Stage 3

[kungfudude]

I'm a young 57, still very healthy and active. But my GFR has dropped to 38. It's never been this low and I am getting concerned. Am I about to lose my lifestyle?

[Hidden]

You haven't provided enough information, but based on your post let me say that GFR is just a snapshot. A lot of factors can influence the rise and fall of kidney function. Were you ill, did you have a change in medications, diet, heavy workout prior to labs, or were you dehydrated? Your nephrologist should have you back in a couple of weeks to re-do labs including serum creatinine. When I learned I had CKD my GFR was at 32. I managed to raise it up to 65. It's now down to 53. I have new labs scheduled for next week. Relax and stay the course.

[Scared-woman in reply to Hidden]

Please explain how you managed to raise your gfr.......I am at a loss

[Hidden in reply to Scared-woman]

After meeting with a Renal Dietitian and developing a kidney-friendly meal plan, I've stuck to it. I don't consider it a diet. It's more of a lifestyle change. With my PCP and cardiologist helping we developed an exercise regimen for both fair and foul weather. I used drugs.com to check on all of my medications to be sure they aren't harming my kidneys. This also includes dosages, supplements, and OTC meds.

I also drink plenty of water. No smoking and no alcohol. I've also learned all I can about CKD, T2D, HBP, and AMB. Knowing how my health issues interact and how to maintain good balances is what has helped me move my GFR from its diagnosed level of 32 to an average of 49 over the previous 28 months.

I travel for weeks at a time and while doing this, I maintain all appropriate levels of GFR, blood pressure, and blood glucose. Four weeks after surgery my GFR is 49, my blood pressure this morning was 120/68, and my blood glucose was 88.

It has become a normal part of my routine and I don't worry about dying. I enjoy myself.

If I can do this, anyone can.

[Scared-woman in reply to Hidden]

Did you have blood pressure or sugar issues when first diagnosed? If so how long did it take you to turn them around...sorry for so many questions. If you did have these issues....did you take meds for them or was diet change enough....thNk you again. As I am sure you can see....my mind is racing with fear of not being able to improve or at least stop progression. As we know..doctors dont always know best and can give you something to make you worse. Never know what to do...since I tend to always make the wrong decision

[Hidden in reply to Scared-woman]

My diabetes has been a struggle for almost 20 years. I've had it under control for a number of years, but on the day one doctor informed me I was Stage 3 CKD, a second doctor told me I didn't need medications. My blood pressure was high but not excessively until this past May when I changed cardiologists, he changed two of my meds and it is now in the "normal" range. I've maintained good numbers over the previous four weeks which includes surgery and recovery time.

You can do it also.

[Philipjm]

Hi,

As Mr Kidney says you need to check again with your consultant.

I am in ESKF and on nocturnal home heamo dialysis, my life is as “normal” as possible, whatever normal is!!! I am 72, work full time, have an active life, go on holiday, going to Australia this year, stay positive, work with your renal team and life can remain good.

Best wishes on your journey

Philip

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

As others have said, GFR is but an estimate of how well your kidneys are filtering. But remember it is but an estimate. So much more tells the whole story of how well your kidneys are functioning....blood work showing creatinine, BUN, urea, albumin, protein along with urine samples.

I firmly believe that attitude is everything. If you think you are sick, you will act sick. Just because you are diagnosed with CKD doesn't mean you have to slow down as long as you eat right, drink plenty of water along with moderate exercise. See a renal dietician as many on this site have increased their GFR and have remained stable

[JimVanHorn]

I was eating certain foods that increased my creatinin. My creatinin was 5.6 and with food changes alone it went down to 4.5. My doctor told me how much water to drink as well every day and I follow that. I pee all the time, but my kidneys are still working.