Best way to lower creatinine numbers?

[Cap_dragon]

Im at a loss here. It just keeps getting higher. Trying to raise GFR too, but it just keeps going down. I have been stressed out horribly in 2019, and understand that the best way is to minimize stress and stay calm. Any other strategies?

[Jayhawker]

Now that I’m in renal failure (Stage V) but still not on dialysis, I truly wish I had been able to deal with my CKD without all the stress and anxiety I experienced as my renal function deteriorated. I finally realize that there really was nothing I could have done to change the outcomes.

I did exactly what my medical team told me to do. Nevertheless, my renal function deteriorated. It would suddenly plummet. There would be a very modest improvement. Then it would stabilize at a much lower level of function. It would remain stable for a few years. Then there would be another sudden plummet in function. My nephrologist initially thought I wasn’t in a lot of trouble; that I’d never reach renal failure thereby never need dialysis. Clearly he was wrong about that.

I have converted to a vegetarian diet over the past 6 months. That has led to a very modest improvement in my renal function. I also adhere to a very low sodium diet (ie, 1200 mg daily). Both seem to be helping me to maintain my current level of renal function; although, I have no idea how long this will last. If your CKD results from diabetes or high blood pressure, you will need to get one or both under complete control.

But for me, unfortunately, doing exactly what I was told had minimal positive effect on the progression of my CKD. That is certainly not the case for everyone who participates in this forum. However, your description is so similar to my experience—well, I just wanted to share a little about my experience with you.

My one regret is that I spent so much time worrying and stressing out about my renal panel data. Today I focus on how I’m feeling and functioning. I have decided which form of dialysis I’ll use when it’s time to start. And I’ve recently been approved for a kidney transplant. So I’m doing my best to stay healthy enough to get through the transplant surgery when a deceased donor kidney comes in 2 to 2 1/2 years. Life does continue. My medical team have kept me up and running. I’m still working full time. I’ve adjusted. Life has certainly changed; but life is still okey.

I’m hoping you do not experience what I’ve experienced with your renal panel data. Right now the most important thing for you to do is work with your medical team. And let them do the worrying for you. Your job is to get to all appointments and labs. Do what they tell you to do. And then get on with your life; be sure to do at least one thing you thoroughly enjoy every day

Jayhawker

[lowraind in reply to Jayhawker]

" I also adhere to a very low sodium diet (ie, 12000 mg daily). " I do hope that is a typo.

[Jayhawker in reply to lowraind]

Yes, it was a typo. Thanks for pointing it out; I’ve edited the post to fix it.

Jayhawker

[lowraind in reply to Jayhawker]

I would not want someone new to the site to read it and think it was true.

[Jayhawker in reply to lowraind]

Exactly

[HealthBuddyMelissa]

What stage are you. Sorry my question mark key won't work lol. Or comma apparently. Managing stress is obviously very important but for Creatinine levels which is a byproduct of waste made by muscle breakdown including protein you eat controlling your protein intake would be important as well. You must be careful not to eat too little protein though too due to causing of muscle wasting. Can you see a renal dietitian

[Capdragon88 in reply to HealthBuddyMelissa]

Im at GFR 8, so kidney failure. I don’t just want to waste away so trying to find a balance with eating super healthy, not isolating, but also not falling for food that my kidney will have a tough time to process, and strengthening my body enough without overtaxing it. The balance is difficult, trying to stay calm is difficult and feeling misunderstood by a lot of people as Im trying to maintain my numbers. Im unemployed at the moment so that has been another stressor. I think Im eligible for disability technically, but I just turned 31 and most people my age are into their careers. Some days I feel great and other days no so great. Trying to encourage myself to go on a leisurely bike ride and accept that is the most I can do today.

[HealthBuddyMelissa in reply to Capdragon88]

If you still have enough energy to work and go for a bike ride with a GFR of 8 then that is great. Just don't over do the exercise it can increase your creatinine and your blood pressure. Did they give you a diet to follow. Low sodium I do 2G or 2000 mg. I eat about 65 grams of protein per day sometimes a little less. I aim for good quality protein such as eggs and chicken. I try to get most of my protein from plants such as peanut butter other nuts like Pistachios. I am sensitive to soy so I avoid soy products. Beans are another great source of protein but they are high in potassium so stick to quarter cup serving. Also avoid medications that are filtered in the kidneys including over the counter meds. It is helpful if you know what caused the damage to your kidney and then avoid those things. Like for me I have scarring not sure why but I avoid high fat and high cholesterol foods and hope the vessels will get no new damage and maybe will repair themselves. Stay hydrated but at your stage you may be on fluid restriction. Sorry my question mark key and comma key are currently malfunctioning.

