Is this something I should follow up?

[Nanaedake]

For the last 5/6 years my GFR has been slightly dropping. About 7 years ago it dropped from over 90 to 80 and then stayed between 70 and 80 for the last 5 years. Recently it dropped to 60 and then tested 2 weeks later it bounced up to over 90 where it has NOT been for years. Also I have had low levels but above normal protein in urine and quite high levels of leucocytes but no urinary tract infection or any other obvious reason. Is this something I should pursue or is it quite normal?

[Bassetmommer]

Hi Nanaedake,

Lab values will fluctuate. So it good when it goes up. Keep and I on them. And before the lab draw, make sure you are hydrated.

[Nanaedake in reply to Bassetmommer]

OK, nothing to worry about then.

[medway-lady]

Lucky you thats a good result x

[WYOAnne]

If you have questions about your labs you should be discussing them with your doctor. We can only speak from what we have experienced .

[Nanaedake in reply to WYOAnne]

I will when we get through COVID all I was asking is should I pursue it as given the current situation I don't want to contact doc if no need. I don't think they'll thank me. I was in the middle of trying to contact doc when all this blew up. Oh well, it doesn't matter if no one knows it can wait 6 months I expect.

[WYOAnne in reply to Nanaedake]

Ya, your lab values look great. To give you an example, I speak with someone weekly whose GFR varies between 8-11 & is on the verge of starting dialysis.

[Nanaedake in reply to WYOAnne]

Sorry to hear that. I have no idea what is normal for kidneys but reading about it I couldn't work out what was normal. There wasn't much on big variations.

[WYOAnne in reply to Nanaedake]

GFR is but an estimate and can change depending on your age, sex and race.

For me, since I have had a transplant the dr. wants my eGFR to be above 60.

For most, normal is above 90

[RickHow]

Your egfr will decline slowly with age. Especially more quickly over 65. Bouncing around is normal. When it is in fast and constant decline that it needs attention. I'd love your values. Mine is in the mid to upper 40's. And I'm doing fine.

Low levels of protein occasionally are very, very normal. No cause for alarm.

The leukocytes (you say they were very high??) is usually a urinary tract infection. But that is not the only cause. Simply holding in your urine too long, too often can also cause the increase in leukocytes. A kidney stone can cause it. some pain medications can cause it if you take them too often. Being a little anemic can cause it. Apparently your doctor was not alarmed. Personally if it is as you say "very high" I would discuss it with the doctor more. No, not an emergency. I am no doctor, but the vast majority of the time high leukocytes is Uti. If other symptoms present themselves (burning sensation upon urination, cloudy urine, the urge to urinate but then very little comes out, then call the doctor. You have a UTI and he can just prescribe an antibiotic. But more than likely all is well, except the odd high leukocytes.

[Hidden]

I would do some research on the normal GFR readings for some one of your age group etc. This might put it into context for you.

I'm in retirement and my aim is to get above GFR60, not likely at GFR45, but my aim none the less.

[Nanaedake]

Thanks everyone, that's helped a lot. I see there's no need for alarm. Really helpful under current circumstances. I've not reached 60 so I think values are normal for someone my age. I will just monitor it and rule out UTI.