Blood test prep?

[Gauvian]

Hello all, i know this has already been discussed on here but i can’t find the original post and i can’t remember the responses.

I have to have a blood test before seeing my nephrologist 5 june. Gfr 44 creatine 13.3 mg/l in nov 2019. Just wondering what i should do before the blood test, no exercise? Drink lots of water?

Thanks in advance

[Hidden]

Actually, you are supposed to do the same thing you do each day. Follow your kidney-friendly meal plan, exercise your normal amount, take all of your medications as prescribed. What you aren't supposed to do is cheat on your meal plan, overdo any exercise, miss any dose of your medication.

Some days I will bike an extra mile or two or five. However, on the two-three days before any labs, I don't do the extra miles. Some folks eat a bigger meal on Sunday, before labs on Monday or Tuesday. That is not advised.

Just keep to your normal routine.

[Gauvian in reply to Hidden]

Ok thanks very much Mr Kidney, makes sense!

[DadviceTV]

The best advice is to NOT try and trick the labs. The goal of labs is to see how you are doing based on your current diet, lifestyle, and treatment. Stay the course as you normally do.

James @ Dadvice TV

[Gauvian in reply to DadviceTV]

Thanks James, and thanks very much for your all your videos! Very helpful.

[Sammi_n_Munk]

Hey Gauvian! Yep. Both of those you mentioned and some other things as well.

1. Certainly drink water daily to remain properly hydrated in order to flush your system, and this will also aid in improving your GFR. But remember that your GFR fluctuates.

2. Exercising daily is always a good thing as it keeps your heart rate up. But, heavy weight-lifting and overly strenuous exercise can be bad for creatinine levels as it releases protein into your bloodstream. Just some daily walking for about 30 or 40 minutes, once or twice a day should be good.

3. Keep a low-protein, low-sodium, low-potassium, and low-phosphorus diet. This includes any processed foods, whole grains of any kind, nuts, seeds and legumes, any animal proteins such as red meats, chicken, pork, dairy, fish, etc., chocolate, and dark sodas,. Try sticking to a diet high in fibre by consuming fruits and vegetables that are low in potassium and phosphorus. Try not to drink alcohol or smoke.

4. Really, this one should have been number 1, but nonetheless, stay away from anti-inflammatory drugs of any kind. Try not to resort to otc meds like Advil, Motrin, Aleve or even Aspirin. Try using Tylenol for pain relief if you need it, as Tylenol is more kidney-friendly providing you have no liver issues or allergies to acetaminophen.

Also, do bear in mind that these tips should be applied in your everyday routine. These are not a last-minute fix. This is not a quick rush to clean house before the guests arrive for a visit! Lol! In that case, you have to know that there will always be a dust bunny or two, lurking around your flat, to be seen in the corners of the room! Lol! 😃

I hope this will be helpful to you. And good luck with your labs. Please keep us posted on your results. All my best to you! God bless. 🙏😊👍

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador in reply to Sammi_n_Munk]

Sammi,

Well said and very true. You're terrific!

B...🌹

[Sammi_n_Munk in reply to Bet117]

Oh, thank you so much, Bet! I appreciate that! 😊💕

[Gauvian]

Many thanks Sammi_n_monk, generally my diet is pretty good, i’ve been virtually vegan for many years, don’t smoke since 17 years, my one weakness has been red wine , several glasses a day, but i’m now alcohol free for 8 days (phew!) so the ckd stage 3b came as a shock when diagnosed in nov 2019, although my younger years involved a much more unhealthy lifestyle..High blood pressure si ce 2011 (on ramipril so in check since then).

I’ll let you know the results next week, many thanks again.

[Sammi_n_Munk in reply to Gauvian]

Believe me, I completely understand the love for red wine (or white)! But for the last 3 or 4 years, I’ve tried to remain wine-free (actually totally alcohol-free) since I had become severely sick just moments after taking a sip of red wine during one of our our family Easter celebrations a few years back.

I also try to apply, not a vegan diet plan, but a more vegetarian plan to my daily routine, especially lately, in an effort to lower my creatinine levels. But I’m beginning to notice higher than normal blood glucose readings as a result, so I’m thinking I may need to lean back on that for awhile. This can be a difficult and tricky journey when you’re juggling a few health issues at a time. Oh well. Lol!

Well, I wish you good luck on your labs coming up, Gauvian! Do keep us posted on how you come along! Bye for now! 😊👍🙏