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[browneyes1999]

I was told in 2009 that my kidney function was a bit below normal! PCP did a CT of kidneys said they were normal size but one had a 65 percent blockage nothing could be done he said! !put me on B/P meds! Afte CT with dye EGFR dropped to 54 from 60! Over the years it’s stayed stable until now I’m on 2 B/p meds taking 5 a day EGFR is now 27 all of a sudden! Does that mean I have to make a decision soon about dualists or hospice?

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador]

Has your PCP gone over your test results with you? If not put together a list of questions. Maybe consider a referral to a Nephrologist Here is a link to National Kidney Foundation explanation of eGFR and explanation of the stages of CKD. kidney.org/atoz/content/gfr

Welcome to the forum where you will receive information on Kidney Disease, and get support from other members.

[Hidden]

Hi and welcome to the community. I've included a link to the American Kidney Fund website that includes some basic information on CKD. The page will also open up to a previous webinar that is basically a Question and Answer session about the things you need to ask a nephrologist when you meet with one.

I hope this helps you.

kidneyfund.org/training/web...

[Celtic]

No, brow eyes, I rather think it means that firstly you should get your Dr to re-check all your bloods, at the same time investigating whether either of the BP meds might be to blame, and then refer you to a nephrologist for thorough expert investigation.

Meanwhile, avoid NSAIDs (painkillers) apart from paracetamol, avoid any further scans with contrast (“dye”), reduce salt and protein intake and keep yourself well hydrated. Others have given wise advice.

Lots of good luck wishes and do come back and let us know how you get on.

[RiverCityIndiana in reply to Celtic]

I'm a newly diagnosed CKD 3a patient (eGFR in the 50s). I thought plenty of water was good for healthy kidneys, but when you got to stage 3 or higher, it was best to cut back on hydration so as not to overwork the struggling kidneys?

[Celtic in reply to RiverCityIndiana]

HistoricHome, unless you have been advised by a nephrologist to reduce your fluid intake due to a particular problem (on Dialysis for example), it is generally recommended that we keep well hydrated.

I have just a sole kidney, and even in the years before I was diagnosed with CKD, it was considered wise to put me on a hydration drip for the night before an angiogram for extra kidney protection. Also, on occasion when I have been in A&E or admitted with an illness, the first thing they have done is give me i/v fluids.

Hope that helps but always seek expert medical advice if in doubt.

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to RiverCityIndiana]

I think too other medical conditions could be considered on water intake.

[Fethiye21]

Hi there, my GFR was 56 after I had a heart attack at the beginning of December. I had a procedure with contrast dye & 2 weeks later, it had dropped to 22! I was advised to drink 2 litres of water daily and decrease protein in my diet ie: small amount of chicken or fish 3 times per week. I have had my GFR tested weekly and, slowly, it is rising again.

[shouty]

Just to add to previous comment. Please don't take Nurofen aka Advil Motrin Brufen Ibruprofen as they are toxic for kidneys

[Sammi_n_Munk]

Hey there browneyes1999! Welcome to the forum! Now don’t be rushing yourself off to a hospice just yet! I know that this type of news can be often times, very frightening and worrisome, but there is plenty that you can do that could change your results. As people suffering with CKD, we understand that it’s not actually a curable disease, but it is controllable to a degree. Our goal is to slow the progression of it, and we can live well and happy for many years if we make the proper lifestyle changes necessary.

All of the advice you’ve received so far, is very wise and useful. You really should speak to your PCP regarding any prescription drugs you take, even for blood pressure issues. Any anti-inflammatory pain medication, prescribed or over-the-counter, such as Advil, Motrin, Aleve, and Aspirin, should be avoided to the best of your ability. These types of meds can seriously harm the kidneys (this is true even for those who don’t have kidney issues). For minor pain relief from headaches, muscle aches, etc., Tylenol is your best bet, unless you also suffer from liver issues, or have an allergy to it.

With regard to diet, hydration and exercise, what you’ve read from the others is the basic plan for us with CKD. Avoid any processed, high sodium foods, such as cold cuts, pre-seasoned foods, salty snacks, etc., but also lower your protein intake. The protein you do consume should come mainly from eggs, egg whites, fish, chicken, and sometimes even pork is okay. But all of these must be in smaller amounts (the size of a deck of cards), and as the others have mentioned, only three or four times a week.

Go online to DaVita.com, and search for low-potassium, low-phosphorus, and low-sodium fruits and vegetables, such as any berries, cherries, grapes, apples, peaches, cauliflower, cabbage, eggplant, zucchini, cucumber, red bell peppers, lettuce, etc. These are all kidney-friendly and this is what most of your diet should contain.

As the others have stated, keep yourself well-hydrated as this helps to improve your GFR. Remember too, our GFR fluctuates. It’s a good idea to ask your doctor how much fluid is safe for you to drink daily, as this can differ with everyone.

Some foods and activities to avoid are: smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, chocolate, any whole grains (these are high in protein) such as whole wheat bread, oats, barley, whole grain rice, nuts, seeds, beans (kidney beans, Romano beans, lentils, chick peas, etc.), dark sodas, and not too much, if any at all, of caffeinated beverages (coffee, some teas, etc.), and very little, if any at all, heavy weight-lifting or extra strenuous exercise. This can cause your creatinine levels to go up. The best exercise that is usually suggested for us is a little cardio like walking (30 - 40 minutes a day), jogging, swimming, etc.

I apologize for the long post, but I hope you will find it helpful. Remember to consult with your physician before making any changes to your diet and exercise regimen. Also, try going online and search the kidneyschool.org, and the NKF websites. There is always helpful information there. If your doctor has not yet referred you to a renal dietician, ask her / him for one. They can draw up a good plan custom-made for you by using the results of your most current bloodwork.

And remember, this is an awesome site. The people here, as I’m sure you’re already aware, are very wise, understanding, supportive and knowledgeable. You won’t get a diagnosis here, but you will receive the best advice and a place to go when no one else understands. We’re always here for you! Please keep us posted as to how things come along! Wishing you all my best dear. Bye for now! 😊👍🙏✌️

[browneyes1999 in reply to Sammi_n_Munk]

Thank you

[browneyes1999]

Thanks

[itzmich]

Check your BP meds they might be the culprit.