Puzzled

[nfld]

Had a call from my Dr. yesterday and my latest GFR number is 40...how bad is that?

[Hidden]

I'm not sure where to go with the limited information you provided. When you were here about a month ago several of us provided you with information on CKD. Have you viewed the learning modules at kidneyschool.org? You didn't previously mention your GFR and today you say it's 40. What were your previous GFR numbers? I ask because it takes more than one lab test to determine if you have CKD. It also takes more than GFR numbers to make that diagnosis. It's always best to add the GFR results together along with other numbers and obtain an average. For example, if your previous GFR was 60 and your most recent one was 40 then your average would be 50. If other numbers for serum creatinine, ACR (albumin-creatinine ratio), BUN (blood urea nitrogen), and others are in the high or low areas of the reference range you may be in Stage 3. I've included a link to an article from the American Kidney Fund that will provide you with more information.kidneyfund.org/kidney-disea...

What else did your physician say when he informed you that your GFR was 40? Did he ask you to come in soon and discuss with him ways to slow the progression of CKD? While there is no cure, there are ways to slow the progression, like a kidney-friendly meal plan and an exercise regimen that will keep you active and healthy. Do you know if you have any underlying conditions like diabetes and hypertension?

To look at a kidney-friendly meal plan, you'll need to know what your numbers are, and have been for protein, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, and calcium.

Before you worry too much, be sure to get in touch with the physician if you haven't scheduled a new appointment and make one and in the meantime review the learning modules at Kidney School and develop more questions to ask at that appointment.

Best of luck.

[nfld in reply to Hidden]

I have checked out that site and it gave me a lot of information . Thank you. I have not had a family dr. in over a year now. He left and there was no one to cover. Sence then I have been trying to find a dr. but it seems that no one is taking anyone new. Before this dr. left he told me that my kidneys were failing and then the number was at 70. now I have a clinic I can go to to see a dr. who has done the tests , ultrasound and blood work. The number is now 40. I am a diabetic, have high blood pressure, high col, heart problems and few others. The dr. is trying to get me into see the kidney dr.now and that is very hard as well. May have to wait a long time to get in. Only a couple of those drs here.

I thank you for taking the time to answer some of the questions I may have.

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador]

Here is a link to explanation of the stages/levels of Chronic Kidney Disease, from American Kidney Fund. It is best to do an average of your eGFR. kidneyfund.org/kidney-disea... .

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Hi Nfld,So 40 is a stage that when you become aware, you can do a lot of things to prevent it from going lower. The first thing is to discover the cause of the decline. You said you had diabetes and high BP. The best thing to do is to keep your numbers low. BP required meds so make sure the meds you are on are kidney safe. This is something to inquire with the doctor or/and you can Google the specific drugs to find out. Also, you pharmacist will be able to help you there. See if you can get a referral to a renal dietician. Changing up your diet is crucial to keeping your numbers good. Then take the time to get educated. There is a lot of information here on this forum as well as the National Kidney Foundations website and Davita.com. Ask questions but do some work yourself too. We are here for you.

[nfld in reply to Bassetmommer]

Hello , yes I am on meds for BD, have been for years now. My BP is good. I have been a diabetic now for over 35 years .That seems to be the reason for the kidneys failing.

[Meettheparents]

Dear nfld,

I am a registered nurse with a 30 year history of hypertension and in February of 2020 my GFR dropped to 28. BUN was 26. This scared me and I began doing my own research. Prior to this, I ate a low-carb diet for years in an effort to control my pre-diabetes. I learned that my diet, which was heavy on meat and eggs, was contributing to my kidney dysfunction. I found Dr. Neal Barnard, among other medical experts who promote plant-based eating as a solution to kidney disease. My physician was in agreement with making this change. Since February of 2020 I avoid meat and dairy and have discovered a new appreciation for foods that are healing my kidneys, not harming them. My GFR has improved every time it’s been checked. It’s up to 60 now and BUN is 10. Not only that, but my blood pressure, osteoarthritis and fasting blood glucose have improved as well, and my energy has never been better. I encourage anyone with GFR concerns to look into switching to WFPB- whole food, plant-based .

[nfld in reply to Meettheparents]

Thank you for tour advice. I will look it up.

[Tony_Mimicted in reply to Meettheparents]

Can I know what type of foods are u eating?

[Patient001]

I have a manager at work who also has kidney disease. She claims that cranberry helped her so much that even her doctor was impressed.