Jardiance

[buick6]

New to this forum, seems like a good place to learn from others. I have stage 4 kidney disease it's now 27 not good.. for some reason last blood test it was 3b and next blood test it dropped to stage 4 is this normal? Anyone on here taking Jardiance and did it slow down the progression of kidney disease. Was diagnosed with kidney disease April 1, 2024.. so I am really new at this diet and everything that needs to be done.. Any information will be very helpful. The doctors just don't seem to care for some reason.. Thank you

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Couple questions. What was the GFR levels. Gong to stage 4 is not the end of the world. Yes, diet can help immensely. Also, if you want, can you tell us your age?

[buick6 in reply to Bassetmommer]

I am 81 years old, have arthritis in the hip so it's also hard to walk.. when I first went to the specialist it was 28, I went on her strict diet of zero meat for a month and it went up to 32, I needed to get another blood test for the Jardiance pills, and it went down to 27, I was so pissed off and shocked cause I never cheated on that strict diet.. I see no reason why it should have dropped like that. I am due for another blood test end of July.. The doctor said this was normal? I doubt it..

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador in reply to buick6]

well, it can be not unusual. There are better drugs out there now to help with CKD decline. At 81, you GFR would normally be lower. It is also normal to have it go up and down. They list it as egfr, means it is an estimate. It is all numbers. NO red meat is a great idea. But do try to include protein with either eggs or chicken. I went plant based for a while and that did help, but then my potassium went way up. I normally eat mostly veggies, no red meat since 1986, so there was no loss for me. Try to see if you can see a dietician, but make sure they are a renal dietician. If you can get some form of movement in it will help. I have very bad Psoriatic arthritis, so I went water walking. Then I joined a water aerobics class and that really help.

Just so you know, there are lots of people who stay with stage 4 for many years. I did, and had little decline for 6 years. I also was at stage 5 for a couple of years before I went on dialysis. Try not to stress. It doesn't help.

[buick6 in reply to Bassetmommer]

Are you now in stage 5? thank you for the great information, I am so glad I joined this site... I joined one other one, it was so depressing I had to get off of it, this one is much better.. Thanks for telling me it's not the end of the world for me. I do not eat red meat or pork, basically it is 3 ounces of chicken sometimes a little more..mostly salads, oatmeal with berries, spinach, red leaf lettuce, and hummus, I really like the hummus.. and tuna fish or artificial crab meat, I do like store salad dressing, vinegarette mostly..

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador in reply to buick6]

That is a fabulous diet...except the imitation crab. If you like vinegarette and do not want a processed product...make it yourself. You can now get olive oil in spray form and also spray balsamic vinegar. I use that combination quite often with ground sea salt and pepper corns I grind over my salad. I have no fluid restrictions and my salt is low.

The less processed foods the better. But you are doing great.

[Supportkidnylaw in reply to Bassetmommer]

im 33 I was born with bad kidneys currently one functionsy last efgr was 28 they how long does stage 4 usually hold out for?

[TableTennisMama in reply to buick6]

before you get too upset about the variance in GFR‘s, here my experience. I had my nephrologist and my primary doctor wanting blood tests. So I carried two blood orders into the lab and cautioned them not to duplicate any blood tests because my Medicare would not pay for the duplicate. Well of course they made a mistake and did duplicate the blood test and I came out with two GFRs. One was 37, and the other was 32. This was from the SAME blood draw! My nephrologist said not to worry about that, it’s just normal variance and that’s why they look at the trend over a long period of time. So since then I have not freaked out over these moves of GFR.

[Boughhopper]

hello buick6 , welcome and l’m glad you have joined us. You are not alone. You now have others to talk to. Some of us are very experienced and many will know just what you are going through. I have a transplant kidney which is beginning to struggle. My EGFR ( function) is 20. Sometimes l feel unwell, cold, shivery, exhausted but not all the time. I hope to have another year or so before l have to make difficult decisions. But you are a very long way from that. I wish you every good thing. Please ask any questions you like. I was a nurse once upon a time. I don’t know a lot but l certainly understand how you might be feeling. Best wishes Boughhopper.

[miraclelady in reply to Boughhopper]

Is another transplant an option for you? Or, will you have to choose between what type of dialysis you will go to if/when that time comes? I, too, had a transplant. This October will be 30 years. It is just getting old and scarred now. I'm in stage 4 CKD. However, my anti-rejection drugs caused cancer, so I have been denied another transplant.

