I have CKD myself so I am more or less familiar with eGFR, creatinine levels and so on, but my brother, who had a heart attack a few months ago, said his kidneys were already starting to go bad. During his stay in the hospital they apparently got very bad, but are starting to recover.
He said his kidneys were "at 3, down from 6" and that "1" was normal. I have no idea what those numbers mean or what they were measuring. I didn't talk to him myself and can't for awhile or maybe I could figure it out.
Does anyone know what they could be?
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Peavey
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I am so sorry to hear about your brother's heart attack. Hopefully, as we speak he is recuperating well. It takes time.
As far as the numbers that you mentioned; very hard to say as you just gave random numbers.
At this point, my thoughts are for your brother to get a copy of all of his labs, check off any results which flag out of range and make an appointment with a nephrologist; if one is already in place, even better.
We can offer you support and share thoughts here but the best and first line of communication for answers must be from your doctor.
I can't stress strongly enough to you, especially after a heart attack, how important it is that your brother put together a Health Care Team; PCP, Cardiologist, Nephrologist etc. who will listen well, explain health matters to him in basic language, involve him in putting together a health care plan and consult / communicate with the other members of his team as to make sure that everyone is on the same page.
If you or another family member are available, I would accompany him to the doctor's office with a notebook, questions and scribe for him during the appointment. Honestly, a second set of ears are invaluable, your brother can better concentrate on the information discussed.
My husband is my second set of ears.
As you know, CKD is not curable, but with diet, exercise and medication the goal for both of you is to prevent progression.
Please encourage your brother to see his doctor and get back to us with the outcome. We care.
Stay positive and safe during these uncertain times. Things will all work out!
Wow Bet! You never cease to amaze me with your sound advice! I know I probably sound like a broken record (there are only a few of us left who remember records, huh? I suppose the saying will soon change to “broken CD”! Lol! 😀🤗) But once again, awesome!! 😊👍👍💕✌️🌹
Thank you so much for your kind words, Bet! The halo might be stretching it a bit! 😂 Lol! That’s not to say that I’m not angelic, or anything! But maybe just not exactly all the time! But I’ll take it! Lol! 😂
You’re right! We do all make an awesome team in this community, don’t we? We’re always here for one another. I feel like we are a very warm, wise, and pretty tight crew here! And your advice is always very heartfelt, practical and sound. I love reading your posts!
Thank you. I don't have much weight in the matter at the moment, but I can give advice from afar. I will mention that he needs a full team on his side. I was hoping someone would have a clue as to what those numbers meant.
Hello Peavey. I hope your brother’s recovery is coming along well. Could he have meant that the doctors were referring to the stages of CKD? The only part that I’m stumbling on with that possibility, is that there is no stage 6, to my knowledge, anyway.
I tried looking up those numbers online but didn’t get very far. I’m sorry I couldn’t be more helpful. I will try my search again, and if I find anything of any value to you, I will try to copy the link here for you.
All of my best wishes and my prayers to you and your brother dear. God bless. 🙏🙏✌️🍀
I can well imagine the frustration that you must be feeling. I am glad that you took the time to reach out as you are not alone.
Again, random numbers
with no name of tests are just numbers. Test results go up and down.
The doctor must be the first line of information.
Support your brother; Yes!
At this point, you have knowledge; a tool box of suggestions to share with your brother which is the best that you can do at this point when you lack the weight to help.
When you speak to him, casually let him know that you have done some homework and discuss your knowledge that all of us have suggested to do, with him.
Once he sees the doctor and finds out what he is looking at, asks questions, and they decide on a medical treatment plan, it will be much better as you won't be "punching in the dark" nor will he.
You will both feel better and bring a discussion to the table here.
Knowledge is power and you care; that's a start.
Please let us know how your brother is what the doctors have said.
One of us will always reach back. Things will all fall into place. I promise.
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Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
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