What does it all mean anyway ?

[Biscoe]

I am 73 yrs old and have CKD my GFR runs about 59. I have been going to a neurologist for three years and honestly, I don't see any improvement. I have never been told to do this or that.. just drink water and have my labs done. I have a new primary who says I don't have CKD and its age that causes your GFR to run lower. Plus my ferritin is high and has been high and no one can tell me why. so I don't know if I even want to go back to the nephrologist. I will just try to keep drinking water.. has anyone gotten real help or are we just being monitored?

[Hidden]

Hi

GFR does decrease with age. However, there are other numbers you should monitor like serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, BUN.

Your bloodwork should also indicate your status regarding protein, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, and calcium. Keep those numbers within the reference range. The two leading causes of CKD are diabetes and high blood pressure. If you have either be sure to keep them under control.

Avoid medications like ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, and aspirin. Take no supplements without physician approval.

If you want to learn more about CKD I recommend going to davita.com and signup for a virtual Kidney Smart class. Any questions that arise, ask your nephrologist.

Best of luck.

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador]

I am age 79 and was diagnosed with CKD level 3b, when I was 75. I was put on a CKD diet by my GP based on my bloodwork for eGFR, and phosphorus, potassium and sodium levels. There is some decline in kidney function as one ages. Maybe discuss with your Doctor possibility of an appropriate diet to slow progression of CKD. I have learned many medical conditions are associated with aging, but IMO we age differently.

[Jayhawker]

Actually, nephrologist’s often work to stabilize renal function. Perhaps a frank conversation with both your primary care physician and nephrologist to learn what the goal is for your treatment right now as well as for the future.

For quite some time my nephrologist also saw me a few times a year to monitor my renal function. Initially he tried to improve my function. When he wasn’t able to accomplish that he then focused on stabilizing my renal function. He was able to accomplish that for several years. He and my PCP definitely let me know what “our goal” was for my treatment plan throughout for which I was most thankful.

Jayhawker

[vinadhun2]

Your case resembles mine.

I am 73 year old male.I have been doing gymming since last twenty five years and have good health. So I had never tested blood. For first time did blood work in Dec19, when I found my creatinine level to be 1.85. No other health issue . No diabetes, no thyroid issue,no protein in urine, no cholesterol problem , all electrolytes in normal range, BUN is O.K.Only creatinine is little elevated. Today it is 1.74.My nephrologist also feels that may be due to old age, it is at high level. So just keep on monitoring

[Allank]

As others have mentioned you need to look at the other tests besides creatinine. A good indicator is the 24 hour urine sample. Of course a healthy life style - good diet = low sugar , more plant based is good for everyone - good luck

[Lulabelle70]

You need to see a nephrologist about kidney problems, a neurologist is a nerve/ brain doctor!