eFGR one tick below 60. Concerning?

[Gillam]

Hi, new here. Just had bw that showed an eFGR of 59.90. Now, it's not that far below 60, but it is below 60. Comparisons over a four-year period show that just last year, my eFGR was 74.20 and other years in the 66-67 range. Creatinine between .80 and .96 over the same time period. I have a history of breast CA but otherwise relatively healthy (though overweight). Are my numbers concerning? My GP has not contacted me about the lower than normal eFGR. Should I request a second blood test? Thanks so much.

[FThomp]

Gfr fluctuates between tests since they are just a snapshot of how your function is on that moment and can be influenced by things like hydration amongst other things. Also, age plays a part as well. It naturally starts to decline around 30-40’s and possibly even more accelerated in the 50’s and 60’s.

Outside of all this though, just talk with your doctor to check and see if there is anything concerning such as blood pressure or diabetes concerns.

[Gillam in reply to FThomp]

Thank you so kindly for your reply. Very helpful!

[lowraind]

I would request a 2nd test, particularly because of the fluctuation. Although age does play a part, there are many things you can do to help prevent further decline, hydration being one of them. Diet is also important, as is light exercise. Doctors often do not address ckd until patients are in stage 4, and at that point it is more difficult to improve your numbers. Don't know where you live, but I found these to be helpful:National education, support and advocacy organizations:

• DaVita Kidney Disease and Dialysis Forums is well known for their recipes but they also have a forum for patients too.

• Renal Support Network provides many support and advocacy services including a phone support line.

• AAKP is a comprehensive resource focusing on the quality of life for kidney patients through education, advocacy, patient engagement and the fostering of patient communities.

• National Kidney Foundation provides a portal for patients too.

[Gillam in reply to lowraind]

Thank you very much for your kindness in providing all of those resources. Appreciated very much!

[RickHow]

No need to worry. It sounds like you get regular blood work done. As someone said egfr fluctuates a lot due to a lot of factors. Your hydration (if not very hydrated you will get a lower egfr), medications, even what you had to eat the day before and day of the test. Also as we age it starts to decline gradually even in a healthy individual. In fact you could ignore the egfr and make it simple for yourself by just paying attention to the Creatinine level. If that stays in normal range, I would not worry. BUT if this is in your mind and worries you, do a simple thing. Pick up the phone, or now days we can just send an email, and contact your doctors office and simply ask "I see my last egfr was below 60, anything to worry about?"

[Gillam in reply to RickHow]

Thank you so much. Very reassuring.

[Gillam]

Thank you all very, very much. Very reassuring and helpful. I appreciate you!