, 2023
In reply to @spudmato "There has been much talk about coffee, the last information, I believe, is that it is..." + (show)
@spudmato

There has been much talk about coffee, the last information, I believe, is that it is not dehydrating, maybe yes, maybe no.
My question is: are you on more of a dosage, or on a new medication.
My GFR dropped when I was on a new medication, and bounced back when I stopped using it. Kidneys do like to be overworked.
God luck.

Jump to this post

Hello,

Re coffee I have cut down from 2 cups to 1 cup a day. I was on a new antidepressant but I stopped it. I also had pneumonia when I had my blood work done. I have an appt. with my Nephrologist in a few weeks so I guess I will find out some things that day. Thank you for your comments, I appreciate it. : )

REPLY
collegeprof | @collegeprof | Jul 6, 2023
In reply to @spudmato "There has been much talk about coffee, the last information, I believe, is that it is..." + (show)
@spudmato

There has been much talk about coffee, the last information, I believe, is that it is not dehydrating, maybe yes, maybe no.
My question is: are you on more of a dosage, or on a new medication.
My GFR dropped when I was on a new medication, and bounced back when I stopped using it. Kidneys do like to be overworked.
God luck.

Jump to this post

@spudmato
Trust me, some diuretic medications may cause a rapid decrease in eGFR for some patients. I went from Stage 3A to stage 4 when a kidney NP prescribed Torsemide. I ended up at the Mayo Clinic ER with double vision, dizziness, and quite dehydrated. On a second occasion, I was prescribed Farxiga, and my eGFR again followed a downward trend. Diet and exercise along with a great team of a primary care physician, dietitian, nephrologist, acupuncturist, and others have helped me remain stable.

REPLY
3 replies
ales | @ales | Jul 7, 2023

I have learned more veggie base diet is key, sleep, stress control, excercise and the right amount of water. Protein is in everything including vegetable.

I read and read this is a hard journey keep getting as much knowledge as possible from the doctors to slow or stop progression.

REPLY
ales | @ales | Jul 7, 2023
In reply to @jeffreykallis "Ginger, Thank you for the link to the coffee article. There are so many conflicting articles..." + (show)
@jeffreykallis

Ginger,
Thank you for the link to the coffee article. There are so many conflicting articles regarding the consumption of coffee and it's impact on the kidneys. I talked to a dietician that specializes in nephrology nutrition. She stated that drinking a cup a day is fine. It is important to drink water or Crystal Light with the cup of java as coffee is dehydrating.

If you do drink coffee, be sure to brew it. Instant coffee is not good for the kidney.

There is one part of the article that I don't agree with. It suggests drinking tea. Everything I've read advises you not drink brewed tea. I would steer clear of tea.

Jump to this post

I opt not to have caffeine. There are other teas you can drink what about saffron and camomile or ginger and lemon tea?

Coffee to me is a mindset. Grab a Golden Milk hot or cold. Why not, it is fun and relaxing. See how you react to it. Ask your doctor and dietian is it ok.

REPLY
1 reply
ales | @ales | Jul 7, 2023
In reply to @collegeprof "@spudmato Trust me, some diuretic medications may cause a rapid decrease in eGFR for some patients...." + (show)
@collegeprof

@spudmato
Trust me, some diuretic medications may cause a rapid decrease in eGFR for some patients. I went from Stage 3A to stage 4 when a kidney NP prescribed Torsemide. I ended up at the Mayo Clinic ER with double vision, dizziness, and quite dehydrated. On a second occasion, I was prescribed Farxiga, and my eGFR again followed a downward trend. Diet and exercise along with a great team of a primary care physician, dietitian, nephrologist, acupuncturist, and others have helped me remain stable.

Jump to this post

Why accupuncture, what role did it play in supporting you kidney function to stabilize?

REPLY
2 replies
nscappa | @nscappa | Jul 7, 2023
In reply to @ales "Why accupuncture, what role did it play in supporting you kidney function to stabilize?" + (show)
@ales

Why accupuncture, what role did it play in supporting you kidney function to stabilize?

Jump to this post

I have never had acupuncture.

REPLY
nscappa | @nscappa | Jul 7, 2023
In reply to @ales "I opt not to have caffeine. There are other teas you can drink what about saffron..." + (show)
@ales

I opt not to have caffeine. There are other teas you can drink what about saffron and camomile or ginger and lemon tea?

Coffee to me is a mindset. Grab a Golden Milk hot or cold. Why not, it is fun and relaxing. See how you react to it. Ask your doctor and dietian is it ok.

Jump to this post

Thank you for your comments, I appreciate it. As far as coffee, tea has caffeine also. I have cut back on my coffee to 1 cup a day.

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