GFR bounces up and down creating new lows.

[Emjake]

My GFR went down to 15 in June after sitting at 26 for 3 months. Dr said it was something acute. It went up to 39 while hospitalized during my Fistula placement ....(a whole nother story!) But 4 days later it is back down to 26 and now 20. When it was at 15 I began smelling ammonia and my heart was begining to beat differently, I was exhausted and my hearing was like "airplane ears" as well as my vision was way worse. Went to ER and they said my potassium was at 6 and my Creatine was at 4.9

Filled me up with IV and sent me.on my way. I then pushed for getting Fistula placed because I feared the worst was starting to happen. What is next for me in your eyes?

[Jayhawker]

We’re they using something like a saline solution through an IV while you were hospitalized? I’m wondering if you were better hydrated while hospitalized and if so if that caused the increase in your GFR. Hydration certainly greatly effects my GFR.

Jayhawker

[Eaglesfly in reply to Jayhawker]

I drink 66 oz of water every day, I agree with you Jayhawker🦅EaglesFly

[Skeptix]

No idea mate but just thought to express my condolences - that's some bloody harsh ride you've been on.

From your bio I'd detect that your not exactly get AAA rated quality medical attention at the moment. Not unusual but when you're where you're at it matters more.

I ain't a doc but what I would say generally:

1. eGFR. The e bit is for estimate. An estimate based only the amount of creatinine in your blood (and age and race and maybe weight) It's not actually a measure.of your kidney function. Mess around with your serum concentrations of creatinine (such as IV's) and your eGFR will follow suit. Thin you blood, creatinine concentration goes down, eGFR goes up

2. Ammonia is waste product. When you don't (can't) filter it, ammonia builds up and eventually leaks outs somewhere like water dripping from an overfilled sponge.

Creatinine isn't the issue (it's not toxic), urea is. Uremic waste products include ammonia. I'd bet your urea (bun) is way out?

3. Urea level is a direct consequence of the amount of protein you take in. Urea is a waste product from protein metabolism. Eat X amount of protein means Y amount of urea. If that's more than your kidneys.can filter then urea goes up (including ammonia).

You on a protein restricted diet? How much you eat per day in gr/kg body weight? If you don't know then I'd guess your not on a protein restricted diet

What diet you on otherwise: potassium, salt, phosphate?

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

HI Emjake,You have a tough time. Let me start this with I have been between a 17 and 13 for over four years now. So don't panic. GFR fluctuates according to how hydrated you are and other factors, like exercise and even the food you eat.

See a renal dietician who can build you a meal plan and lifestyle change to possibly help with staving off dialysis. Learn what potassium foods to avoid. You might want to find out about a potassium binder to help keep it in control. Basically its tomatoes, potatoes, winter squash,... well, you can certainly Google this.

Measure your protein intake and find out from the dietician what is safe for you. I eat a extremely low protein diet and actually had to increase it a bit. I eat plant based, no animal protein. Lowered my creatinine .40 in one month.

And lastly, being hydrated in necessary to protect the kidneys. It also helps to flush out the build up of toxins. This is something the doctor can tell you how much because it depends on the individual. I drink for example, at least 62 ounces daily, but I have no edema. However, I spend a great deal of time in the loo........

Hope this helps.

[Eaglesfly]

Hi Emjake, I was at 22 41/2 years ago, than two weeks ago I fell to 15. I’m on a stricter diet and I’m waiting to see my blood work in December, I don’t know what comes next, not until I see my blood work. I pray it stays the same, the diet is so important. I pray lord, your will be done. I’ll pray for you Emjake, Jesus Christ is our healer.

[novemberlady1]

THEY SENT YOU ON YOUR WAY WITH A POTASSIUM OF 6?