38 y/o female, GFR 61.. very worried and confused

Hi Faithless. Firstly, try not to panic. I know that's difficult- I recently also started on Sertraline for stress and anxiety so i understand how you feel. However, stage 3 is not necessarily a life sentence. Your Dr will most likely be looking for protein in your urine. The best indicators of your kidney health at this stage are urea and creatinine. These show how well the kidneys are filtering toxins from your blood. Being vegetarian does not cause kidney failure, although you'll probably need to adapt your diet slightly if your condition worsens. Depending on the outcome of your next results, it may be possible to keep yourself well with a few diet and lifestyle changes. Ask questions and your dr may be able to tell you the next steps or put your mind at rest . Good luck.

I just Googled GFR 61 and got conflicting info. One site said over 60 is normal!

The National Kidney Federation range is different though. Why don't you phone their helpline and see if there is anyone you can chat to about this -

0800 169 0936

I realise that it's easier said than done - but please try not to worry. I don't have any real knowledge of kidney disease but our health in general can be badly affected by stress and worry.

Have you got full information on your blood results - any ranges and comment by lab or doctor you could add to your post ?

Have you got full information on your Thyroid test results ?

You could ask your doctor to refer you to the Dietician ?? Find out if you need to add anything to your diet or restrict anything ?

Thank you both for replying so quickly I will certainly try not to overthink things until results are back for the urine sample.

I did have full blood count done in March but this time round not so detailed , I'll post the results up later when I get home . Thanks again

Dear Faithless 1

Anxiety has a way of magnifying itself. It goes round and round in your head. I could think of nothing but my 'facing kidney failure' comment from my GP for years. And then the years of anxiety became more and more years. I looked up everything I could find about CKD obsessively. As the years went by I became less intense about it, until, at 86 years of age, at CKD 3 I realised it was probably not going to happen. I would say to you...Never despair. Hope for the best. Do not be afraid to share your anxiety either, there is lots of love and support out here for you whenever you need it. Hang on in there! xxx

Hi there, I just wanted to reassure you a bit. I’m a bit older than you (52) but last year I was diagnosed with CKD level 3 a year ago. I have no known cause, I have a low/average BMI, low blood pressure and non of the normal risks. I was only told last year but when I got access to my online records I discovered that I’ve been hovering around GFR 60 for at least 10 years, so since my late 30s/early 40s and no-one had told me. It’s possible that your doctor will tell you you don’t have CKD as your GFR is still over 60 and a lot of doctors don’t consider that a problem. Whatever your doctor says, I would try and reassure you and say don’t worry! It’s probable that your Kidney function will remain stable or just have mild fluctuations. You can make things better by eating whole natural foods, avoiding processed foods and salt and fizzy drinks. Limit alcohol and reduce dairy. Drink plenty of water, relax and exercise daily.

Julesboz it's almost as if you were at my drs appointment this morning! Dr is not too concerned at all but due to my age is sending me for an ultrasound to check , but main thing is my GFR appears to be stable, all my other readings are well within normal range, there were no traces oofblood in urine (also being sent off to check for protein), blood pressure today was 120/79 which again is ok but I will try aim for lower with more exercise and better diet. And yes I'm definitely keeping myself more hydrated and avoiding salt and excess alcohol

They have also agreed to run a blood test for diabetes but Dr doesn't think it's likely to be that.

61 is not stage 3 CKD, just close to being classified stage 3A. Anything 60 and above is considered normal (although called stage 1 or 2 CKD). Is it a bit low for your age, sure. And your doctor is checking the urine just to see what is happening to make it a bit low. It could be absolutely a dozen things besides kidney failure. Kidney infection, high blood pressure, kidney stone, urinary tract infection, the list is long. And of course Dehydration and Diet. And a urine test will show the likely cause. A change of 1 point of egfr from one blood test to the next is normal. Mine ranges 4 to 5 points up or down each time.

Hi Faithless,

What the others have said should help you worry less. Just a couple of additional comments:

1. You have control over what happens in the future. Resources that can be helpful:

National education, support and advocacy organizations:

• DaVita Kidney Disease and Dialysis Forums is well known for their recipes but they

also have a forum for patients too.

• Renal Support Network provides many support and advocacy services including a

phone support line.

• AAKP is a comprehensive resource focusing on the quality of life for kidney patients through education, advocacy, patient engagement and the fostering of patient

communities.

• National Kidney Foundation provides a portal for patients too.

I am sure there are other organizations nearer to you. The more you know about ckd, the more you can help yourself.

Mathea Ford has written several books, two of which have been helpful to me:

• Living with Chronic Kidney Disease--Pre-Dialysis

• Create Your Own Kidney Diet Plan

She provides helpful information that should set your mind at ease.

2. You mention exercise. Exercise is good and necessary, but more exercise is not always better, especially strenuous exercise. This can raise creatinine level and lower GFR.

Good luck, and know that there are many here who have had all the same feeling you have.

lowraind

Ok well Faithless, First of all RELAX, Really low GFR is when dialysis is considered. You have a long way before that. I have GFR in the high 30s, that is basically Stage 3, I do watch my diet, I lost my kidney to cancer, in 2014. I am 77 and going strong, fought 5 different cancers and I feel great, I am having many Afib episodes as well. You my dear are fine. My friend just went on dialysis and her GFR is 9. Yes, 9 !! You are in great shape enjoy it. I work in my garden, ride a bike and kayak. I am lucky I live on Lake Ontario.

God Bless you, Babe enjoy the work around you. XXOO Buddygramma

Thanks all for the advice and reassurance.

I wil ensure I keep well hydrated, reduce/monitor my salt, cut down on alcohol to only once in a while/special occasions and more fresh food i am hoping my GFR should continue to remain stable and may even improve a little ... Feeling much more positive now xx

Hi Faithless1

I am 25 and was diagnosed with CKD stage 4 in 2015 so I was 23.

I am overweight but was active.

My kidney failure isn't down to me being over weight, it is a factor but I'm fact it was down to pre-eclampsia with my 2nd baby.

My GFR dropped right down to 19 in December 2015 I had to have a kidney biopsy.

My GFR at the beginning of 2018 was up to 47 now it is on 30. I am currently in kidney crisis. Have another renal appointment on Friday 21st September.

I hope that yours stays stable and doesn't reduce anymore.

It is and can be scary when you see results and have no clue what they mean. Which is why the NHS website is the best thing to get correct information from. And what steps to follow next.

Hope everything goes well.

a egfr of over 60 is more than enough to keep a person healthy..good diet..no excess red meat..avoid painkillers..add no salt to food .keep bmi levels for weight..and do a lot of this...😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊...