Has anyone stayed at a steady elevated creatinine level for a long time?

[Healthylivin69]

I am at 1.4 and have a creatinine clearance of 136.6

I am 22 and my doctor says my level is normal. But my creatinine has been 1.54 and 1.7 in the past. So I am confused. Any feedback is appreciated.

[RickHow]

Really hard to answer with such limited information. But it seems you are improving as you once were 1.7 and now are down to 1.4. Not sure why the doctor is calling this "normal", but it certainly is not frightening. But he/she has access to your complete blood and urine tests and it seems, if he is saying normal, all looks well except for slight elevated creatinine. Remember to ask yourself, what is "normal". For example, I have just one kidney. To have a creatinine level of 1.7 is "normal" for such a person. A better word would be "typical". If you are uneasy, ask the doctor more specifically. Tell him/her you see what people call "normal" levels for creatinine, and that your tests are above the normal range. So why does he call you "normal"? He should give you an answer. If what he says does not make sense to you, then question him further, or if possible for you, go get another opinion.

[Healthylivin69 in reply to RickHow]

I am going to see another doctor for a second opinion. But thats why I am concerned. But everyone is saying it has to do with my muscle mass and my creatinine generation rate. He said im perfectly find and 1.4-1.7 is just my normal. I am only 22 and was foolish and didn't get blood tests when I was younger. I just don't completely understand. But my creatinine clearance came back very normal almost at the highest possible rating. So I really don't quite understand. My pcp and my nephrologist say I am fine. But if you take my GFR for my 1.4 and when I was at 1.7 my GFR was 51 and 71. So it's not making much sense. The serum creatinine is the only off level. But its still confusing. I trust my nephrologist and he talked to my mother yesterday because she called him without me knowing because of my anxiety. But I still don't get how I am normal without CKD if my levels are this elevated. My kidneys are normal on ultra sound and ct. 10.9 and 10.7 in size and look normal other than them being a bit on the smaller size. Good creatinine clearance of 136.6. No protein in urine. Good potassium, albumin, calcium, blood pressure, no diabetes. All positive signs but the levels still dont make sense unless I just produce more creatinine than the normal person.

[RickHow in reply to Healthylivin69]

Yes, the more muscular you are the higher your creatinine levels can be. And if you for example are a person who does a lot of exercise, or weight lifting for example. The levels will be higher. That is why it can be higher than "typical" but still normal. The entire calculation of egfr is just a flawed formula. My own doctors tell me pay no attention to the egfr. The formula is so flawed. What counts is exactly what you doctors are telling you. Clearance. Creatinine levels for your age. All the other things that you mentioned (protein, etc.). You are fine. But you just have not found the right doctor who can explain it to you in a way that brings you peace of mind and understanding.

[orangecity41 in reply to RickHow]

I agree Rick, that it is not egfr alone, but other blood work and test results enter in.

[Marvin8]

Why are you seeing a nephrologist if your kidneys are fine?

[Healthylivin69 in reply to Marvin8]

My pcp referred me. My nephrologist said everything came back normal but it doesn't make much sense to me. I know 300 pound bodybuilders with normal creatinine and they take steroids. So I am very concerned. Even though he said things are normal I want a second opinion from a professional and listening to others experience because everyone can make mistakes and misjudge