Creatinine 1.36 Bun 29 urinalysis clear

[Kidman]

Hi,

I posted a while ago. I've transferred to a new doctor. She had me repeat my blood work because my creatinine was 1.41 last time. I drank a lot of water but it still came back at 1.36. Here's a list over the years :9/9/17 1.19 5/2/18 1.26 10/18 1.11 5/19 1.31

1/19 1.16 3/20 1.54 8/20 1.31 11/19 1.41 12/20 1.36

I'm a 73 year old male, with type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure under control. ast A1C was 6.3 since I've been walking several miles a day in good weather. For repeat test I drank a lot of water, but it didn't seem to come down much. March 20 this year was high because I was dehydrated and found later I had Covid. Urinalysis was clear. Bun was 33 last time, now is 29. Potassium was 5.5 last time, now it is 5.1. So things have gone down.

I'll be hearing from my doctor, but I'm wondering how worried I should be. I'd be interested in any specific questions I should ask the doctor. As I said, I feel fine, A1C has come down, but I want to take care.

I appreciate any advice.

Thanks

I would appreciate any advice.

[orangecity41]

For Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) possibility, take a list of your eGFR results over the years. It will tell what level of CKD you might be. If you are diagnosed with CKD ask if a diet is appropriate for you. Factors that could affect your diet are your sodium, potassium and phosphorus bloodwork levels. Keep us posted. You have reached a good forum for support and information on CKD. Here is a link to explanation of eGFR levels. kidneyfund.org/kidney-disea...

[Kidman]

Thanks for the great help. I did check out the links you mentioned, and found them useful. I'm waiting to see what my new internist recommends. Thanks again,

[HealthBuddyMelissa]

Because you are 73 that may be your baseline. Kidneys decrease in function normally as we age. Control your A1C, Diabetes and Blood Pressure is probably great advice from anyone.

[Kidman in reply to HealthBuddyMelissa]

Thanks for answering. My blood pressure is under good control. Since I've started walking regularly, my A1C has gone down to 6.5, so that's under control. I'll see what my internist has to say when she reviews the results. Thanks again.

[Kidman]

Everyone, Thanks for the great help. My doctor's office called and relayed the information that I have some kidney issues, but nothing worrisome, which is good enough for me. My vitamin D is low and she recommended a supplement of 5,000 a day. Years ago my urologist suggested I stop taking vitamin D because I once had kidney stones, so I asked my Doctor's thoughts on that . So I'm going to keep drinking an adequate supply of water and relax for a while. Once again, thanks for the advice.

[Darlenia]

I will add my voice to Melissa's position on this. As people age, kidney function decreases and creatinine levels will increase. That's the reason a very healthy 70 year old can't donate their kidneys to their spouse. (I know, I offered.) Aging is normal - from eyesight, to bones, to kidneys, to heart, to brain, etc. Indeed, even hair tends to disappear. While it's great to monitor aging, I remind myself it's important to keep perspective and a sense of humor where possible.

You say you have Diabetes Type 2. That's the underlying condition that one needs to address and eradicate. People take pills, people take insulin - people make up all kinds of reasons why they're fine physically with that condition. Sadly, diabetes is so omnipresent that it's almost regarded as quite normal in the western world. But diabetes can take out one's body, piece by piece, even when "controlled" - from teeth, to limbs, to heart, to kidneys, to eyesight, etc. It will ultimately claim one's life. I'm a caregiver to my husband, a former diabetic, now on dialysis so I know. And diabetes doesn't always target the kidneys. I have an diabetic friend who is undergoing foot surgery and wound care right now. Another recently died from strokes. So diabetes is very unpredictable. What they all have in common, however, is that these situations were completely preventable. Truly, it disturbs me to no end as doctors set up revolving appointments and prescribe the medications and avoid "the hard talk". Diabetes clearly fuels the specialties in American medicine. So, it's on all of us to take ownership of that situation and fix it. My mother-in-law did exactly that, dieting strenuously, losing all her excess weight within three months, never needing prescription meds, and lived well into her 80s.

That said, speaking of diets, the renal diet is exclusively for those with renal disease. It messes with one's electrolytes (potassium, sodium, phosphorus, etc.) that can produce arrhythmias, etc. One needs to have regular blood tests to make sure all of these stay in the normal range; the annual blood panel isn't enough. Some of the food choices in the renal diet are also inappropriate for diabetics (sweet fruits, high carb bread, etc.). So discuss this with your physician (or a licensed nutritionist) before unilaterally taking action on this. A blended diet may be advisable in some situations. Blessings.

[Kidman in reply to Darlenia]

Darlenia, Thanks for your good advice. I appreciate it.