GFR of 8 but Ultrasound states no abnormalities

[Christie3899]

Hi everyone,

I'm new on here and writing for my mom. She is 59 years old and just recently diagnosed with CKD. Her labs came back on 5/13/2019 with a GFR of 8 and Creatinine of 5.17. Her Neuphrologist referred her for more labs and a Renal Ultrasound. I just got back the Renal Ultrasound results and it states the both the right & left kidney measure 7cm and they are of normal size and echotexture. The Ultrasound also states that there are NO abnormalities.... I'm shocked. Is that possible?? The specialist is informing us that her kidneys are only working 8% and she needs to start Dialysis ASAP.

Should there be additional testing that we should be doing before starting dialysis? She has has the blood test done twice and now the Ultrasound. Should we ask for an MRI?

We are so confused and this is all new to us. My mom feels fine. She has no symptoms that a person with a GFR of 8 should be having. She also looks great. The only symptom she is having is high blood pressure which the doctor just started her on medication.

Any suggestions?

[kumar2333]

Hi

Ultra sound is used to find PKD, tuner, kidney shrink and other physical abnormalities.

Even if the ultra sound is gud they will have kidney issue, kidney weakned with diabetes, bp, infection.

Don't get u r self confused.

[Bunkin]

The doctor will look at all the numbers and should take into consideration how she feels. I have been in stage 5 for at least 4 years, who knows how much longer it really was. But I keep plugging along doing the best I can to lower the numbers. I know most doctors want to put on dialysis at GFR 10 but fortunately mine is not like that. I’d consider seeing another nephrologist just to get a second opinion. Prayers for all, God can do anything😀

[Bassetmommer]

Hi Christie,

A renal ultra sound in this case is not an issue and that's a good thing. What is an issue is her lab results. I have attached a link to understand that there is a whole series of labs that will indicate the status of her kidneys.

kidney.org/atoz/content/und...

Does she tell you she feels fine? Or is she? We all develop a normal way of feeling because we live with what is going on with us. Is she tired a lot? Does she have swelling at all? Can she function with that level of GFR?

At stage 8 and that high creatinine, she should prepare for dialysis. That means getting a fistula in place. Are you aware of the choices in dialysis? kidney.org/atoz/content/per...

Have she tried anything to improve her diet? Does she know what caused the CKD? High BP can be a factor.

Here are some classes to help with understanding.

davita.com/education/kidney...

[noggs]

mum was been monitored for years before she dropped to 7 suddenly they did test and every time it was low. listen to thedoctor we were afraid when it happened its really scary. when mum got her tube fitted it was difficult as mum also had alzheimers, the staff at the hospital where great when you get the chance to train to help mum i suggest as many of the family who can. mum lived with us so we chose to do the dialysis at home , it is reasonably easy if you have people to do it we thought it would be easier than her going the hospital 3 times a week by ambulance as my wife worked full time. one thing i would suggest is you keep a close eye on mum no one knows her like you do and you can spot if she is off, and if you do decide to do it yourselves ( you will have the option of a nurse coming to her home to put her on the machine) be very meticulous with the hygien part very easy to get a infection. our mum ended up with pancreatitis watch out if mum starts to complain about pain in her back insist the doctor does some checks as when we told them mum had severe pain in back they ignored us but finally they did and it was to late. sorry for adding that bit people are on dialysis for years mum was just unlucky. good luck for the future and all the best

[Socky]

Hi Christie3899,

Even though the Kidney ultrasound results appear normal your mom’s labs indicate otherwise. An MRI is not necessary to diagnose kidney failure. With a GFR of 8 and an elevated creatinine, it sounds like it is time to start dialysis, even if your mom says she feels fine.

I have read a few posts from other members where they state that they didn’t know how sick they really were until they started Dialysis, because they feel so much better after starting.

I have stage IV CKD, I attended a kidney friendly class offered by DaVita and one of the Dialysis nurse’s advise was that it’s better to start dialysis before feeling really sick to try to preserve some kidney function and because there is a lot of information to learn about dialysis and you don’t want to be too sick when you are learning about it.

There are different types of dialysis. Speak with your mom’s nephrologist, request to visit a Dialysis center. Inform yourselves of your options, ask questions. Be proactive.

Best of Luck 🙏🏽

[Hassmac]

Hi Christie, I am so sorry to hear this, but the good news is that once your mum is set up on dialysis, she should feel better. A GFR of 8 is not great and she will definitely need dialysis. As others have said, there are different options available and she may be able to dialyse at home once she has been trained. I don't know where you are, but the dialysis nurses in Leicester are brilliant. These are highly trained, specialist nurses, who visit you in your home and can help with almost anything! Has your mum had any advice about diet, this can help to reduce some of the toxins in her blood, try to get a dietician or nutritionalist on board if you haven't already. Is your mum on the transplant waiting list at all?