[allene7 in reply to miraclelady]

So sorry to hear the anti rejection drugs caused cancer, and now they have denied you another transplant. So you have to fight cancer and maybe go on dialysis when the transplanted kidney fails? I'm waiting for a transplant trying to avoid dialysis if possible let,but probably that won't be a reality. Prayers for you.

[miraclelady in reply to allene7]

Praise God, my cancer is gone. I lost my leg to the hip level due to cancer, but God has performed miracle after miracle in my life. I'm blessed. So, no more cancer now, but I would have to go on dialysis if my kidney fails. Praying God will keep my little kidney going forever. Prayers for you as well. They do work!!!

[allene7 in reply to miraclelady]

I do believe prayers work too! Very happy to hear your cancer is gone and you have such a beautiful outlook and great attitude. prayers

[buick6 in reply to Boughhopper]

Thank you for answering, I do really appreciate it. IF I have any questions I sure will ask here.. it's a good site.

[ionelcro]

Hello, my name is Ionel and I am new to this forum. I have a chronic kidney disease, stable for years with creatinine 1.09 mg/dl. Since March, I have been suspected of having IGA nephropathy, I have not had a biopsy yet. I lose proteins, approximately 500-700 mg/24h, red blood cells 15-15 hpf. In February, serum creatinine 1.09, I was given prestarium (perindopril arginine) and forxiga ((SGLT2) treatment. I took prestarium 0.25 mg daily, forxiga 1 tablet every 2-3 days. In April, creatinine increased to 1.16 mg/dl. From In April, I was given rosucard statins, prestarium 0.25 mg daily, and I take forxiga every 2-3 days, as well as statin. On June 20, the creatinine is 1.16 mg.dl. I saw that the creatinine has increased, but it is maintained within laboratory limits, I started taking forxiga one day, the next day I took rosucard statin, daily prestarium 0.25 mg. On July 1, serum creatinine jumped from 1.16 mg/dl to 1.26 mg/dl at the same laboratory with the same method. determination, jumping from values ​​(0.73-1.18mg/dl). What happened, my kidney function decreased in 2 weeks, or maybe it's because of the drugs, forxiga and statin, that I took forxiga one day, the next day statin and daily prestarium? Has it happened to anyone that the creatinine fluctuates by 10% in just 2 weeks? Is it because of the drugs or has the kidney function deteriorated? I'm afraid to redo the serum creatinine analysis!

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador in reply to ionelcro]

YOu should speak with your doctor. Stains are very hard on the kidneys

healthline.com/health/kidne....

[ionelcro]

I don't know what to say, the creatinine was 1.09 in February 2024, then it increased after I started taking medicine, prestarium and forxiga similar to jardiance (SGLT2) in April the creatinine was 1.16 mg/dl. I took forxiga once every 2-3 days until June 20, then in the last 2 weeks I took forxiga one day, the next day statin, then forxiga and statin again, one day yes and one no, prestarium day by day. In 2 weeks my creatinine jumped from 1.16 mg/dl to 1.26. I don't know if the renal function has deteriorated or the statin, prestarium, forxiga caused a decrease in GFR

[WildIris in reply to ionelcro]

I'm not sure whether you're responding to buick6 about farxiga and jardiance or if you meant to click "post" and start a new thread. In any case, you sound distressed and having scary blood test results. Healthline says, "In some individuals, it’s possible to experience kidney injury or reduced kidney function when taking SGLT2 inhibitors", but most people, especially those with type 2 diabetes or heart disease, benefit from them, and they can slow CKD progress. On the other hand, some variation in creatinine and GFR from test to test is normal. Your doc is the one to ask.

I first got the attention of doctors with an eGFR of around 30, but its up to the 50s and 60s now that I know to hydrate well before blood tests and have been following a strict plant-based diet for a couple of years.

All the best to you.

[LittleDutch]

I have been on Jardiance about 4 years. I have stage 3B kidney disease and it has remained constant. Whether that is due to Jardiance, keeping my blood sugar relatively constant or diet, I don't know. I do know that diet can play a big role in progression of kidney disease. Good luck with your situation.

[WildIris]

Sorry your doctors aren't being more helpful. I never took SGLT-2 inhibitors, though my ex-husband is on them. Personally, I threw myself into the plant-based diet because CKD was the last straw in a whole host of other chronic health problems, including obesity, lupus, and cardiac arrhythmias. All the conditions are better now. Good luck to you.

