Stage 3a, EGFR

Hi,
Yes. I have pushed my GFR up with a very strict diet. I have since relented and now just be mindfull of kidney requirements.
Cheers

I have maintained my EGFR at 54 with slightly high creatinnine. I don't use NASIDs and keep well hydrated. My nephrologist doesn't seem concerned.

@rhondarn Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.

As you read through the different threads here in the kidney support group, you will find fellow members who have taken a very proactive approach to their health and kidney concerns. Everyone is different, and may indeed have additional health issues going on, that need to be taken into account. It's to our benefit to educate ourselves in what will work best for us.

Almost all of us will agree that diet is a very important part of handling our kidney disease situation. Little red meat, little processed meat, mindful consumption of sugar, sodium, potassium, phosphorous, stop use of NSAIDs. Moderate exercise and reduce stress. Good rest. Yes, it takes work, but the payoff can be worth it. It's not an instantaneous result, it takes some time, and can be daunting. But, you can do it, and others will encourage you! Pay attention to what your doctor advises, remember you have the final say-so, and educate yourself.
Ginger

@rhondarn I want to add my welcome to you along with Ginger’s. I have CKD due to diabetes and mild hypertension. I have experienced an increase in eGFR. This is my story. I’ll try to be succinct. About 21 years back I had a pancreas transplant. I inquired about kidney transplant but was told I had mild to moderate kidney disease - no kidney transplant needed. About 10 years ago my pancreas transplant seemed to functioning less and my eGFR had decreased significantly. It was bouncing between 14 - 42. I was told that I had Stage 4 CKD and that dialysis &/or kidney transplant was inevitable. I went to work on researching medication, diet, hydration, dialysis, kidney transplant and finding a living kidney donor. I had pre-transplant evaluation and was approved & accepted for kidney transplant. I was inactively listed at Mayo Transplant Center in Rochester, MN. The listing status was “inactive” because “active” listing is eGFR of 20 or less. I was over that and in other words too healthy for active listing. Ever since then I’ve continued to research and apply everything I can to keep my kidneys going as best as possible for as long as possible. Ginger’s comments contain great recommendations of the things that are good to work on. I’m also a person of Christian faith and believe that if a kidney transplant was part of God’s plan for me it would happen in the timing and way it needed to. So since about 2016 I’ve been carrying on as previously noted. Part of being listed in a transplant center program is that it must be reviewed and updated from time to time. Each center had their own criteria and protocols. The last time my evaluation review was done was 2023. Today I had a virtual meeting with my Mayo nephrologist. I have been stable with eGFR in the low 30’s (last was 34 I think) for a long time. I have now been de-listed in the transplant program. I will continue to follow up with my local nephrology and endocrinology providers. I guess I’ve been taking up too much time and resources for being in as good a shape as I am! I was assured that should things take a turn for the worse I can re-establish care. So long story short (too late), things can get better. Yes it is a lot of work, but it's worth it.

@cheyne Hi, do you mind me asking what strict diet means to you? More veggies and fruits, how much protein, and what kinds? Do you advocate any special cookbooks? Sorry so many questions but I'm happy your gfr # went up, it is hopeful for us all. Thanks, Donna

@ddon
Hi,
I have a lot of health issues, so my diet is very restricted and not just for kidney preservation.
I started out with no red meat, no salt, no off the shelf manmade or adulterated foods trying to keep it natural and fresh wherever possible. Nothing but water to drink and definitely not dark sodas as they are kidney killers. I have never been a big fruit eater but loved my vegetables. I stuck with fish and chicken usually grilled. I deal with diabetes as well so there are no cookbooks that cover both ailments together. Recipes for kidneys usually have sugar while recipes for diabetes usually have salt, I can't win. For me it is all important to watch the colour of my urine to know if I'm taking enough fluid or too much.
I had a constant battle with Dr's trying to mitigate my health without my acceptance. I would not let them do it on the basis I can't replace my kidneys. I believe I have enough kidney function to last me out now, it is essentially stable with a small aging decline. It is more likely other health issues will get me first. So, a little bit of salt has crept back into the diet as has a touch of sugar. Interestingly not having salt or sugar re-educated the brain into no longer craving it, in fact they became overpowering sweet or salty. Unfortunately, we acquire the need for these as we grow, they are not a taste we are born with. Kind of refreshing to taste the real taste of food without the additives.
I try to have blood drawn at the same time of day after doing or eating the same things each time. This gives a consistent result by which to judge if I'm on the right track, I test every 3 months. Depending on my results I can decide if I want to cheat or need to fall back to a more restricted diet.
Motivation to take care of my kidneys was being told I had 5 years to live with a lot of panic, that was eight years ago, they were wrong and I delighted in telling them so!
Cheers

Yes! I brought my gfr up from 52 to 64 although it took well over a year.
First, drink a lot of water every day.
Cut your protein down. I have an egg 2 or 3 times a week, otherwise oatmeal with blueberries or shredded wheat (contains 0 salt) with blackberries.
For lunch a salad chock full of my favorite veggies with a few small pieces of mozzarella.
Dinner, maybe some pasta without meat.
Many cookbooks available at amazon for very little cost. You can tweak it any way you want it.
There are still many foods to enjoy and I don't feel deprived.

@cheyne Cheers to you!!! You did the work and outlived to tell about it. I too have lost the taste and craving for sugar. Fresh veggies have their own sweetness, like romaine lettuce. Our bodies are amazing as is our palates and how they change given a chance. I gave up sodas, fast food and premade. I keep it simple, lots of Mrs Dash and black pepper. Thank you for you response and shared experience. There's much hope If we look down that path!

@ddon
Hi,
Sadly, I can't keep outrunning my destiny. I'm now down at the end of the path wondering which direction I should take on the road. No matter which direction I take I'll end up as roadkill anyway!
I don't think my Dr's have ever factored in that their medication makes me uncomfortable, sick and aggressive. Apparently, I'm supposed to be feeling better and warding off the ravages of my health issues, not compounding them. At least that is what the medicine maker claim!
Strangely every time I quit their medication my test results pickup and I feel better. My heartbeat slows, my blood pressure drops back to just high, my GFR raises, my Hba1c gets better and my digestion eases a little. Sadly, the glucose levels head toward hyperglycaemic, I guess I can't have everything!
Maybe I'm looking at the wrong side of the coin. I do have everything, I just wish I could get rid of some of it!
As you might imagine I have gotten past being serious about my health when there is nothing that can be done to change the direction it is heading. I'm just along for the ride.
Cheers

@cheyne I understand. You are juggling a lot. A happy spot might be stopping the meds that's making you feel sick, lowering your hyperglycemic possibly through diet? Its tough no matter what and we get of tired of the fight. I've dealt with hypoglycemia for 30 some years my only way to keep glucose balanced is diet. I leaned on animal protein and fat for years, possibly resulting in damaged kidneys, I've yet to be diagnosed. But I've switched to plants veggies and fruit and cut way back on animal protein I eat nuts, yogurt, fish to get protein I've found the fiber in the veggies offer a slow glucose release and I feel better. At times I check blood with a glucose monitor. I feel my body has changed with time for the better. All my best to you and your choices for your life.