Levels checked

[Dan1234567]

Hello. How often should I get my GFR tested? Every 2 to 3 months? What is the standard time of getting levels checked. With A GFR of 32

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Hi Dan,

Good question. Not a simple answer. Most people do labs once a year. Since you have a GFR of 52, maybe more often would be in order, especially if this is a new GFR level for you. If you GFR declines, then more often is required. It also depends on other factors, like are you diabetic? Are there other medical/health concerns? So this question would be best answered by your doctor.

Just for reference, I was having labs drawn for my kidney function every 3 months. Now that I am stable, I go five to six months. But I also have a standard order prn, which means if I feel like something has changed, I can get a lab draw anytime.

[EchoMax1012 in reply to Bassetmommer]

Great reply! Agree with every statement.

[Dan1234567 in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thank you so very much. I really appreciate your detailed response!

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to Bassetmommer]

I also have eGFR bloodwork done every 6 months now since better test results.

[Mannyboy17 in reply to orangecity41]

Hi what did you do for a better results of GFR pls share. Thank u

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to Mannyboy17]

I have followed the Doctor prescribed CKD diet, and use Davita diet planner and tracker. Also do appropriate exercise for my age, 78. Mainly walking and senior exercise class 2 times a week.

[Mannyboy17 in reply to orangecity41]

Thanks orangecity41

[lowraind in reply to Bassetmommer]

I read a gfr of 32. When I was 34, I was seen every 3 months. Then, six months. And now, with a gfr of 61, a year. However, my nephrologist said, if anything came up, to call.

[Scared-woman in reply to lowraind]

Are you saying your gfr went up...

[lowraind in reply to Scared-woman]

Yes. As others have said, by changing what you eat, by drinking more water, by moderate exercise, it is possible.

[Scared-woman in reply to lowraind]

Wow...impressive and great for you. Are you all vegan......I know I have to change....kinda lost on the nutrition side...I am guessing walking to be good exercise since they say harder workouts can raise creatnine... I have registered for a class from davitas.....a couple weeks away. If you dont mind saying....how old are you now...I am 66

[lowraind in reply to Scared-woman]

No, I am not all vegan. I still eat some meat, as well as some eggs. No potatoes, tomatoes, chocolate, oranges, very little cheese.

I am 78.

[Hidden]

That is a discussion between you and your nephrologist. The decision will be made, in part, based on your other health issues, diabetes for example. When I was diagnosed, my GFR was 32. At that point, I was having blood labs drawn every 2 months. My GFR has now stabilized at a 49 average and I'm on a 3-month check. Unless something specific comes up my labs with my PCP are also every three months. My cardiologist has been at every three months, but my urologist has me on every six-month schedule. A three-month schedule also works for my retinal specialist and my optometrist.

A lot will depend on your health, your physicians and you. My doctors know that I'm very proactive and am aware of each condition I'm dealing with and that if an issue arises I will let them know either through their patient portal of with a call to their office.

[Dan1234567 in reply to Hidden]

thank you very much. Great advice. I am a diabetic and on Norvasc it is helping with my BP but I am having swelling but my GP is not concerned with the amount of swelling I have. How did you improve your GFR ? With Diet? I try not to take many medicines but I do want to keep my Blood pressure at a normal.

[Hidden in reply to Dan1234567]

There were many things I did to improve my GFR and so far have been able to maintain the 49 GFR for the last two years. Again, everyone is different and while this worked for me it may not work for others.

With a referral, I contacted a Renal Dietitian. I met with her twice and using my labs for the previous year we established a kidney-friendly meal plan. If any of my labs differ drastically since then I contact her via e-mail and she and I determine if I need to make any adjustments. If my GFR should go up 10 points we make no changes until after the next one to see if it stays high or drops back down. I've been steady at an average of 49. I don't cheat from the diet with little treats for good numbers. I also had to cut out going out to eat because my restrictions are not conducive to restaurant cooking.

