Carbon Dioxide Leve

[Mandelin]

I just got my recent labs and it seems I am slightly endemic and my carbon dioxide level has dropped. It was 20 the last time and I didn’t think much about it cause 22 is the low but now it’s 18. I have my neph appt. Tuesday but wanted to see if anyone has had this problem and if so is there anything I can do to improve it? I was thinking exercise maybe. I kinda backed off exercising because I felt I was doing everything right all my life, exercise, eating good pretty much and never being overweight and this kicked in a few years ago. I knew since I was going one kidney was only working about 50% so I always tried to be mostly healthy. Thanks for any advice.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

HI Mandelin,'

Having your CO2 drop is something you and your doctor should figure out why. It is relevant in your acid levels in your blood. There is a connection to lower CO2 and CKD. So it is more than just breathing. Exercise may not change the results.

webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/bic...

[Mandelin in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thanks Bassetmommer. My ph level falls in the middle between 4.0 and 8.0 at 6.0. The only things high is 40 BUN, 2.17 creatinine, protein random 15.5 and then my lows are red blood cell 3.57, Hemoglobin, 11.1, Hematocrit 33.3. So nothing really way off. I plan on talking to my doctor when I talk to him tomorrow. Was just wondering if there was anything that I could be doing or not doing. I’ve had hear checkups several times in life, including when this started, everything was good. This and cardiac problems run on my family. Thanks.

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador in reply to Bassetmommer]

yes CO2 levels can often be indicators of CKD. Definitely bring this up with your specialist. Some can be prescribed sodium bicarbonate tablets. Again, something discussed with your specialist.

Blessings

[Mandelin in reply to KidneyCoach]

Thanks KidneyCoach. I talked to my doctor and he said if it drops to 16 that is when he will prescribe bicarbonate tablets. Thanks again to you and Bassetmommer.