Frequency of lab tests

[bootsboots]

How frequently should I have my gfr checked? Does it depend on what stage I am in, and if so, can you provide those details too please?

[SamuelChin]

It depends on your stage.

If you are at stage 3, you normally have lab work twice a year.

Except you leak a lot of protein, then three times a year or even four times a year.

My GFR is 106, but I spill protein, so twice a year.

[Redsong]

It may depend where you live. I am in the UK, Stage 3 and gfr 54 and have been advised to get it checked annually. Dr didn’t seem unduly concerned so I’m trying not to be either.

[Gillybaby in reply to Redsong]

Mine has dropped from 89 to 50 in 6mths , having another blood test in a month , im absolutely terrified!

[Redsong in reply to Gillybaby]

I know it’s easy to say but please try not to worry Gillybaby. They are monitoring you which is great and if necessary a plan can be put in place.

[LorrieC in reply to Gillybaby]

My egfr dropped from 59 to 40 after iv antibiotics.

[rabbit01]

Depends on a lot of factors but rate of decline is obviously an important one. I was diagnosed with CKD very late with only 18% kidney function and I had blood tests every two months once it was established that my decline was fairly slow. Once I got to less than 15% I had blood tests every month.

[RickHow]

In my case it depended on when the CKD was found. When I first had one kidney removed, I was tested for 2 months in a row. Then 3 months. After 8 months, as the egfr remained in the same range (constant with a plus or minus of just 2 or 3 points each time), it was decided to go every 6 months. I am stage 3.

[lowraind]

When first diagnosed, I was every three months for 12 months. Since I am stable, I will be going every 6 months, unless something changes. Both my personal physician and the nephrologist know that I have done much research and have a pretty good handle on how I want to handle my ckd. I am 77, stage 3, last draw gfr was 48 and creatinine 1.1. BUN was a little high, so I am thinking that I will go vegetarian diet. Doing my research now.

[bootsboots]

okay thanks. I was told--finally-every 3 months also. Meanwhile I have started taking an herbal supplement --a Free radical supplement. Not much into health food stuff, but after some research i fugured yeah, it can't hurt. I am 72, stage 3, gfr 52

[Lilo1946 in reply to bootsboots]

Hello bootsboots

I was told by my Endocrinologist in mid-July that my creatinine had been rising the past year and that he referred me to a nephrologist. My first

Appointment was on October 29. Before my appointment I did some research on CKD and using my lab results translated that I have CKD 3b.

When asking my nephrologist about which level I was she told me that we would know after my lab work results. She ordered 8 to 10 tests.

My appointment is this Monday and I will find out. I communicated with her

After receiving 2 results which were normal as to the other labs since I had not received any other results.

She responded that there were no surprises and that we will go over my

Results together on Monday.

While waiting for my appointment I made diet changes mainly watch my salt intake as well as drinking between 64 to 72 oz. water daily.

Sine I am a type 1 diabetic for 48 years I always had to watch my diet.

My blood pressure had been going up

Slowly so I believe that that may have been the main issue.

Well we’ll see on Monday what the deal is.

May I ask you the name of the Free radical supplement?

Thank you.

Lilo46

[bootsboots]

Thank you for the response I sure hope your tests do not reveal anything worrisome--more worrisome anyway. I am taking Bilberry Complex.