GFR of 48

[Rhondaf58]

Hi friends, just had labs, and got a call from my doctor to make an appointment to talk with her about my kidney function. My current GFR is 48, and was 66 two years ago. I’m trying not to panic, but I’m worried. I have no swelling, no blood in my urine, and feel okay. Any suggestions on how to increase my GFR would be appreciated. I do take Lisinopril for blood pressure, and a low dose of Metformin. My A1C is 6.8.

[Hidden]

Hi

You need to think about a kidney-friendly meal plan.

Use the davita.com site to register for a free, 90-minute Kidney Smart class in your area. Lots of resources and other useful information will be provided.

I'm also a type 2 diabetic and when I was told I had CKD I was told metformin was not the best choice for me. My A1c's were good enough that they stopped all diabetic meds and I've used diet and exercise to control it. You might want to ask if there are better options for you.

Best of luck

[Rhondaf58 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks so much for the information.

[lowraind]

Were you dehydrated?

[Rhondaf58 in reply to lowraind]

I’m not a good water drinker at all. I’m sure that’s a possibility. I’m trying to drink water all day now.

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador]

Hi first I would recommend speaking with a dietitian to tailor a personal plan for you. Your A1C is still a little high. Metformin is cautioned for use in those with reduced renal function so that should be discussed as well. Try not to worry as it changes nothing and only brings you frustration. Blessings

[Rhondaf58]

Thank you very much. I’m definitely trying not to worry, and I’ve changed my diet. I’ve checked the list of foods that I shouldn’t be eating, and I’m staying away from them.

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

Many on this site have had great success with the kidney friendly diet. Their GFR has stabilized and for some has improved by a couple of points Your creatinine and GFR are influenced by how hydrated you are also. So drinking water everyday is essential for kidney health.

See if your doctor will give you a referral to a renal dietician. Bring your labs along and can help with a diabetic as well as kidney friendly diet plan to follow.

As Mr-Kidney suggested, find out if there is a Kidney Class in your area by going to Davita.com It will help you feel more confident and gain so much info on your kidney issues.

[Rhondaf58]

Thanks so much for your comment.

[LorrieC]

When I first joined this list, my GFR tanked from 59 to 40. This was after receiving IV antibiotics for bacterial pneumonia. I was taking melixocam at the time and not following a low sodium diet. Since then, I stopped the meloxicam and followed a strict low sodium diet and my GFR increased to 57. As a bonus, I lost 18 lbs. It's decreased a couple of points since, but I'm sure it's because I'm not drinking enough fluid. I eat out frequently, so I printed pdf nutrition information from all the chain restaurants where I go. All I look at is "sodium" and I highlight any meal under 600 mg. of sodium in yellow. There are only one or two items I can order from each restaurant and I faithfully stick by those. It is difficult with non-chain restaurants though. Are you taking any NSAID's? Read labels on anything you eat. Try to find low sodium or no sodium foods. If you eat out, make sure to stress NO SALT, even if you order a hamburger. I don't eat the bun. I haven't had soup for nine months now and salad dressing twice because it was already on the salad. My new nephrologist is pleased and said I don't have to see him for a year. He attributes the decrease in GFR to discontinuing Meloxicam, following a low sodium diet and losing weight. I'm obsessive compulsive regarding my diet, but it's paid off. Good luck and keep us posted!

[Rhondaf58 in reply to LorrieC]

Thanks Lorrie, I have changed my eating habits, doing low sodium, and have already lost about 5 pounds. I do take Simvistatin, and Lisinopril. My doc wants to check my labs in 6 months to see if there’s a change. Thanks for the information.