[Kbressler NKF Peer Mentor NKF Ambassador]

If you have been given a diagnosis of CKD from a Nephrologist and they have told you what kidney disease process you have you are going to have to accept some foregone conclusions. The vast number of kidney diseases are progressive and lead to Renal failure. Yes you can do several things to slow the progression like keeping your blood pressure under control and eating correctly. What works for one person doesn’t always pan out for others. My personal feeling is that you must come to acceptance of the fact that your possibilities come down to three options all of which are YOUR choice. Prepare for transplant, Dialysis or succumb to the disease process. I made the choice for preemptive Transplant 32 years ago under the direction of a very knowledgeable Nephrologist. I have never looked back. The best time for transplant is when your healthy extending out to the final stages takes a resounding negative effect on your body and mind. I work closely with patients who have chosen preemptive transplant and it has been successful. If you choose dialysis that is your chose alone. Stay as healthy as you can please but bear in mind kidney disease is lethal it’s progression is insidious so make your decision early. Most of all know your disease, learn all you can about it, but most of all accept it. I am sure you will make the right decision with proper medical advice. Best wishes and k ow that I will be praying for you.

[Cazzy41 in reply to Kbressler]

Unfortunately in the UK not many people tend to get the offer of preemptive transplant. I wasn’t offered testing for transplant compatibility until I had been on dialysis for over 1 year. You can be lucky I suppose but it’s quite few and far between cases that are

[vinadhun2 in reply to Kbressler]

From your message it sounds as if it is almost impossible to arrest progression of disease.

If you are at stage 3b, can you arrest progression by renal diet or it can be done only for small period of time and ultimately kidneys are going to fail?

[Kbressler NKF Peer Mentor NKF Ambassador]

Tragic.

[jesselizzard]

Hi - my doctor advised me to go on a plant based diet. My GFR was 24 and creatinine was 2.0. I was worried about renal failure and dialysis. I decided to try going vegetarian/vegan and cut out animal protein, eggs and most dairy. I occasionally eat a little cheese on pasta. After 1 1/2 months, I went for labs and was pleasantly surprised to find my GFR went up from 24 to 28 and Creatinine went down from 2.0 to 1.8. I would definitely recommend eliminating all animal protein & dairy from your diet including sugar. I also don’t drink alcohol and drink one cup of decaf coffee most days along with green tea. I use stevia to sweeten if needed. Good luck!

[Nawnie in reply to jesselizzard]

Do you mind telling me what you eat in a days time...

[jesselizzard in reply to Nawnie]

Hi - I skip breakfast, but every morning when I wake up, I drink warm water with fresh squeezed lemon juice, then I wait 16 hours from dinner to eat my next meal which would be lunch somewhere between 10:30 am - 12:30 pm, depending on when I finished dinner. I will eat a salad for lunch or leftovers from the night before.

Last night for dinner, I made a stir fry with squash zoodles, kale, torn basil, mushrooms, tofu, sun dried tomatoes, black olives, olive oil and a sprinkling of pecorino romano cheese. I will eat the leftovers today for lunch. In between lunch and dinner, I sometimes eat fresh fruit or berries. Mostly, I drink filtered water all day long, no soda, no alcoholic drinks, no caffeine and no sugar. Also, I don’t eat egg yolks and use almond or coconut milk in tea and decaf coffee. I stay away from junk food, cakes/candy. I occasionally cheat a little if I am tempted, but not very often. I hope this helps.

FYI - if I go to someone’s home for dinner, I don’t eat red meat, pork or chicken, but will eat a little piece of fish which isn’t very often. Look up vegetarian recipes. I am not a cook, but I have enjoyed finding interesting recipes to keep me satisfied. Even my husband, who is a chef, is eating my food and liking it. Good luck.

[vinadhun2 in reply to jesselizzard]

do you have any other issues like diabetes or blood pressure?

Any anemia?

why do you avoid sugar

[jesselizzard in reply to vinadhun2]

I have polycystic kidney disease, it is inherited. I avoid processed sugar because it isn’t good for anyone’s diet.