Hi,Does anyone know about egfr readings?
Recently had a blood test which showed mine is 71.
It was 77 in April.
Is it an accurate reading or is it literally estimated? Should I be concerned it has dropped?
I'm 52, relatively healthy but have had kidney stones and a uti 2 years ago.
Thank you, appreciate any feedback.
Egfr means exactly that a estimated value. Other thing are taken into account for CKD. urea, sodium, potassium. Water sample checks for protein. Ultra sound scan on kidneys .If your egfr is over 60 in UK and everything else normal then all ok. Egfr can fluctuate through dehydration, eating too much protein. These can alter readings. I'm 55 now and my egfr has been between 74 and 82 since I was Twenty two yrs of age. All other bloods and water samples all within range. I don't have CKD. It's just me. My egfr altered alot due to dehydration last summer here in UK when it was hot. . It went down 45. A week later after drinking more it was 80. So GP said for such quick turnaround I don't have CKD. I looked at other bloods over the yrs and nothing really has altered. Get rechecked bloods and hydrate more.
Morning Rekw, I am no expert but recently diagnosed with CKD. My egfr is 59 which puts me in stage 3a. I had serious kidney infection years ago which left scarring hence possible problems now, I am 66 and have no risk factors such as disbetes or hypertension. Anyway, feel its worth mentioning that 70 egfr may (the documentation says ‘May’ ) be early kidney disease. Just wanted to say as you have the opportunity to eat a general kidney friendly diet eg less processed foods etc . But quite rightly as Tempes said there are lots of reasons . Just something to be mindful about and to check every year or so I expect as kidney stones can leave scaring. Wishing you all the very best .
Hi, its not considered CKD if your eGFR is 60 or above. I can see how a decline of 7 points in your eGFR would worry you, but the advice you've gotten above is good. Also be careful with aspirin and ibuprofen (I unknowingly damaged my kidneys by taking these too freely for headaches and joint pain) and diuretics, also particular other drugs. And high bp can damage the kidneys.
Hey there! I had to have a bad kidney removed when I was 17. Nobody told me I would be considered to have CKD for the rest of my life...but I ran into some issues and my eGFR fluctuates in the low 40s to 60. I rarely reach 60 anymore. But, they consider anything under 60 to be CKD and over to be okay unless it falls often. And depending on whatever else you may or may not have. My sister, who doesn't have kidney issues, is 120. So it gives you an idea where your early 70s fall in. I'm no expert, but I'd make sure to drink enough (but never TOO much!) water, especially before tests. Watch the nitrates and niTRITES and never, ever take ibuprofen it really is a kidney killer. Those of us with painful conditions just have to suffer, really, unless we find other medicines or alternative therapies for our pain. It's that bad and can make the eGFR fluctuate if you take a bit often. I'd keep my eye on my numbers, and mention it to the dr. Don't expect much reaction unless you hit under 60--YOU stay on top of it though and do that due diligence. Which is why you're here and that's good, learning is helpful 
Egfr healthy
Fluctuating egfr
eGFR vs GFR
eGFR is falling
