Should I be concerned

[bradyisolderthaneli2]

Hi all. I’m new here. My creatinine is 1.21 and my GFR is 45. My nephrologist is not concerned. Should I be?

[Hidden]

Why should your doctor be concerned, it's not their health.

Do you know what they call the person who graduates last in their class at med school?

Doctor.

Have you had other labs drawn over the last few months? Your creatinine number is okay but your GFR is too low.

GFR does go down as we age for most folks. The average of your GFR over time is the number you need to look at. One draw is but a snapshot for that period of time. Ask for another draw. Until you know for sure where you are, here are some early steps you can take.

Stay hydrated, no alcohol, no smoking, no red meat or processed foods, no NSAIDs like Advil, Aleve, Ibuprofen or aspirin. If you need to take an over the counter pain med, use Tylenol sparingly. Taking it too frequently can cause liver damage. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two leading causes of CKD. If you have either one or both, you'll need to get them under control.

If your doctor refuses to order another series of labs or continues to tell you to. not be concerned, fire him/her and find a doctor who will put your needs first.

If previous or future tests confirm you have CKD there is a lot more action you'll need to take to slow the progression.

Best of luck.

[kungfudude]

In addition to everything Mr Kidney said, if you're not doing it already, start tracking how much sodium you're taking in daily. Start reading labels to educate yourself on sodium content of the food you're eating. I was amazed at how much salt in everything.

[CKD2019]

Hi! Welcome to this amazing forum! I am relatively new in this CKD journey as well. I was diagnosed last fall when my PCP referred me to a Nephrologist for further diagnosis, as my ultrasound came back indicating a "suspicious looking cyst" on one of my kidneys and a decrease in the size of my kidneys (indicating unhealthy kidneys). Thankfully all recent tests have now come back normal as far as the cyst. My most recent lab work indicated a GFR of 48 (down by 3 since labs in 2013) and my CREATININE was 1.17 (down by .07 since 2013) which was determined to be Stage 3A (MODERATE). My research has shown a GFR of 45 like yours would place you at the bottom of Stage 3A (range = 45-49). I have floundered (and still do to be truthful) in understanding what comprises a "kidney friendly diet" as I was told that if I eat along that line, I could go many years with little to no further decrease in my kidney function. I primarily have settled on eating vegetables and fruit as my primary food source - no red meat or pork - limited portions of chicken, turkey or fish on occasion - no processed foods - daily steel cut oats, walnuts and blueberries for breakfast, and steer away from processed foods. James, on DadVice on You-Tube has been an inspiration to me. He has helped me realize that a CKD diagnosis does not mean it has to be down hill once received ... There is hope to improve your kidney health. His testimony of bringing his GFR up from "8" to Stage 3B (I believe the number is 33?) through diet and exercise (no prescription meds) has inspired me! He does a You-Tube video with a board certified Renal dietician every Tuesday evening. I challenge you to check him out and look at some of his past videos as well. They will answer a lot of your questions and concerns. Even though he is not a doctor, he researches a lot and does all he can to inspire and encourage all CKD patients in their journey.Keep thinking positive but take an active approach to your health!

God bless

[Kbress]

Find another nephrologist.