Confused about CKD Stage 3

[MustangSallee]

I am confused about CKD- stage 3 and eGFR African114 mL/min/1.73

>59 mL/min/1.73, This is all new to me! I do not know what any of this means! I have colon cancer and very familiar with the different stages. This is not the same! Can someone please explain it to me in layman's terms?

Thanks!

[Hidden]

Hi and welcome to the community,

It has been determined by scientists that because of a higher muscle mass the GFR is approximately 15% different than non-African-American. Since your GFR is 59 that puts you at Stage 3. Stage 2 would be from 60 to 89.

My suggestion would be to go to davita.com and register for a virtual Kidney-Smart class. You'll get lots of information and resources to help you understand CKD.

You should ask for a referral to meet with a nephrologist to help you deal with your kidney issues. Ask the nephrologist to refer you to a Renal Dietitian. Bring as many of your previous lab results and together you can develop a kidney-friendly meal plan that works for you.

In the meantime, you can understand your lab tests better you can use labtestsonline.org. Go to TESTS and enter the specific test and get an easy to understand definition.

There are many folks here who will be happy to provide help and support.

Best of luck.

[MustangSallee in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Mr. Kidney. I was diagnosed with liddle syndrome. I had no Idea I had CKD until I looked in my chart summary today after meeting with the nephrologist. He put it in the summary notes. I did send him a message asking him to explain his diagnosis. No response yet.

Thanks for the resources!

[Jayhawker in reply to MustangSallee]

Good, the nephrologist needs to explain the diagnosis with you as well as prognosis.

Questions I’d ask in he appointment:

1. Do you know what is causing my CKD?

2. Can my renal function be improved? If so, how?

3. If nit, can my renal function be stabilized? If so, how?

4. If not, how fast do you expect my renal function to deteriorate?

Let us know how your conversation or appointment goes with your nephrologist.

Jayhawker

[MustangSallee in reply to Jayhawker]

Thanks so much Jayhawer! Of course, when things are new and the doctor asked do you have any questions...crickets! Your list is a great start. Getting ready to email him now. Will keep you posted!

Thanks again!

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to MustangSallee]

Here is a link to National Kidney Foundation for explanation of eGFR

kidney.org/atoz/content/gfr

[MustangSallee in reply to Hidden]

Mr. Kidney, I think I confused myself. My GFA was 114. Would that still put me at stage 3? Just looked at labtest site.

Thanks!

[Hidden in reply to MustangSallee]

That would put you outside the range of any stages. No CKD. Monitor your labs for a few more months and if your GFR stays in that neighborhood you should be okay. Just confirm your lab results with the ordering physician as there are other numbers like serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) that could indicate kidney issues.

Best of luck

[Helloyall]

Info about Liddle Syndrome: merckmanuals.com/profession....

[MustangSallee in reply to Helloyall]

Thanks! I read it and it really helped!

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador]

Welcome to the forum. You have received some good responses from members . I was diagnosed at level 3, in 2016. The Doctor put me on a CKD diet, and so far the eGFR shows it has stabilized. Important to look at your eGFR tests for over the years to see if is a trend.

[MustangSallee in reply to orangecity41]

I was confused about reading eGFR. Mr. Kidney explained it and it made sense. Otherwise, I did not have a clue what it meant. I've seen it on teste results in the past and no one has addressed. Still learning how to read and understand it all.

Thanks orangecity41

[Allank]

According to my nephrologist the 24 hour urine sample tests is very reliable and tells us the most. egfr and creatinine less so

[FlowerPreciousLover]

When I was 1st diagnosed with stage 3 CKD a year ago, I found a helpful site at kidneyschool.org. Learning to interpret kidney lab values and adjust my diet with the excellent meal plan from a dietitian has improved my lab scores. Participating in this kidney patient forum so helped calm my initial fears and I've learned so much from other members. Wishing you the best on this journey and hope you'll post your questions and share your experiences.

[MustangSallee in reply to FlowerPreciousLover]

Thanks so much! All of you have been so receptive and eager to help! It really does help calm my spirit!

I'll definitely keep you posted!

Thanks

Mustang Sallee

[Gemcar13]

Mr kidney , you are so on point with your info it’s Great your knowledge on the CKD has help me to read my Labs and rescheduling my diet...Which has help my GFR moved from 52 to 69 .., as you stressed everyone has to do what works for them.. I thank you for ALL your info ..Godbless stay safe..Gemcar13