When to be concerned about eGFR?

My eGFR went from 39 to 17 in 6 months and no one can tell me why
Within a month it is up to 22. Still no answers

Anything change for it to go up? Stop supplements?

@jeg321

I had my gallbladder removed in 1977. No stones. It was malformed so my doctor thought it malfunctioned. It was supposed to dump bile into the intestine when I ate but mine didn't work well. As a result it got infected.

My nephrologists have never commented on my lack of a gallbladder. (I have one nephrologist at my local HMO who also functions as a second "primary care physician". He manages gout and pseudogout, too, instead of Rheumatology which rejected me because I hadn't had a tophus, just a sore toe for three months (that the Foot and Ankle doctor said x-rays didn't show anything broken because nothing was broken) and high uric acid. He seems very well rounded, bright and is very personable. He was responsible for the CKD diagnosis. The second one is at Mayo Rochester and is important because he is the only doctor I've met who has any familiarity with the CKD I have, immunotactoid glomerulopathy. I think I am one of 10 patients in the work with that disorder.)

These stages are not insignificant. It is a way to monitor your kidney function. A GFR in the 50's for anyone over age 70 is normal in many cases. Kidney function slowly declines for everyone as we age; a lot depends on what other comorbidities you may have. Keep monitoring. Stop salt and stop NSAIDS.

I went through the same fears as you a couple of years back. My egfr was at 44 when it happened. My doctor also told me not to be concerned yet. One year later my eGFR number had fallen down to 31 and I was then referred to a Nephrologist. I did some research and learned that: Referral to a nephrologist is generally recommended when eGFR falls below 30 mL/min/1.73 m² (CKD Stages 4 and 5), indicating severe kidney damage. However, earlier referral is necessary (often at eGFR < 60) if there is rapid decline, significant proteinuria, or uncontrollable complication. I hope this helps you. The one thing you can do at this point is to look into the Renal Diet. It does help slow down failure of the kidneys, often, but not always. I began Jardiance last year which also helped to slow the progression of kidney damage. Please update us when you can. There are things you can do right now to help slow it and there are several books out that explain it. Hope this helps a little. Blessings to you.

Thanks for the hug
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