Highs and lows of labs

[jodaer]

I had my labs done this week. The good news is my protein is way down. A year ago, it was 92.9. This week it was22.8. My eGFR was the same 27, Potassium and phosphorous are edging up to the binder stage I'm afraid. Those were the highs of the test.

For the 1st time she ran a Cystatin C test. This on came back as GFR of 15. That was the low of the test. Can anyone tell me which of the two is the most accurate and is there an average. I will ask my doctor when I see her but would like to know sooner if anyone can tell me.

And to top all this off I've discovered I have some serious blockage in my left leg so there is a very good chance I will be having and angiogram/plasty in the near future and they use contrast with that. I do have 2 more test to go through before that though.

Thanks for listenting.

[Miss-guineapig]

jodaer you’re doing so well. One strong lady, hugs of positivity right your way. Sorry, I don’t have so good knowledge to share though, it’s still all new to me 😀

[jodaer in reply to Miss-guineapig]

Thanks. all hugs of positivity are accepted and appreciated.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

My nephrologist told me that the Cystatin is more accurate. My GFR was 7 but she said with the Cystatin result it was more like 11.

they can do vein mapping without contrast. I just had it done for my fistula. NO dye. And it was spot on. Same thing with a Ct scan and nuclear scan I had done this summer. They have now renal protective materials or equipment that does not need dyes.

[jodaer in reply to Bassetmommer]

I'm getting an angiogram/plasty and I think they have to use the contrast to guide them where they want to go. He said he has worked with CKD patients before and there is a contrast that is less harmful. He also does fistulas and says he used sonar. I think that's what he said.

[Marvin8 in reply to jodaer]

For an angiogram, they do indeed need to use contrast dye, but you should ask how much they'll be using. I would also read up about drinking a shot of beet juice ahead of time to lower the risk of contrast induced kidney injury. The risk is pretty low if your eGFR is stage 3B or above, but at your level, I'd be concerned.

[jodaer in reply to Marvin8]

I am concerned about the contrast but in life we have to make choices. My situation is I'm having a lot of pain when I walk. I won't go into details, but the doctor seems to think with the angioplasty that pain will go away. the pain is enough that it makes life not all that great. I would gladly give up a couple of years of life if I could be pain free.

[Marvin8 in reply to jodaer]

Completely understandable. Best of health and luck to you.

[renegade70 in reply to jodaer]

They do have contrast now that is much less harmful on your kidneys. I recently had an MRI and they said they had to use contrast or the results may be inaccurate. It did not effect my kidney function at all.I did make sure I drank more water than usual for a week or so after.

[jodaer in reply to renegade70]

Good to know, thanks

[Pisces101]

yes, what I’ve been told and read has cystatin c down as the most reliable. But how amazing to have reduced protein so much! All because of diet? Sending you loads of good wishes!!

[jodaer in reply to Pisces101]

Yes, I was pleased with the reduction of protein, at least until i got the results of the other tests. I doubt it was food but my neph put me on Jardiance a year ago and it's been coming down since then.

[horsie63]

when I was in hospital and they had to see if I was still bleeding into my lung cavity they had to do a CT scan with contrast and since it was iodine I had a mega dose of Benadryl cause I have Graves’ disease. I was already on dialysis so no affect to my kidneys.

[Darlenia]

My hubby had a similar procedure requiring contrast to place a stent in his heart. My hubby was on dialysis at the time but still had some kidney function - which we wanted to preserve. We brought it up with everyone, including the anesthesiologist and the cardiologist on duty the day of the procedure. There wasn't a kidney-friendly substitute for it so the cardiologist asked the anesthesiologist to reduce the amount of contrast given - he didn't need really exceptionally high definition pics. My hubby's numbers stayed at the usual levels following it. We noticed it's very important to bring up your concerns on the day of the procedure; anything said too far in advance doesn't trickle down to those who actually performing these procedures. Pain really influences your quality of life, Jodaer. I'm sure you'll feel much better after your procedure. Hugs!

[jodaer in reply to Darlenia]

Thanks for the suggestions I will try and remember. Glad your hubby did OK. I'm sure I will be too. If the pain goes away I'll be more likely to at least start with dialysis when the time comes.