eGFR > 60. Time to say goodbye

[Lifeatthetop]

I’ve had my latest eGFR test. My Cr clearance at one point i was 160 about 5 years ago (at 50 YO) It’s now 116 and reading before the last 114. At my weight and height it’s about 80 eGFR. No protein, no ACR., no traces of blood (I used to have micro) . I have been diagnosed with IGA. All very strange. However it seems no one on this site has had a similar experience so with that I bid you farewell. To those battling CKD I say good luck and I’m hearing the SGLT2 drugs are great at preserving function.

[Miss-guineapig]

Hi Life at the top, I am new to CKD so haven’t heard of IGA. I have just googled it and assuming its written as IgA, is that the same thing? . Please share about your experience as not only is this a great platform to gain knowledge, it would be good to know more. If it is IgA, I initially found out from one source that there is no cure for IgA nephropathy and no definitive way of knowing what course the disease will take. On a big positive, Some people experience complete remission, and others can live normal lives with low amounts of blood or protein in their urine, however some people may progress to kidney failure. Wishing you well and thanks for sharing .

[6V53]

I also have IgA. I had a pretty big increase in function one time. Not up over 60 though. Good luck, I hope your kidney function stays in the normal range.

[Lifeatthetop in reply to 6V53]

Tx. It’s quite strange.

Congratulations on your transplant. That’s wonderful news. Hope you’re feeling great

[jeffmensch]

how did you increase your eGFR? tell me everything

[Lifeatthetop in reply to jeffmensch]

I think the main change is I had high Urea and that’s now until control with medication. But, I’ve been told it shouldn’t impact my Cr clearance. But, who knows. Readings stated at 160, 150, 175 when I took anti inflammatory Indosine, then back down to 140, 136, 128, 114, 121, 116 6 years later. No ACR reading at all , never any protein, and my micro blood traces have disappeared in the last 2 years. If you take height and weight into consideration my eGFR is 80 at the latest reading.

On ACE, Urea lowering,

No idea why but, I’m speculating possibly the Urea and drinking more water.

I’m not delusional I have proven IgA but, it seems to have stabilised after an acute attack 6 years ago and it’s not following a consistent decline. I might/will probably get whacked again but, I’ve had 2 chest infections that caused macro blood black as cola and no changes.

Im just curious if anyone has had similar as I was considering the SGTL2 to maintain performance etc I note you are taking these. They don’t increase eGFR they slow progression. In fact the first 18 moths they make your eGFR dip below it’s current range then it stabilises and causes slower progression which is pretty great considering what was available a few years back (e.g.,nothing)

[renegade70 in reply to Lifeatthetop]

congratualtions. however, don't mean to be a bummer but my egfr went over 60 for several months but then for some unknown reason dropped back to 40. that was 2 years ago and its been in the stage 3 ever since.my nephrologist said " thats the way it goes with ckd". so what im saying is that i would keep an eye on it for the rest of my life.

[Lifeatthetop in reply to renegade70]

Hi, you’re not being a bummer at all. I’m a realist and not celebrating. But, I’ve now had 60 plus eGFR readings for approx. 3 years after them being in 40s and low 50’s. Not being overly hopeful but was wondering if anyone with IgA has had the same type of readings over 3 year plus. Additionally, losing the micro traces of blood with no ACR and minimal protein traces (normal)

I’m asking because I’m looking at taking the SGLT2s but, not convinced.

IgA people is what I’m interested in.

[jeffmensch]

what is SGTL2? what medication do you use? thank you

[Lifeatthetop in reply to jeffmensch]

Its in the class of drugs youre already taking, Farxiga. Thats a SGLt2 drug mainly used for CKD via type 2 diabetes. Type 2 CKD is very different to IgA induced kidney injury via scarring or inflammation. I'm guessing a combination my inflammation levels dropping (possibly due to lifestyle, probiotic use maybe) and a few other factors e.g. blood pressure under control with ACE, Urea below thresholds now, as led me to stablize....... for a while at least.

There are different types and brands of SGLT2 and none improve eGFR as far as I'm aware, how they can slow CKD progression enough to avoid ESKD which in it's self is a small miracle.

Keep taking your drugs or try another SGLT2 after consultation with your Dr. But dont go off them or stop taking them suddenly as you'll be starting from scratch again. Play the long game here.

[jeffmensch in reply to Lifeatthetop]

I am not yet taking farxiga; I will discuss with nephrologist next week. I do not have diabetes

[Lifeatthetop in reply to jeffmensch]

Ok. Good luck Jeff.

I the meantime try and read SGLT2 outcomes. Its promising to slow progression.

[crackers2 in reply to jeffmensch]

Hi, I see ads for Farxiga and the possible side effects sound scary and terrible. Is anyone using this drug and how is it affecting you who use it. Thank you in advance.Crackers2

[renegade70 in reply to crackers2]

I absolutely understand what you are saying but I don't know of too many drugs that do not have scary side effects. The major issue that I have with Farxiga is the many different outcomes people have had taking it, some have said it has caused a drop in egfr. some say that is only temporary. Thats a major issue to me. I'm just not convinced also; I am not a diabetic. My neph has not brought up the possibility of taking it and I have not asked about it. Just as you mention I feel I would like to hear about the effect it has had on a wide range of people.

[Lifeatthetop in reply to renegade70]

I read the outcome of the 2 studies done for the 2 different types of SGLT2.

From average of 45 egfr there was an immediate drop of about 5 points below the placebo but, after 18 months the eGFR broke even with the placebo group. Then for those on the placebo, their eGFR dropped lower over the next 2 years on a steady basis. Extrapolate that over 10-20 years and it could be the difference between dialysis/transplant/death. Studies are readily available online

[bumblebee_tuna in reply to Lifeatthetop]

The two landmark clinical trials are DAPA-CKD and EMPA-KIDNEY, you can look them up. Both trials show an initial drop in eGFR and a slowdown in the progression of the disease (protective outcome), and it doesn't matter if you have diabetes or not.

[renegade70 in reply to Lifeatthetop]

I cheated and read a concise version( bing ai) of the studies that have been done and they definitely back up what you are saying. But according to some of what I read there are certain blood pressure meds that interact with farxiga which I have been on fairly long term. Examples are diuretics and others. I do not have T2D but was surprised to read that insulin was also on the list. They also mention it being a problem if you are on a low salt diet which is one of the major concerns we have with CKD. That was one of the first things I was told about when I was diagnosed 6 years ago and that was the importance of a low salt diet along with many other dietary restrictions. I will speak with my neph about this at my next appt. Thanks for the info you provided.

[renegade70]

By the way you can check out all the drugs that interact with farxiga on drugs.com There are many.