In a matter of 2 weeks my eGFR has dropped from 40 to 35. creatinine up from 115 to 131
I know that this is not excessive and still within stage 3. however, I collected my b/test print out result today which stated "make an appointment to see Dr." Yet in the past my Dr. said he wouldn't refer me until I reached stage 4 !
I didn't get to the hospital until stage 4, Im very unhappy that a doctor didn't warn me earlier that my kidneys were in jeopardy 
I had regular tests and checkups. But was not told about my kidneys until almost at the last minute... So just a heads up on that. What meds are you on?
Hi
mariearmstrong and AnnyD
Like you I had stage 3 for several years and wasn't told about it by my Dr. [perhaps she didn't want to worry me ? ]
I had some tests done in A&E for something else when they told me my kidney function had dropped to 22, however that they said was due to my blood pressure meds, after stopping those my GFR quickly recovered to 40 this was 5 years ago, but I had stage 3 it seems long before that, and like I said wasn't told.
I don't take painkillers, but I have been on long term Prednisolone [ 16 years ] for Giant Cell Arteritis, plus I take Ramipril and Bisoprolol for hypertention which seems to be under control after a lot of trial and error with the different B/pressure meds.
Spoke with the nurse who said to have another B/test on Thurs. then see the Doc. next week for the results. I must admit I don't drink much water, but do drink 8/9 cups of tea a day,!!!
The problem is, since our Dr's retired [ man and wife who I had for 28 years ]
our surgery is being run by Locum's so there's no continuity, However saying that my Dr. of 28 years didn't tell me of my dodgy kidney's anyway !!!
moan over
bowler
Hi Marie,
Same here. I am stage 3 eGFR 47. Only recently found out that 3 years ago I had eGFR of 52 but was never told. I wish they had told me, perhaps I could have prevented further reductions in kidney function if I had been told.
Perhaps he wants to talk about your diet or are you drinking enough water or are you taking pain killers that has caused the drop on function?
It may be that the dr can give you a little advice but don't worry unduly creatine & kidney function can vary slightly from day to day they look for a trend so you will probably have blood tests more frequently if its going down you will be refered
x
Thank you phillen
I will try not to worry too much, but with other health issues it's just something else on my mind. I always have microscopic blood in my urine but was told that was ok. no protein for a long time, so that's good.
I always seem to be in the surgery, thankfully I live in a village and the surgery is just a 5 min walk away.
x
Bowler --
You might want to check with your doctor whether it's good for you to drink so much tea -- or any tea. I'm in stage 3. My doctor doesn't want me to drink coffee or tea.
Hi jaykay777
I may have to take the consequences Re drinking too much tea, the thought of no tea eeeeeeeeeeeeek Although I said I don't drink much water, I do manage about a pint a day in between my tea drinking with a splash of juice in it but probably that's not enough, I also have a couple of capuchino's a week.
I've been with my renal consultant for over 10 years. I am 48 female stage 3b/4 my egfr was 30 last week. I would ask your gp to refer you to renal consultant.
Hello belindascott
I have asked my times, butI have been told by several Dr's that they won't refer me to a renal consultant till I reach stage 4 as there's no need, I am 71
female, also have cyst's on the kidney, perhaps they think i'm too old to worry about ha ha,
What does your renal consultant do for you ?
Hi there, I was referred when my kidney function was in it's 50's and I am in the UK, I did however wait a few months before being seen by the neph, as by the time my GP done the referral etc but it was about 5 months on, so I would have another word with your GP and say that you are aware that some are in higher numbers who have been referred as the waiting time is also taken into account. Your never too old my lovely.
I mostly see the professor nephrologist, he goes through the results of all my blood tests and checks the readings of my blood pressure, weight and also the results of my urine sample, the nurse check the BP, urine and weight, then adds it to the notes of all the other lab results just before going into the neph's clinic room, then he may just advise if you need to see a dietician or not, basically just keep an eye on your results and how you are in yourself.
I do hope you get your referral real soon, the best of luck. x
Hi there I too had a shock as I was diagnosed with ckd about 6/7 years ago when my gfr was 67, my last blood test was in October which was checked twice, my gfr is now 43, it had dropped from 51. At times I feel fatigued and and have had slight swelling on my hands. I worked full time and when I arrive home need to kip for at least 2 hours.. When I went to see my GP, ended up with a locum who said that I shouldn't be experiencing any symptoms with my ckd at this stage, does any one else feel fatigued at stage 3 gfr 43.
Hi Chezak, I have similar eGFR to you and am a 48 yr old in the UK. I also often suffer fatigue and need to have a kip half way thru the day. I am fit, active and eat healthily. My GP also dismissed the symptom of fatigue at my stage. It does seem to me the GPs are getting it wrong about this as with other things at stage 3. I know they are given guidelines to follow, but obviously the guidelines aren't right. It's almost as if they consider you normal and healthy at stage 3. I'm guessing there aren't the resources needed to cope.
Thanks for your reply, it has helped to know that I am not the only one experiencing fatigue at times. I have been getting cramp in my legs and apart from waking up frequently to use the bathroom I am now waking up with cramp in my legs also. I do crave salt at times and tend to eat salted peanuts to curb that. I too am quite healthy and go to the gym, have had to reduce how much time I spend there and at best can only manage 1 or 2 sessions a week lasting an hour. I have also diverticulitis and have had a bowel resection and often wondered if this has played a part with being de-hydrated and my kidney problems.
Dear One, I think you should first see an internal physician. Then, if the internal physician diagnoses, God forbid, a problem, he may introduce you to a nephrologist. I hope you have no problems. God bless you.
Low EGFR
