How much does eGFR fluctuate?

[db79]

Hello everyone, I had a kidney test back in 2017 which showed my egfr at 61 and my family doctor requested I have another one done in four months to check again. My next test showed my egfr at 84 and I didnt really do anything different during that time. Also all my other tests are good, no protein in urine, good bun, good potassium ..etc. Then in the following years I had about 8 more tests done which showed a high of 77 and low of 62 averaging about 70. Im a 41 year old guy.

I was refered to a nephrologist but I am being seen by a NP instead of an MD and she is stumped. I have good blood pressure, no diabetes, not taking any medication, eating home cooked meals, no salt, etc. I had an MRI done and it shows my kidneys to be normal with one small simple cyst. She doesnt know what causes my egfr to be so low. I dont know what to do, should I change doctors and find someone more experienced?

Why did my egfr fluctuate so much that first time and hasnt gone back to those two extremes since? It went from 61 to 84 in four months and it has stayed in between those two numbers, never under or over in three years.

[DaveThebe]

A creatinine based gfr looks at the amount of serum creatinine to determine how well your kidneys function. Things like dehydration, too much working out at the gym, diet can elevate your creatinine levels. Are you muscled? Too much muscles also can mean too much creatinine. There are things you can do to lower your creatinine I suggest you google those. I’m also in the same position as you and same age. You can read my previous posts I think there’s not too much to worry about just concentrate on eating well and hydrate yourself.

[db79 in reply to DaveThebe]

Thank you for the reply. I looked at your posts and I seem to be in a similar situation. I used to go to the gym and I drink beer but I wouldnt call myself muscular but Im not skinny either. Im happy to hear your gfr went back to >90.

[Hidden]

Hi, your GFR does fluctuate from test to test. Regarding your NP, you always retain the right to have a second opinion. As to the foods you are eating, look at all of the test results for sodium, potassium, phosphorus, protein, and calcium. While diabetes and high blood pressure are the two leading causes of CKD, there are still other issues that can lead to CKD. One thing to consider, if you know the name of the lab that does the testing for your doctor, if you seek a second opinion, be certain that the lab they use for testing is a different one. I recently changed my PCP due to outrageous numbers on a lab test because when I asked about the numbers, she couldn't explain the results and didn't want to redo the tests. I had another doctor, who uses a different lab to run the tests two days later and all of the numbers were in line. I fired the PCP and found another one who used a different lab and agreed to abide by my wishes.

I've included an article about CKD that you might want to read and see if anything there gives you some concern. Best of luck to you.

healthline.com/health/chron...

[db79 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your reply and for the link. I will probably ask to be seen by a MD instead of the NP since she seemed really inexperienced.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Hi Db,

GfR can and will fluctuate. Things like time of day, how hydrated you are, what you ate or did in the days before the lab and where you have it drawn and processed all can have an impact on the results. Try to do your labs at the same place and time and day to see if that makes a difference. Also make sure you are well hydrated and that does not mean drinking a ton of water just before the draw.

The first time way back I was referred to a nephrologist, I saw her intern. He was terrible and I was totally upset and never went back. That was when I was still 3a. BIG mistake. If you cannot see the Doctor, find someone else. The issue is that many nephrologists won't deal with patients in stage 2 or 3.

But you can get educated yourself. Figure out what you are eating and drinking and see if any of those things are an issue. Redo the labs with what I have suggested and see how much variance you get.

[db79 in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thank you for replying and for your advice. I will try to do my tests at the same time of the day. I work night shift and I think that throws my system out of whack.

[Dangermom13]

Stage 2 is some level you can stay within if you follow the recommendations of a renal dietitian and nephrologist. Creatinine is VERY important indicator.

[db79 in reply to Dangermom13]

Thank you for your reply. I will request a dietician next time I see a doctor.

[Goodness11]

İf you have no protein in urine,we can talk about kidney dieassese.