When on Dialysis will your Creatine continue to go up ?

[Cyndimae]

When I started Dialysis a year ago my Creatine was 4.4 and months later it was 2.4 and recently it is 5.66 is this Normal or should I be concerned ?

[Sammi_n_Munk]

Hi Cyndimae. I must admit, I don’t know a whole lot about dialysis, but I would suggest you speak to your nephrologist about why that might be happening. Is it possible that your post-dialysis levels were somehow misread? It is my understanding that dialysis is supposed to lower creatinine levels.

Also, I believe that even with dialysis, a patient may still require to lower their protein intake and keep away from protein supplements (especially any that contain creatine). Is it at all possible that any medication you’re taking or foods you’ve been consuming may be the cause? Or have you been engaging in any strenuous exercise? I know that all of these can raise creatinine levels also.

As I say, I’m certainly not an expert on dialysis. I would advise you to speak to any member of your medical care team, dear. They could certainly explain this better to you, and hopefully, find a way to rectify the situation. Please keep me posted on how it comes along. I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers, dear. All my best to you. God bless. 🙏😊👍

[Cyndimae in reply to Sammi_n_Munk]

Thank you for your reply the Kidney team is going to discus maybe I need a longer treatment or 4 days instead of 3. Just a little scary.

Cyndi

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador in reply to Sammi_n_Munk]

Hi Cyndimae, I'm sorry I'm just now responding.

The short answer is YES. Creatinine (not creatine - which differs) can fluctuate but generally will go up and stay high. Most on dialysis have creatinine levels between 6-10.

Sammie_n_Mark spoke about keeping protein intake low and not using protein supplements. Dialysis process itself removes protein from the body so it is vital to increase protein. Everyone differs so it's best to consult with your team specifically your dietitian and doctor. Some patient need protein supplements.

A side effect for many on dialysis is low appetite thus low protein levels. Your albumin (blood test) indicate nutrition levels. If it is low you could be more susceptible to infection, muscle loss, weakness. The goal for those on dialysis is albumin level at 4.0 and above. My creatinine was 10.3 last month with albumin at. 3.4 so I'm trying to eat more eggs and chicken and protein bars. I also do home dialysis so typically get more treatment than an in center patients and more protein loss.

A large % of dialysis people need protein supplements. Now some may still have high residual function which will require specific and highly individualized dietary guidelines. But as I said once kidneys have failed (stage 5) any dialysis process removes protein so increasing protein intake is generally vital. Low appetite from Kidney failure itself yoyos with crazy hunger during or right after treatments. I call it "junky munchies" as I have 2 giant needles in my arm lol. This is problematic for in center people as most U.S. clinics restrict drinking and eating at clinic. Sidenote in some European countries patients are served full meals during treatments.

Those on dialysis present as complex medical patients. Many have other health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems and more. Kidney failure can also impact the skin, digestive tract, cardiovascular problems, fluid overload, brain issues, bone issues, parathyroid and more. It's a maze that can change with each person.

I hope this helps. Blessings

[Sammi_n_Munk in reply to KidneyCoach]

Hello KidneyCoach. I hope all is well with you!

Wow. I thank you for sharing that with us. I didn’t know that those on dialysis were meant to increase their protein intake. As I mentioned above, I don’t know much about dialysis, but I was always under the impression that even with the assistance of dialysis, a kidney patient is still required to maintain a low protein diet.

I am definitely going to be doing some more online research. I do know though that, yes, low albumin can cause many issues, one of which is fluid retention. So, that is certainly a level to keep track of also. But, I was not aware that it caused low appetite. It does make sense though, as I’ve heard repeatedly on this forum that going through dialysis can be quite rough at times.

Once again, I appreciate the information. Thank you again, KidneyCoach! Stay well, and God bless. 😊👍

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador in reply to Sammi_n_Munk]

Kidney failure can cause low appetite, not necessarily low albumin although possible.

[Cyndimae]

Thank you for your reply. I just need to remember that God has a plan for me. All will be ok. And a Transplant will come soon

Cyndi