Well here we go .

[c0wboy61]

A few weeks ago I started my CKD journey. Ringing in my ears brought me to my primary doc and while there he ordered a blood test . Well my GFR result was a 39 . He took me off my current blood pressure med (losartan) and started another. Well 8 days later my BP sky rocketed and I had to go to the ER where another blood test was done . This time it was a GFR of 40 . Now my BP is under control with right meds and I wait for my call from the Kidney doc for my initial visit . The thing that I dont understand was a year earlier my urologist did a blood test and my GFR was 49 and he never told me. I did have BPH that he fixed with surgery in 2018 so I dont know if he expected to see that number and saw no need to say anything . I have had a ultrasound and it shows diffuse bilateral renal thinning . Still in the twilight zone at this point so the worrying and changes are taking a toll on my mental health (top it off im going through a divorce ) Has anyone else had anything like the ringing in ears ? It wont go away.

[Hidden]

Hi and welcome to the community.

Since you are at the beginning of your journey let me suggest that you go to davita.com Sign up for a virtual Kidney Smart class and get the basics and resource information. Any questions you come up with after viewing the class you can ask your nephrologist. Also, at that meeting ask for a referral to meet with a Renal Dietitian. When you contact the RD for an appointment bring with you as many hard copies of your last years worth of lab results. The best way to slow the progression of CKD is to get started on a kidney-friendly meal plan and develop a physician approved exercise regimen that you can do.

The two leading causes of CKD are diabetes and high blood pressure. I happen to have both but it has been determined that my CKD was caused by diabetes.

Regarding your GFR numbers. Each number, at each draw is only a snapshot of the time it was taken. For you to get a solid indication of where you are track your numbers and over time determine your average. That will tell you where you are.

Even with insurance, medications can be expensive. I'd also recommend you use drugs.com to check on each med you are prescribed. You can also get an app for your phone and can check it before the physician writes out the script. Look for any reactions to other meds you are taking, side effects and food interactions. Sometimes it can be as simple as a change of dosage or take it at a different time than the other medication.

I'd also suggest you use labtestsonline.org to check out and lab results you need to better understand. Once you open the site click on TESTS and enter the name of each test for a simple, easy to understand definition. Again, any questions you have about the test and or results you'll be able to ask your ordering physician.

You'll find a lot of support here in the community and come back as often as you need to ask questions.

Take Care.

[c0wboy61 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the great info

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador]

Welcome to the forum. You will get support and information. I too had BPH surgery (about 20 years ago). The BPH may have contributed to CKD. I was diagnosed at CKD 3b, 4 years ago. My GP put me on a CKD diet which was based on also other blood work results (sodium, potassium and phosphorus) . I also keep an average of the eGFR results.

[BarronS]

You have something called "tinnitus". I would set up an appointment with an audiologist too. Could be an issue with the inner ear. Is it in one ear or both ears?

[c0wboy61 in reply to BarronS]

Both ears, I have seen some correlation to CKD but its vague .

[GeeMoney]

I have the ringing in the ears. It's only in my right ear and I only really notice it in the morning when I wake up and at night when I sit down to watch some tv. I have stage 3 CKD. I've had the ringing for about 2/3 months now. I thought it might be because if my low BP. I'm now completely off of my BP meds and it's still there so I guess not. I'm also unsure what to do about it at this point. Good luck.

[metalminded]

I have ringing in my ears too. I have it in both ears but the left ear is a little worse.

I have been dealing with CKD/ESRD for a little over 15 years. I had a transplant 7 years ago

I still have the ringing.

My hearing is not terrible, I’ve been tested several times.

I attribute mine more to loud concerts when I was younger 🎶

Never knew about any relationship to kidney failure.

[Sammi_n_Munk in reply to metalminded]

Neither did I! I’m so glad I read these posts! I’ve had this ringing on and off for about as long as I’ve known about my CKD (11 years now), but I truly had no idea that it was linked to that. I always complained about my ears (usually just my right one), but my doctors never indicated to me at all, that CKD might be the cause. Interesting! 🙄

[Darlenia]

I'm a caregiver to my husband (now on dialysis) who has no tinnitus at all. As for me, I have an entire concert going on in one ear, and a high pitched tone in the other. Go figure. No one knows why some get it and not others - probably has multiple causes. Suspect mine might be related to simple aging along with allergies-fluid in ears over time impacting delicate structures. If it interferes with sleep, people often place small white noise devices in their bedrooms or use white noise phone apps to override the tones.

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to Darlenia]

I too have ringing in ears and have had it for years. At CKD level 3. Do use white noise machine in bedroom. Thanks for info on the phone apps. Interesting that it might be from CKD, Could also be other reasons or combinations of conditions.

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador]

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