Do I need another opinion?

[Matimus]

I was diagnosed in December with Stage 3 Kidney disease (GFR 39) but my doctor said it was probably not accurate since I had severe diarrhea which turned out to be colitis. I was finally able to see him and get another test and now my eGFR is 58. I had a kidney ultrasound in December whiclh he said was normal and no protein in my urine. When I look up my test result it seems to me I still have Stage 3 disease, but he says that is not the case. I am 77 and I do not have any other health issues like hypertension or diabetes so I should just keep doing what I have been doing. Should I get another opinion. He said a nephrologist would not want to see me.

[Hidden]

Hi,

Well, it's not his health, it's yours. If you want a second opinion find a nephrologist and make an appointment.

Even if he turns out to be correct it would give you some peace of mind. To help use healthgrades.com/find-a-doctor

Best of luck and let us know either way.

[Matimus in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your reply. My personal physician is part of a large medical clinic where there are many specialists. He would have to refer me or else I would have to go to someone 90 miles away which my insurance would probably not cover. I see him again next week to discuss options for hip pain. I will discuss my concerns with him

[Jayhawker in reply to Matimus]

You might ask him what is “normal” renal function for a person your age. We do begin losing renal function due to natural aging beginning at about 40 years of age.

Jayhawker

[Matimus in reply to Jayhawker]

Thank you. He did tell me that my kidney function was good for my age whatever that meant. Since my husband is a heart patient, we eat a low sodium, low fat diet. But when I look at all the diet discussions kidney diseases, I get nervous.

[Hidden in reply to Matimus]

You are entitled to a second opinion. You have a lot of concerns and the right to know where you stand medically. To help you and anyone else with this I've included a copy of the Patient Bill of Rights and Responsibilities. If your doctor refused this take it to the administration at the large medical clinic. Don't take no for an answer.

primary-health.net/document...

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

Agreed! Knowledge is power and soothes the mind and soul.

[vinadhun2]

I am 73 and my creatinine is 1.80 and egfr of 36.

I do not have any other problem. All blood reports are normal no protein in urine. BuN etc are all ok.

My nephrologist asked me not to bother.

Just monitor.

May be my creatinine is high but stable

[lowraind]

I would bother. I am 79, diagnosed in November of 2017. At the time, my egfr was 36.6. After much research and help from the people on this site, I was able to bring my egfr to 54.0.

Yes, the diarrhea and dehydration would have had an effect on your scores. Yes, 58 is still stage 3, but the efgr varies depending on hydration, diet, exercise, etc. You probably would not be able to get a referral to a nephrologist; the popular medical opinion seems to be "there are so many much worse than you are".

Educate yourself regarding hydration, diet, exercise, etc. No reason to panic, but there is reason to learn what you can regarding how to help yourself. You may be 77, but who knows how many years you have ahead of you. You want to be in the best health possible.

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to lowraind]

That is a good analysis lowraind. I have had a Doctor who did not diagnose me as thought it was ok for my age and only looked at the eGFR. Doctor neglected the other blood work, that looking back, showed I had indicators of CKD. When I was diagnosed the new Doctor recognized had other symptoms of CKD than just the eGFR. I am now on CKD diet and blood work shows progression has slowed down.

[Helloyall in reply to lowraind]

58 is borderline for age. The real markwr is the creatinine level

[drmind]

I agree with others to try to get a second opinion. Let the nephologist tell you that you don't have to bother. I wish i would have got involved with one earlier so i could have watch the diet and hydration sooner. Tell your primary that you need the peace of mind. Keep us posted. Best

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

It is your right as a patient to be seen by a nephrologist. You need to tell your doctor when you see him that you want a referral. You need to be your own advocate. This is your health, and have every right to get the answers you need.

Keep us posted

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to WYOAnne]

Agree WYOAnne. It is not just about age.

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador]

I am 79 and was diagnosed at level 3b CKD when I was 75. Some Doctors might think at our ages that this eGFR level is normal. "What is expected". There is other blood work to look at also to determine. As Mister Kidney suggested, maybe a second opinion would help to determine. Is your Doctor going to monitor your eGFR over a period of time? Has the Doctor mentioned anything about your potassium, phosphorus and sodium levels. Maybe inquire about that.

You have come to a good forum for support and information.

[Marvin8]

Here's your second opinion: You're beautiful.

[Hidden]

I’m stage 3. GFR 29/30. Why don’t you just go get your blood work done again. That’s all another doc will do. That is all they can do to see your levels. I made copies of the lab slips and when I want to know if my numbers have changed I go get the blood work done. I usually get the results before the doc does anyway. There’s no need for me to go see the doc. All they do is tell me what the blood work says. If they want meds changed they call me.

[Matimus in reply to Hidden]

I'm not sure I could do that where I live. The Mayo Clinic labs are not independent. I will ask my doctor for another test when I see him next week.

[Helloyall]

Not yet-keep monitoring the blood work again in 4 to 6 months from the last reading plus UA including albumin and protein ratio. Eat real unprocessed food from the perimeter of the supermarket . * Most important : keep an eye on the creatinine level. That was the one my nephrologist was most concerned about watching. Don't exceed 2000 g of sodium a day) most of it comes from processed foods) and drink water. There is nothing to be done by nephrologist at this time.

[Hidden]

Ask for a Cystatin-C test with your next bloodwork. According to my creatinine I have stage 3 CKD but my Cystatin-C egfr is usually around 90 (and as high as 115). Since I have no other indicator of CKD I don't have CKD. My current nephrologist says my Kidney are perfectly normal to excellent for a man of 50 years, creatinine is a horrible biomarker for estimating kidney function.

[Matimus in reply to Hidden]

Thank you! I have never had this test - I will ask about it.