New to kidney damage, 3rd month of GFR 56 (white female), Creatinine 1.11, BUN 18, normal urinalysis, very thirsty, dehydrated

[AuntMishee]

GFR 56, Normal urinalysis, creatinine 1.11

[DadviceTV]

I know this will sound strange at first - but feel very lucky to have round out you have kidney issues with such a high GFR. At a GFR of 56 you are in a great place to make lifestyle and diet changes to slow down, stop, or even reverse some of the lost kidney functinon. One thing which is important is proper hydration - being dehydrated is very bad for your kidneys. Your doctor can give you your daily minimum fluid intake, but at your stage it is normally .5 ounces for each pound of body weight. This is also described as "1/2 your body weight in ounces", so if you weighed 160 lbs you would drink 80 ounces a day. You doctor can give you the exact amount. Keep an eye on blood pressure and blood sugar, avoid things which are known to put stress on kidneys or cause kidney damage (smoking, high sodium diets, NSAIDS like Ibuprofen, etc.), and eat a kidney friendly diet and you'll be in a great position to fight it. Do you know the underlying cause of your kidney damage?

[AuntMishee in reply to DadviceTV]

Hi there. I enjoy your youtube videos. I find them so informative, helpful, and inspirational.

My kidney damage is caused by taking Lithium for 15 years. I started in my early 30s, I am now 50. I was carefully weaned off, so as of 3 days ago, I am no longer taking Lithium. Poison. My eating habits werent the best either. I ate processed foods on a regular basis.

Three months ago, when the kidney lab values were found to be abnormal during a routine lab check, my PCP told me i was dehydrated and anemic. He instructed me to drink 4 liters of high alkaline water each day and cut back on protein. He would not diagnose CKD at that juncture. I asked him if I should watch, in addition to sodium, my potassium and phosphorous in food. He did not answer me. My next appointment is this week the 18Th. Very nervous about the labs. i need answers. I would be happy on a low carb/ high fat/ moderate protein diet. My weight is normal (5’4, 125 lbs) and i have controlled HBP and no diabetes. I am looking for a way to eat on a regular basis, but I dont know what plan. I like the idea of high fat moderate protein. I am about to start a 30 day sugar bust challenge. Sugar is the addictive devil for all humans.

[DadviceTV in reply to AuntMishee]

It sounds like your PCP is being cautious - which is good. To correctly be established as having kidney disease, they need to see a low GFR across multiple tests over time (usually two tests over three months). So it sounds like he is careful not to cause any undue stress.

Once you get your next labs, make sure and get yourself a copy of them. From there, it is relatively easy to figure out what you need to watch in your diet - and what you may be a little short of. I would be more than happy to help you in that - and it is an area a renal dietitian could be very beneficial. Most nearly any diet (Vegan, vegetarian, low carb, Mediterranea, etc.) can be adjusted to be renal friendly - the first step is finding a diet you can stick to. From there, your labs will guide you in what to watch for.

He should have given you some advice on how to address the anemia - which can zap your energy. Most people can treat (and prevent) anemia with a diet that includes enough Iron, B6, Folic Acid, B12, and Vitamin C. Those will help your body in creating red blood cells and hemoglobin, which carry oxygen to your other organs.

Also, remember that the water you drink 45 minutes before your labs doesn't have time to make it into your blood stream. You want to drink plenty of water in the 24 hours before giving your labs up till 45 minutes before. It's fine to drink after that if you are thirsty, it just doesn't help your labs. Some people try to drink a bunch right before getting their labs done, and it's too little too late.

Good luck - feel free to reach out when you get your results with any questions, comments, etc.

James @ Dadvice TV

[vinadhun2 in reply to DadviceTV]

Hello

I have watched most of your TV advices and I find them very interesting.

I would like to have views of friends on following:

I am 72 years male with only issue of elevated creatinine at 1.74. No other issue . absolutely nothing.I wend full hog and based on suggestions of Lee Hull, i controlled intake of sodium protein phosphorous and potassium. I was very strict on my diet.Result is my creatinine is in downward direction, but all my electrolytes, protein and albumin are at lowest point of acceptable range.

Now I am confused. My nephrologist says all is O.K., but I am not convinced. I have informed my RD who is working on this.

But any suggestions on how to approach this problem. My worry is that if I start my usual diet without much restrictions of 3Ps and 1S, then may be my creatinine will go up.

Can my Creatinine will decrease and gfr go up within next few months