Concerned about my lab results

[hardrock430]

Went Tuesday for blood work to my nephrologist, got called today and told to get back there , that I have quite a few issues going on but wouldn’t tell me on the phone, I go back this coming Thursday, I’m at Stage 4

[jodaer]

Hey, great doctors, they call with "bad" news but make you wait week to find out what it is. So sorry you have to wait so long. Can you get copies of the labs to see for yourself? Sending tons of positive vibes your way.

[hardrock430 in reply to jodaer]

I can’t get copies of the lab work until I go to the dr because the lab work was done at his office, thank you for the great vibes though

[Silkdog in reply to hardrock430]

Even though your tests were done at his office, he has to send them to a lab to process, unless he has his own lab. My doctor sent the results to Quest to process, and I can open an account with Quest and receive the results myself (I didn't even know that for years). You can ask your doctor what lab do they use, maybe they allow you to open an account and receive the test results directly from them also.

[hardrock430 in reply to Silkdog]

Thank you Silkdog

[RoxanneKidney]

Anything in your control still? Meaning diet or exercise etc. ?

[hardrock430]

Doctor hasn’t talked to me about diet or anything else yet, Roxanne Kidney

[drmind]

Sorry for you to find out this way. But, hang on, I've been on GFR 4 for a couple of years and still doing alright . Take it slow and see what your doctor says. And, as Silkdog says, most labs will share the results with you. I know Quest does. They're your records and according to HIPPA you are entitled to them. Let us know what happens and how you are going to progress. We're here to offer support, encouragement, any information that we can share. Beat to you.

[hardrock430 in reply to drmind]

Thank you drmindI

[Futureckd in reply to drmind]

drmind, you really are at gfr of 4 fir 3 years? How do you feel?

[drmind in reply to Futureckd]

I have been at GFR 25 then 29 then now 27 currently since early 2020. I had been at 32 for one or two years and have been trying to get back to that but haven't been able to. Lab work from 2017 show a GFR of 27. My creatinine hovers around 1.3 or 1.4. My blood pressure ranges in the 120/70 area with medication. I do not have diabetes. I have GERD, Histal hernia, and back problems. But, I try to walk a 1/2 mile or 1 mile a day.

I feel good for the most part, but I'm in my 80"s and been having some sleep issues which saps my energy a bit. All my other labs are in the normal range. I work around the house most days and socialize with a friends lunch every week or so. If my back didnt give me some problems, I'd be alot more active. I still do some garden work but mostly assist my son who does most of it.

Hope this info helps. I struggle with going completely plant based, but my labs are ok so I guess my diet must be ok, too.

[hardrock430 in reply to drmind]

Drmind, I’m 65 and I’m swelled very badly, especially in my hands, legs and feet, unable to wear shoes, the last time my creatine level was 2.1, my husband passed away last year on June 25th, coming up on a year

[drmind in reply to hardrock430]

Sorry for your loss. Its difficult as we get older to deal with loss and majority changes. The swelling that you mention is definitelySomething the doctor must address when you see him at your upcoming visit. Please keep us informed.

One of the things you have to learn is that you have to advocate for yourself: ask questions and get answers; make sure you can get your lab results; and make sure you receive treatment. If you dont holler, no one is going to hear you. If you dont het the answers and treatment you need,ook for another doctor.

Good luck. Sending some positive thoughts that things get corrected soon.

[hardrock430 in reply to drmind]

Thank you so much I will keep y’all updated

[TDPowers in reply to drmind]

What is the name of your blood pressure medicine you take ? and how much? Do you eat any beef I was told not to I’m having trouble with my blood pressure

[hardrock430 in reply to TDPowers]

I take Amlodipine 5 mg once a day and only eat beef occasionally

[TDPowers in reply to hardrock430]

Thank you

[drmind in reply to hardrock430]

OMG Hardrock430, Amlodipine is well known for causing swelling. Many on this forum can tell you about this. I took it for two weeks and my legs became so swollen I could not walk. The doctor took me off the meds immediately and the swelling began to reduce and eventually go away. Hopefully, one of your problems may be solved shortly. Keep us posted.

[hardrock430 in reply to drmind]

I was on 2 a day and they reduced me to one a day and the swelling has just gotten worse, I’ll keep y’all updated for sure

[drmind in reply to TDPowers]

I take valstartan/HCL 160/12,5 mg once a day and metoprolol tartrate 25 mg twice a day. I had taken the Valstartan for about 20+ years. The metoprolol was added by my new nephrologist three years ago. Hope this helps

[hardrock430 in reply to drmind]

I take metro pro lol Succ er 100 mg , I take 1 and a half of them a day and I’ve been on the valstartan, I can’t remember why I was taken off it

[TDPowers in reply to drmind]

Thank you

[Futureckd]

Hardtock430, I hope your worries will end up with minor issues. When I do blood test in the local clinic where my GP works, they send to external lab to process. But I go the following day or 2 days to the “medical record” office in the clinic and ask for a copy. I have been doing this for years and I have copies of all my medical records at home. So get to that habit to have piece of mind and also to compare numbers yourself at home.

[hardrock430 in reply to Futureckd]

Thank you Futureckd

[Blackknight1989]

Also, stress is as hazardous to your health as many other environmental threats. I was diagnosed stage IV in 1996. I have been stage IV for over 26 years. I was 29 in ‘96 but I’m not sure that gas much to do with it. If managed properly you can sustain and retain your remaining kidney function! Best of luck!