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Reason for GFR level to fluctuate from 20 to 57?

Posted by aihtnyc @aihtnyc, Feb 22, 2024

I had labs in January and my GFR was 20. The labs were repeated at a different doctor
in February and my GFR was 44. Labs done again this week and now at 57. My GFR level has remained in the mid 70’s for the last 4-5 years. What causes a sudden drop from 72 to 20? And what caused it to go back up to 57? Is it normal for the GFR levels to fluctuate? Just confused and looking for answers.

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robertbitterli | @robertbitterli | Jun 26 7:08am

Ginger: Yes, I agree. I was looking for a site that had a credible medical backing like the Mayo Clinic. The discussion group is very helpful in evaluating a path forward. Bob

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quirky9 | @quirky9 | Jun 29 5:38pm

First, this my story. I am trying to scare anyone. But I have a few tips to share. Since Sept. 2021 when hypertension started, I quit smoking. I have been CKD Stage 3a. Out of last 10 tests 2 were over 60 and 2 were 47. Others upper to mid 50s. My bloodwork egfr 47, much higher creatinine. end of April 2026 prompted my primary to send me for renal ultrasound. A 6cm mass found in left kidney. That is the size of an egg or lime. Found out May 1st. Fast forward. MRI, urologist surgeon, chest CT scan(clear) no metastasis. Pre-op today. Radical nephrectomy of left kidney July 6th. None of this has been fast enough for me. Over 4cm is 95% renal carcinoma. Two kidneys versus not getting rid of cancer? Get rid of cancer! So if your numbers change for the worse. Have Dr. do a Cystatin C creatinine ratio test. June 5 egfr was 58. They don't commonly use Cystatin C. Here is the thing. Im a single 60 yo. female who works 45 hrs a week at a desk and computer. I do not have much muscle mass, but was borderline obese. Cystatin C test creatinine ratio doesn't factor in being overweight/obese or age. It is a more "fair" and accurate test in my opinion. Now my kidney function will cut in half. Likely Stage 4, but can go up during recovery. I have lost weight. Cut out red meat, processed food, no salt, sugar free everything. I will need to do more about diet. Stress, anxiety, and feeling overworked in a semi toxic office didnt help. Friday my boss basically let me go. Great timing, huh? Prayers have been so powerful! That was a blessing in disguise! I have this week off now. Check 1st and 15th. Then $0, but my health is my priority now. I hope this helps someone. 🙏

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gangcarotid1 | @gangcarotid1 | Jun 30 9:09am
In reply to @quirky9 "First, this my story. I am trying to scare anyone. But I have a few tips..." + (show)
Profile picture for quirky9 @quirky9

First, this my story. I am trying to scare anyone. But I have a few tips to share. Since Sept. 2021 when hypertension started, I quit smoking. I have been CKD Stage 3a. Out of last 10 tests 2 were over 60 and 2 were 47. Others upper to mid 50s. My bloodwork egfr 47, much higher creatinine. end of April 2026 prompted my primary to send me for renal ultrasound. A 6cm mass found in left kidney. That is the size of an egg or lime. Found out May 1st. Fast forward. MRI, urologist surgeon, chest CT scan(clear) no metastasis. Pre-op today. Radical nephrectomy of left kidney July 6th. None of this has been fast enough for me. Over 4cm is 95% renal carcinoma. Two kidneys versus not getting rid of cancer? Get rid of cancer! So if your numbers change for the worse. Have Dr. do a Cystatin C creatinine ratio test. June 5 egfr was 58. They don't commonly use Cystatin C. Here is the thing. Im a single 60 yo. female who works 45 hrs a week at a desk and computer. I do not have much muscle mass, but was borderline obese. Cystatin C test creatinine ratio doesn't factor in being overweight/obese or age. It is a more "fair" and accurate test in my opinion. Now my kidney function will cut in half. Likely Stage 4, but can go up during recovery. I have lost weight. Cut out red meat, processed food, no salt, sugar free everything. I will need to do more about diet. Stress, anxiety, and feeling overworked in a semi toxic office didnt help. Friday my boss basically let me go. Great timing, huh? Prayers have been so powerful! That was a blessing in disguise! I have this week off now. Check 1st and 15th. Then $0, but my health is my priority now. I hope this helps someone. 🙏

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@quirky9
Make sure you absolutely have to have the WHOLE kidney removed. 2 yrs ago, I had 5cm and 2cm tumors on my left kidney. Plan (at Mayo) was radical nephrectomy; I was 68. Weekend b4, after studying the 1,248 CT scans, surgeon called me to say he believed he had a 95% chance of saving my kidney. With 7+ hrs of open surgery, that is exactly what he did. The tumors were not woven thru my kidney but more topical with some differentiation. They cut away 19 oz of fat from my kidney beforehand (fastest weight Ive ever lost .😊. Turned out, that fat had insulated my bladder away from the kidney cancer; it was leaning over on my kidney. My bladder was fine. Make sure you have a GOOD urologist, nephrologist! Its worth not being 1 kidney away from dialysis!
Sending prayers and hugs

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