When to be concerned

Don’t have a lot to share, but I had poor renal function looking like the beginning of ESRD, but it was because I had an obstruction with a stone. When it did pass it was resolved. I passed the stone on my own at home. As far as a PCP I know my last one took some getting used to. He later felt like great support and he left. I was so sad that he left. I live in a place where it is a long wait for a new one. I don’t have that. I would say to get on some wait lists if you do want one. Always trust your gut on things. Just because someone says he is good he might or might not be a good match for you. Only you were in the appointment and only you know best.

@sharlea1313 In my opinion, there is a difference between cautionary and insignificant. eGFR quite often jumps between values from day to day and perhaps within a day and among various labs. Cystatin C eGFR perhaps is more stable. A score of 53 out of normal 60 is still a good value so I agree with your doc, that at this point it is of no concern, but cautionary. eGFR works only with trends so if you are concerned, have the test repeated in 2 or 3 months. The "e" in eGFR means "estimated", so it is nothing more than that. The only true tests for kidney function are the iothalamate and/or iohexol, and you are nowhere near that. Stages 1, 2, and 3a are cautionary, easily handled by your PCP with repeat testing, and a referral to a nephrologist if your PCP deems nevessary.

@sharlea1313 Good for you, wanting to get onto a sound renal diet that will fit you! You can poke around the conversation threads to look at what others say works for them. There are also some online resources from National Kidney Foundation and Renal Support Network, for their takes on renal diet.

Around 2005 my then-primary noted that my kidney function had started to decline. At that time it was attributed to a slight case of high blood pressure. I immediately put myself onto a renal diet, even though everyone said it was not necessary. I have been a strong advocate for my own health and the role my actions play, since 1988 when I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus. Changing up our diets/activity/getting to the root cause of declining function may indeed help us push off a worsening situation. For me, it was found my underlying kidney disease was more the result of an ultra-rare filtering malady. But doing a proactive approach, I was able to stay off dialysis until 2022!

You asked about the lower stages of 1, 2 or 3a. Simply, there needs to be a starting point! It is my very humble opinion that as a kidney patient, when our function seems to fall below the "normal" guidelines, no matter the cause, it is a cause for concern. We want to look at trends, not always a one-time readings. What can affect us? Unresolved high blood pressure and diabetes are the two main causes of declining function. But there are also medication side effects, illness or infection, lifestyle, or hereditary issues.
Ginger

My GFR went from 70 to 62 to 53 in 9 months, which seemed awfully fast to me, especially after reading that as we get older it is normal for it to go down 1 unit per year. The last 3 times it was checked it was 53, 57, 56, so it seems to have stabilized. I’m going to concentrate on getting my blood pressure and cholesterol down.
Thank you for your help.

Do any of you work with an gfr of 32?What is your working issues?T.I.A

Oh my goodness!! I see alot of red flags waving!! Perhaps you should get a second opinion...I know I woud.. and I would ask God for wisdom on this situation.. praying for you!!

@standinginfaith which one of us are you responding to? Who has a potential “red flag” situation?

sharlea1313.. when to be concerned..(I'm sorry about that. ..still learning to navigate this forum!!)

Microalbumin/Creatinine, my urine test at 289, how to resolve?

Are you able to reach out to said doctor?