Sudden ckd stage 3b egfr dropped drastically in past year, now in 1 month went from egfr of 43 to 38 creatinine 1.79 to 2.01. At the egfr 43 I took drastic measures tracking everything I ate and drank ( phosphorous, potassium, protein, calcium, etc) to guidelines for my stage, stuck with very low sodium, drink only water, approx 2000 calories a day split evenly between all meals and snacks, no red meats, chick pea organic pasta, 4oz chicken breast 1 or 2 days a week at a meal. Read every label, eat approved veggies and grains only, etc. Lost 15 lbs intentinally in 2 months (staying steady at 193lbs at 5 ft 11). I am a bit more muscular than average male. Mild exercise daily.
My type 2 diabetes is in control, last A1C is 6.9, BP stays around 101/67 or so. I test sugar every few hours as recommended all withing good ranges. My overall cholesterol is 143, my tryglicerides about 115. I am at a complete loss as to why EGFR dropped the 5 massive points in single month especially when it was not due to my diet, sugar or BP. My urine creatinine was normal at 194 mgdl. Urine protein normal at 12mgdl. Prior to this last drop my Dr switched me from metformin to glipizie and statin was atorvastatin 40mg to simvistatin 20mg. I am prone to kidney stones but these days they pass on own. Have not had one for 2 months. Still, could there be a blockage of sorts causing acute damage? No true symptoms though... Bun creatinine ratio dropped from 16 to 13, whis IS good. I have trace of ketones but could be because I decreased water intake.
My primary care doctor could care less, only says test again in 3 months for past year. Not proactive so on own scheduled nephrology appt but have had a hell of a time getting in as new patient. They postponed me several times to Oct 15! Found another neph practice who can see me next week. Very concerned of extreme decreases in EGFR and creatinine rise! Thoughts VERY welcome. We are a mess over this.
Hi
Try to relax and not worry about one lab value. Your labs are just snapshots of the time they were drawn. At your next draw, they could go up. Over the last couple of years, my values have yo-yo'd. The main thing for you to do is stay consistent. One tip I received from my nephrologist is to not over-exercise or run labs if you are sick or just getting over an illness. At the very least, inform your physician if you are ill and see what they suggest.
When diagnosed my GFR was 32, and last month it was 57. My next draw could have me in the upper forties. Look at your average over a longer period of time. Best of luck.
Thanks for the insights. My egfr over past two years has consistently dropped. Was initially at 79... Wondering if it is acute damage from unknown internal issue.
Has your nephrologist determined the cause of your CKD? Our GFR does decline as we age. Do you exercise regularly, watch your medications, smoke or drink? I ask because all of those things can lead to a steady decline in GFR if you don't know the genesis of your CKD.
Yes I watch and track all food and drink only water. I increased water intake slightly since this drop. I never smoked and do not drink alcohol. I take lisinopril 20mg hctz 12.5mg, wellbitrin 150mg, trileptal 600mg, simvistatin 20mg, newly taking glipizide 5mg/day split in 2 doses peior to last drop.
I have not yet been able to see a nephrologist as am new patient and they keep pushing back my appt (last delay was due to hurricane Dorian scares), so we at least forced them to order my labs prior, which is when the drop was discovered. They have me scheduled 10.15, which is too long a wait since I dropped the 5 points egfr in last month. Meanwhile, I found a smaller nephrology practice nearby that can see me next Thursday which is good. I may just keep that Oct appointment as well to get two opinions. Praying for a miracle, in the meanwhile.
It sounds like you are doing okay so again, I caution you to not get overly concerned with one drop in GFR. Please take control of your health care and direct your physicians to inform you of issues with your health. Insist on a referral to a renal dietitian. The sooner you have a kidney-friendly meal plan for you, based on your lab values the sooner you will begin to slow the progression of CKD.
Have already been with dietician and over month ago orior, had already been on balanced renal diet for stage 3b ckd and track and weigh all food (down to herbs). Dietitian was extremely impressed never saw such detailed tracking and care. I csn even share with you all my mins and max limits set for all minerals and nutrients. Not giving up but discouraged each test is worst from last in past 12+ months.
As I’ve already said, your case sounds very similar to mine. I, too, have done the detailed tracking; followed dietary and fluid restrictions religiously; and taken my meds consistently. Regardless, my renal function has deteriorated. And mine didn’t bounce around either; it was a downward trend. For me, my data would suddenly plummet and then my nephrologist would get it stabilized at the lower level. It would stay stable with no fluctuation in data for 18-24 months. Then another sudden plummet in function. He was never able to determine what caused these sudden plummets.
You’ve described a consistent downward trend in your renal panel data over a year’s time, I believe. Thus it’s good that you’ll soon see a nephrologist. In the meantime, try not to worry; likely easier said than fine...
Jayhawker
Hi. Just reading this post. I may be asking a stupid question. How did ur nephrologist get ur kidney function under control. Are there specific medications for this
He focused on BP treatment with me focusing on fluid retention. Initially I had difficulty with that. He also had me follow potassium restrictions and sodium restrictions at that time. I was prone to elevated potassium and the low sodium was a part of my BP management plan plus sodium is pretty hard on our kidneys and causes fluid retention. I had severe anemia from the earliest diagnosis of my CKD so he put that under treatment as well. And I ate less protein and less dairy product. So he really just put a treatment plan in place that supported my kidneys; helped them to function more easily.
Because I had my A1C in check at 5.3-5.4 at that time I was also pulled off metformin at about that point in time as well. I have no idea whether that may also have helped or not. It may have had no bearing on my renal function stabilizing for several years.
Jayhawker
Thank you for taking the time to reply. Thats alot of helpful information. Im just curious, does anyone also have a kidney cyst. Amd also diet. Im finding it difficult to find a proper diet plan.
Hi Hopefultaw, If this is still of interest to you, then I have an offer : If you let me know every one of your eGFR determinations together with the exact date of each, there is a slight chance I can help you with some valuable information. For now I can tell you that my eGFR dropped by as many as 17 ml/min... .some 15 years ago and I am still kicking.
(It jumped back nearly all the way later.)