GFR 31.

[honeycombe1]

I have just had my 6 months blood test,have gone down to 31 gfr.

My GP is now sending me for a Nephrology appt.

My high blood pressure seems to be the cause.

I have had a sore left flank for a long time, leg cramps and feeling tired, do you think this is related.

I am 61 years old, keep fairly fit,don't smoke and work .

2 years ago my gfr was 60.

Feeling a little scared by all of this, as my BP is much better now, naively I thought all would be ok.

Am I overreacting, any ideas or thoughts to make me feel positive.

At the moment I dy feel to happy.

Thankyou.

[belindascott]

Hi, if your bp has gone back to normal, your GFR should probably have changed meaning that it should go back up. I'm 48 female and at Christmas my GFR was 34. Just make sure you drink plenty of water, no fizzy drinks. My bp tends to change when it gets warmer. Ask your pharmacist or nurse to have regular bp checks.

[honeycombe1 in reply to belindascott]

Thankyou so much for replying.

I have had High BP for about 25 years, I have had a new DR in the last 18months,it is thanks to him,that my BP is changing, different medication,different variations.

Not so happy with the old DR!

I am at this moment got a glass of water in my hand.

I hope you manage to keep well .x

[suziecute2]

Hi sorry to hear your feeling so unwell, your blood pressure is linked to your kidney problem, the lower the bp the better your kidney function, leg cramps and flank pain could be related, but not 100% sure, the tiredness will be, the Nephrologist will go through everything with you, and may make some adjustments to your diet. ie; low potassium diet will be recommended. Although you Egfr is low they will now keep an eye on it, problems don't normally start until the level goes below 20, . Ask as many questions as to what will happen / medication etc at your app, if you think you may not remember everything you want to ask write them down before you go, I do this all the time, that way you can listen to what your doctor has to say, then go through the list of questions you have. Which hospital are you going to if you don't mind me asking, the two I have been to are Newcross and B'ham QE. Very nice renal teams and nurses at them both. Good luck hope some of this helped xx

[honeycombe1 in reply to suziecute2]

Thankyou so much for replying.

I certainly will do as you suggested, write down a list,low potassium ,protein, etc.when I see the Nephrologist next month.

Mentally this has panicked me.I feel out of my depth.

I'm certain that the damage to my kidneys cannot be undone.

I live in the South West of England, so it will be Yeovil in Somerset.

Thankyou so much ,you have helped. X

[cmcginily]

Hello Honeycombe

I have also got a GFR of 31 after years of kidney disease. The flank pain leg cramps and tiredness are all related to your kidney function. I find a TENS machine helps with the pain. The main thing to do is keep your blood pressure under control, never take anti inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen, diclofenac, voltarol. Reduce salt in your diet and ask to see a dietician with regard to what to avoid to help your kidneys.

I am 57 and still working as a nurse, you are doing all the right things just keep a positive attitude and If you need a chat I am here.

Good luck with your renal clinic referral.

All the best Christine

[honeycombe1 in reply to cmcginily]

Thankyou for replying, I really am grateful.

I have taken on board all your advice and will do what's needed.

Sure,its been a shock, but there are others who are so much younger than me,I don't mean to moan.

Thanks so much. X

[Attwood in reply to cmcginily]

I'm 64 and suffered swollen ankles and legs on return from a flight at the beginning of April. I was sent for a DVT test, echocardiograph and Chest X-Ray. Finally I was diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome and on July 7th (yesterday) I met with a consultant at Bournemouth Hospital. He told me my kidney function had reduced by some 30 per cent in the months since I 1st saw my GP in April and now and is arranging for a speedy biopsy being taken (within 2 weeks) to establish the cause of the problem. I was prescribed water tablets which worked and continue to work well and my weight is stable. I normally feel quite well with non of the many symptoms I have read about from people suffering from CKD. My BP was a little high and my GP put me on a low dose of bp tablets. My reading was 137 over 80 until Sunday , after which it went up a bit as my appointment got closer!!!

I can't stop worrying about my condition as I have no understanding of what level I'm at and the consultant told me he would be seeing me some 6 weeks after the biopsy. That could be as long as 8 weeks from now and seems too long, knowing CKD should be treated ASAP!!

Does anyone have any help or encouragement that might help to ease my worries. If needs be, I could possibly find the funds for a private consultation following the biopsy, if this would be of benefit.

[honeycombe1 in reply to cmcginily]

Hi ,Christine.

I have had my consultation.

B P.still high.

24 hour tape monitor.

Bloods taken.

Scan done.

No salt chat etc.

3 weeks time ,bloods again.

Then see consultant.

Anxious but relieved.

UNTIL.

Scan.Right kidney found+ duplex. Straightforward.

Left kidney, couldn't find,after a lot off pressure and peculiar angles, discovered cysts!

Well,always had a dull ache at times sharp,just put up with it.Doctors put it down

to muscle strain! !!

Well since scan,pain excruciating, comes in waves,right into groin area.

Thank god for paracetamol.

I think the pressure off the scan did it,I don't think its muscular.

So,more concerned than I was before, cysts and pain.

Any idea's.

Thanks. X

[cmcginily in reply to honeycombe1]

Hi there, try not to worry as you will push your blood pressure up!! It is quite common to have simple cysts in the kidneys so it could be something and nothing. Especially as you do not have cysts on the duplex kidneys

The increase in pain is almost certainly due to all the poking and pressing they have been doing. Just rest, regular paracetamol and a hot water bottle over the area should help. Remember to drink plenty too. I have ongoing pain due to the size of the kidneys and liver often a dull ache, more frequently a deep burning cramp like pain worse if standing for long periods. TENS machine helps. Try to stay positive and I am here if you need a chat x

[honeycombe1 in reply to cmcginily]

Thanks for your kind reply, and so quick!

You have alleviated a few fears.

I will take your advice.

I do hope you are keeping aswell as you can.

Many thanks. X

[honeycombe1 in reply to honeycombe1]

Left kidney 8cm. Shrivelled,cysts. Consultant mentioned ok,with one kidney!

High proteinuria and creatinine.

Gfr 31

Didn't ask questions,,too shocked.

Back in 10 weeks.

Reflux mentioned, duplex kidney

Is my kidney no good?

What questions should I ask.

Only went last Friday, so need time to get my head around it.

Thanks Dawn

[Impster]

My GFR was 41% last October and dropped down to 38% at the start of May, my hospital then took my bloods again at the end of May and I've now dropped down to 31%....should I be concerned?