I recently had a telemedicine call from my kidney doc about my recent labs. I asked him to please send me a copy of the labs. I am looking at some of the numbers and have a few questions. (My doc seemed really anxious to get off the phone and get to the next patient, so didn't seem to have time for many questions). On my lab report it says that my creatinine level is 5.3, my BUN is 7, my calculated GFR is 11.56. How does that translate to the "percent" of kidney function, and should he be suggesting I look at transplant as an option at some point? I know dialysis is in my not too distant future, but thought it odd he's never suggested any diet changes, nor suggested we talk about a transplant. I know he's probably up to his ears in other issues at the moment, but should I call and ask for a follow up call with him?
Understanding Test Result numbers - Kidney Disease
Understanding Test Result numbers
labtestsonline.org and look up the specific tests to get your answers. The GFR is a percent so 11.56 is 11.5%. Come up with specific questions and then contact your doctor with questions you still have. Have you already spoken about the modality of dialysis you would prefer? Best of luck.
Your GFR is indicative of a serious kidney problem according to what I learned on the Internet, The BUN is OK. I forget the details of the creatinnine level, but I think it was also indicative of a serious kidney problem. Your doctor should have explained things to you. Best wishes for clarification details from your current doctor or another doctor.
I'd start looking for a new kidney doc.
Ronzone,
With a GFR of 11.5, you really a better and supportive doctor. Yes, he should be connecting you with someone to help you with your diet. But most important, he/she should be explaining what is going on with you body. With a GFR of 11.5, you need better support and information. Please seek it asap. I know it is hard with this virus getting the docs to talk to you. I would look for someone new asap.
Yes, definitely time to find a new nephrologist.
Have you been referred to a transplant center? Have you been evaluated for a transplant? My doctor had sent me to be evaluated way before my GFR was 11.
Hello there RonZone. Yeah, I agree with you that it’s quite odd that your doctor has not yet suggested a proper kidney-friendly diet and exercise plan for you. Has he even spoken with you in regard to what stage of CKD you’re in?
You may want to try out a renal diet just to see if this is something that can be slowed down instead of rushing to a dialysis or transplant option. Your GFR might be able to be improved just by drinking more water daily. You would need to speak to your doctor or nephrologist to get an idea of how much water would be right for you on a daily basis. Visit the DaVita.com website to get a kidney-friendly food and beverage list that you can build a good diet plan from.
Keep away from, or lower your intake of foods high in sodium, potassium and phosphorus. No processed foods, no potatoes, bananas, oranges, tomatoes, dairy, nuts or seeds, chocolate and also, very little coffee.
Don’t take any anti-inflammatory drugs, even over-the-counter varieties such as Advil, Motrin and Aleve. If you need pain relief, try Tylenol, providing you have no allergies to it, or any liver issues. Try not to smoke, or drink any alcohol.
With regard to exercise, a little cardio (walking is best, especially outdoors if you can manage it), is good to get your heart pumping to assist you with any possible fluid retention, and to oxygenate your blood to boost your energy level and ward off any fatigue. Don’t do much weight-lifting, or any at all, as it can raise creatinine levels in your blood also.
Try to stick to these rules:
1. Maintain a diet low in protein (just a little lean chicken, salmon, eggs), eat veggies low in potassium (cucumbers, spring mix lettuce, red bell peppers, etc.), these can be researched online at DaVita.com. Also, you can ask your doctor to refer you to a renal dietician to get more help with this, even over the phone.
2. Drink water daily to help flush your kidneys and your system. This may also improve your GFR levels. Ask your doctor how much water daily you should be drinking. No alcoholic beverages or sodas (diet brands or not).
3. Cardio exercise daily (about 30 minutes once or twice a day), no weight-lifting. You can also ask your doctor how much daily exercise is right for you.
4. No anti-inflammatory drugs. If you are taking any prescribed medications for other health issues you may have, talk to your doctor about performing a medication review, to ensure that anything you’re on, is the best option for you with regard to your kidney function.
I realize that most doctors are crazy busy, especially now, but nonetheless, he should be addressing this with you properly. You deserve as much attention as anyone else with a chronic illness. That is his job. Do you have a nephrologist? If not, your PCP should be referring you to one. This issue needs to be addressed properly.
I hope you find this helpful. I wish you all the best, and I will keep you in my prayers. Please do keep us posted on your progress. God bless. 🙏😊👍
yes you absolutely need a follow up with repeat labs in probably 2 weeks especially if this is a new situation to you. You also need to stress to the doctor that he needs to properly explain this to you and what you should be doing now that your kidneys are in this situation. If he can not for whatever reason then it may be time to seek out a new doctor. Request to see a dietitian as well.
Definitely talk with your nephrologist or his/her nurse practitioner:
1. What stage of CDK am I in right now?
2. What are your short term treatment goals for me?
3. Long term treatment goals?
4. When should I pursue transplant eligibility testing?
5. When will I receive end stage renal failure education? (I need to learn about the full set of renal failure treatment options so I can make informed decisions about my renal failure care...)
6. How do you determine when it is time to start dialysis? Am I at that point now?
Those would be my questions if I was in your shoes.
If your nephrologist doesn’t have time you will need to find another nephrologist. I’d make that decision as soon as possible. I did that for myself last May. What a difference that decision has made in my renal care—by far in a way the best decision I’ve made in recent years!
Let us know how this goes
Jayhawker
You should definitely be talking about being on the transplant list the earlier the better or start looking into friends or family that want to be donors
i have something to say . i have 2 kidney drs so far and both have treated me the same way. i do not want to offend any drs but it appears to me both are just waiting until i need dialysis. i could easily be wrong.
Nope, I do not think you are wrong. There's no money is them supporting folks pre-dialysis. And in my area, there's actually no support in the form of a pre-dialysis dietitian to meet with. I've gotten 90% of my information and support right here on this site over these last 2 and a half years. My eGFR was 7.6 in January, but when I told my doc that I still felt ok, he basically shoved me out the door and I just now got a letter telling me of my next appt in June. So I'll be doing labs next week and then see where I am when I go to that appt. Between Jan and now I've just been "wondering" how I'm doing. I hear others say they get labs done once a month or once every two or three months at this stage, but not here, it's from January to June. I REALLY hope you get a better experience on your path, but my fear is that you will not if you live in a smaller community like I do.
Be your own advocate. Be the squeeky wheel (respectfully of course)
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