Gfr fluctuates

[Olivia007]

My husbands gfr, bun, creatine has been all over the place high and low for the last 2 years but this past blood test showed everything normal levels? Is he healed is he cured? He hasn’t changed anything in his diet is this going to last? He still had low red blood cells but the kidney stuff looked wonderful. So I’m scared to be happy! Until the next blood test? Any thoughts on how everything looks super when 3 months ago he was a 33 and this month 60 in his gfr and all other levels normal

Thank you,

Olivia

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

HI Olivia,

GFR can fluctuate. There are many reasons why he may see an improvement, but we would not be able to tell you why. And we certainly cannot predict the future. Did the doctor see any reason for the change.... for example, an infection or a stone.

If he is on a renal or kidney friendly diet, he should stick with it.

Celebrate the win for now.

[Olivia007 in reply to Bassetmommer]

No doctor said nothing

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador in reply to Olivia007]

Olivia,

Welcome! Your news is fantastic!

When wondering, take a look at all of your husband's labs both past and present and note fluctuations; look at the whole picture.

I would then give the doctor a call or message him/ her via your patient portal and ask what their thoughts are about the improved labs, gains and what can be done to maintain the progress as well as improve areas needed; be it diet and exercise, water etc.

Ask rather than speculate.

Most importantly to go forward positively!

Reach out and let us know what the verdict is!

We are all here to support!

B..

[steve680]

I would ask your doctor. Those kind of GFR improvements in a short period of time aren't typical of someone with CKD, especially if he hasn't made diet or lifestyle changes that would explain the GFR improvements.

What was the original, underlying cause of your husband's CKD? Diabetes? High blood pressure? Have those things improved? Has there been any recent changes to his medications? Sometimes removing a medication can help GFR.

We can't make diagnoses on this forum; think of it as more of a "support group" where people can share their experiences and offer support. There are no medical doctors who read this group.

[Olivia007 in reply to steve680]

Hello I understand no diagnosis can be made I just was wondering how normal is this? No changes in his diet no meds changed he has diabetes and blood pressure which are both still high he eats out all the time. So I’m confused as to why it all looks normal for 2 years the gfr would fluctuate between 46-33 now it’s 60 his BUN and Creatine normal too befor they were too high or too low? So I’m wondering before I get excited if he should retest him? Or maybe he is getting better? How I don’t know? Thank u for ur input.

[Sammi_n_Munk in reply to Olivia007]

Hello Olivia. I completely understand your fear of getting too excited. Sometimes it’s as though we’re afraid that the universe might sense our elated energy and alter the balance of things! Lol!

This suggestion may be pretty insane but, is it at all possible that his previous results may have been misread, or just an error completely? Or, has he changed anything at all in his diet or exercise routine that may have impacted the results in this positive manner? Has he been eating less protein than before (this would also include any protein powders or bars)? I ask these questions because overdoing protein can affect the kidneys also. Has he cut out or cut back on any strenuous exercise, like weight-lifting, or vigorous workouts? Sometimes these types of exercise can raise blood creatinine levels.

Another suggestion is, had he been taking any other types of medication before, that were non-prescription, such as Advil, Motrin or Aleve; or any prescribed drugs that contained steroids or antibiotics that he has recently stopped? These can also hurt the kidneys.

It does seem somewhat mysterious, but I agree with the others. Try to consult with his medical team on this. They may be able to provide better answers that can then help steer him in the right direction. If he can better understand how he managed to improve his results, he’ll be able to continue on that path. I’m happy for the both of you! It’s always inspiring to hear such good news! Kudos!

All my best to you both! Please keep us posted on his progress! God bless. 😊👍👍🙏