With my PCP and cardiologist, I developed an exercise regimen that up until 2 months ago I stuck with. It's cold where I live but we don't get a lot of snow in the winter so I can do my bike riding and walk pretty much year-round. Hopefully, once I heal from the surgery I can get back to my exercise and even though I'll have to start slow again I'm looking forward to doing more. Luckily my GFR has stayed stable. They ran it 48 hours prior to the surgery and it was 49. My next draw from the doctors is next month.

I also stay hydrated with water. No colas, no alcohol, beer or other caffeine and I've never smoked. The thought of something on fire about three inches from my nose was not an option for me.

I watch all of my medications, especially dosages and every physician gets an updated medication list at each visit. Any supplements I take have been approved by my doctors.

I also use a spreadsheet to track all of my blood and urine labs and highlight highs and lows from the normal range. That helps me spot any trends so that I can bring it up to my physicians either at the next visit or through their patient portal.

The other things I do are more mental than physical. I stay active. I plan my travels (in my RV), and I go where I'd go regardless of my illnesses. In addition to CKD, I am a T2D, I have HBP but with medication, it is under control, and I have AMD.

I also do research in the areas of my health issues. Knowledge is power and the more I learn the better my mental state is and I can use the time with my physicians wisely and ask appropriate questions. I'm a retired special needs teacher and I read all the time. I also stay in contact with many former students and that's more than enough to keep me busy and not dwell on any negatives.

As I said, this works for me so until it doesn't I'm planning of keeping doing it. I'm already planning next year's trip to Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico.

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador in reply to Dan1234567]

Make sure you do have your BP in check. Don't be afraid to take medication for it. High BP can not only damage your kidneys more but also your heart. I am living well after 20 years post transplant. My nephrologist wanted me to see a cardiologist and have an ECHO done. Even though my BP was brought under control pretty rapidly after being diagnosed with CKD, I have a lot of scarring in my heart. Dr. said this was due to the high BP pre-transplant.

[Dixidude39 in reply to Hidden]

Mr. Kidney, I believe you have covered this before, but my question is "what did you do to reverse your eGFR." The author of "Plant-fed Kidneys" (Jennifer Moore, RD), states that a low-protein, vegan diet can bring this about. Is this what you are doing? Thanks.

[Hidden in reply to Dixidude39]

I have posted this before however, this post was in response to a question posed by Dan1234567.

I'm not a fan and don't prescribe to any authors "diet." A kidney-friendly meal plan isn't a diet, but rather a lifestyle change. A meal plan should be designed around each individual's lab values and adjusted for significant changes as time passes. There is no magic, one size fits all way to go.

I'm a little confused about your asking what I did to "reverse" my GFR. My entire response to him was what I did and what I'm continuing to do to stave off dialysis. It's working for me and I'll continue doing it until something changes and I have to tweak it.

If going vegetarian or vegan is your preference and it works for you, terrific. I use seafood and poultry in my meal plan. Different strokes...

[Dixidude39 in reply to Hidden]

It is indeed a lifestyle change, including exercise. You are correct, we each need to follow the numbers and what makes us feel in balance.

[jmkb]

When mine was in the 30s, once a year, but when more protein appeared in the test, then every three months.

[Zazzel]

I get labs every 3 months or so. Like Mr. K I chart mine out on a big graph and have a blood pressure app and take regular readings. Although my function is somewhat high and stable in the 70s I like to monitor all of my levels including potassium. Phosphorus etc. since I’ve had fluctuating blood pressure, protein leaking in the past and lots of food and environmental intolerances, my nephrologist agreed to give me an order so I can get them done more often. I’ve done a lot of experimenting with diet and like to keep records of how it’s affecting me.

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador]

I was seeing a nephrologist annually until GFR hit 30 then was every 6 months to see him and get blood work done. Blessings

[Thegunawangift]

Join Natural kidney Journey group on Facebook. They can guide you improving your kidney function and it's free.