What to do if EGFR is 19?

Posted by anet @anet, May 11, 2023

My husband has been seeing a nephrologist for several years since he had aortic aneurysm repair. His kidney function has been stable until now. The dye possibly damaged his kidneys and his egfr is now 19!

His metabolic panel numbers have been mostly normal, but now his creatinine is up. His urinalysis is normal, no protein or albumin in it. His sodium and potassium levels are normal. He has recent blood work and we received the reports but have not talked to the doctor. However the PA has sent a message referring him to a Davita Kidney Class mentioning dialysis. He has slight anemia iron level 11.7 and is on iron and vitamin D. I don’t understand all of the tests, but his doctor has been saying he is stable and in stage 4. He dies not have a lot of energy, but he walks a mile a day, mows grass, plays nine holes of golf a couple of times a week. And helps with housework by vacuuming. We are watching salt and he is not diabetic. I know this is rambling, but I am hoping someone can help me make some sense of it u til we see his doctor. His next appointment is not u til August, but I am going to call for a sooner one. Thanks for any comments.

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It should help, can't figure why u are in stage 4.

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@mrainne

I drink so much plain water. I don't keep track of the ounces but I bring water with me, pretty much where ever I go. I'm not vegan, but pretty close. We have a working garden in our backyard, and fresh veggies just about daily. I eat lots of beans, pasta, fruit, etc. Once in a great while meat. It does not sit well with me and I eat within an 8-hour window, almost every day. No soda, ever. I tell my kidneys I love them :)). Do you think that helps?

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@mrainne, I "talk" to my kidney, too! I thank it for being so brave and for keeping on trying to work. In fact, I "talk" to all my body parts that way. Maybe the guys in the white jackets with butterfly nets are coming after me, LOL, but I think it does help because it helps me be positive and that affects my body in a good way. Anyhow, it can't hurt to do it.

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@kamama94

@mrainne, I "talk" to my kidney, too! I thank it for being so brave and for keeping on trying to work. In fact, I "talk" to all my body parts that way. Maybe the guys in the white jackets with butterfly nets are coming after me, LOL, but I think it does help because it helps me be positive and that affects my body in a good way. Anyhow, it can't hurt to do it.

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@kamama94 I love your attitude. You continue to inspire me with your positivity through kidney / bladder, diabetes / gastroparesis and dialysis situations. I want to add a twist of my own regarding talking to body parts. I’m a Christian believer so I talk to God about my body parts. I try to thank Him for those that are working well and pour out my heart to Him about those systems and parts that are having difficulties. Trusting these to His tender loving care is easier said than done for a control freak like me. But it reminds me to do the best I can to take care of what God has given me.

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What was his eGFR previously? How long ago was his last test. Also, blood flow through the kidney’s is important, known as profusion. Perhaps the nephrologist can check that. Lastly, what does his diet look like? Is it high in quality proteins such as veggies, fruits, fish? Sorry your are going through this. I have CKD at Stage 3A/B and can appreciate the concern.

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Sometimes the kidneys can recover from contrast dye injuries so hopefully his will. That’s impressive he is so active and a good sign.
I guess the doctor wants to prepare him in case he needs dialysis.
But I’d ask for another blood test to check how his kidneys are doing. They can order and he can get that done and get the results by patient portal or phone call.

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