[Janice33]

What was your gfr on previous test?

[buick6 in reply to Janice33]

Pretty sure it was 32..the dropped shocked m, but thanks for all the answers, not to be too afaid of my next test, I see it can go up and down..

[KitKatHockey]

A few things here and please understand I’m not a doctor.

1) GFR readings may fluctuate a bit so don’t get too consumed with that. This happens with everyone and due to several factors

2) The medicine you are taking belongs to a class of medications caused “SGLT2i’s”… the body often reacts initially and this may cause a slight decline in GFR. This decline is usually short-term. This is noted in the PI (prescribing information).

3) Get another reading to see how your body is responding

Best wishes to you!

[nascar4433]

Welcome to this forum. It was very helpful to me when first diagnosed. Since you're so newly diagnosed, don't freak out! I know it's hard tho. I did too. After my PCP monitoring for about 2 yrs, he said it was time to see a nephrologist. I'm so glad I did! She monitors everything very closely. Over the last 3 yrs I've had my EGFR move down & up...as high as 47, low of 22. I was very scared when my it dropped to 22, however changes in meds (stopped Lisinopril after first nephro labs), dietary changes, working together with cardiologist, they manage it well. Seemed to stabilize somewhat better adding Hydralazine. I have high potassium, so take a potassium blocker (Lokelma) and follow a low-potassium, low-salt. Due to gastro & swallowing issues (Lymphocytic Esophagitis, severe gastroparesis, esophageal dysphagia), I also have to do a low-residue diet. It was, and still is, a tough balancing act to adhere to 2 different diet plans...but eventually you combine lists of "do's & don't's" and make it work. I've never been a big beef water, so cutting red meat hasn't been much of a challenge for me either. The swallowing difficulties are actually harder to manage than I anticipated, because of the potassium issues... soft foods are better, of course, but not supposed to have potatoes, carrots, etc. because of their high potassium levels, so they have to be leeched...a hassle (to me), so can't just grab pre-made mashed potatoes, etc. Anyway, that's not your problem! But I mention these things to hopefully encourage you that despite things changing, you can still manage your kidneys well...even at 81! I was diagnosed at 69, am 73 now. The medication & dietary changes have worked well over time for me. Labs last week show EGFR at 43. So dropping to 22 was very scary, but over time with med & dietary changes, it's currently back up to 43. As others have suggested, find a 'renal dietician'. Ones not trained in renal can't give you accurate info. There aren't as many renal dieticians, so there may not be one in your neighborhood, but pursue it anyway. I didn't notice if you mentioned you're being treated by a nephrologist...if not, get a referral to one IMMEDIATELY! It's VERY important that a well-trained specialist manages your kidney health. And make sure all of your specialists are working together for your benefit. You're the paying patient, and you're in charge of your own health...make sure they're working for you and in your best interest. And keep them informed. I love the patient portals that most docs are using now. If I have a medicine change, I update their portals right away, and if I can't update it myself, I send a Message requesting whatever it is, i.e. 'please update my records to reflect change in strength/frequency of 'xyz' med, or if I've had a new test or a new diagnosis. Besides being easier for me to manage, i.e. I don't have to carry a bunch of lists around and try to remember who I told what, etc. Seems like you're tech-saavy, so maybe create a list in OneNote or something Iike that in your phone, then you'll always have it with you. I keep one list of "Diagnosis" where I list each diagnosis w/date & physician (Lymphocytic Esophagitis 4/25/24 Dr. John Doe), and another with list of meds (name, strength, etc.). Sorry this is so long, but being newly diagnosed and new to this terrific site, I just wanted to give you some basic info, also what's worked for me, so hopefully you'll see that it's not a disastrous new diagnosis, just one that you will get used to and hopefully learn to manage so that you're doing all you can to protect...and hopefully improve...your kidney function. Stress isn't helpful either, so get involved in learning what you can, see the right medical professionals, and do what research you can to help understand and manage your new kidney diagnosis. Best of luck to you! It's great that you're being proactive & trying to learn & understand your new diagnosis. After all, it's YOUR body, and no one knows it better than you, right?!! 🙏🙏

[buick6 in reply to nascar4433]

Thank you so much for answering, it was a helpful post.. I couldn't believe it dropped like that, I did go to a nephrologist. They said she was one of the best ones, she is very easy to talk to also. But not much help with the diet, she gave me diet papers and it was like figure it out for yourself I tried to follow it as best I could, she did tell me to go on Jardiance but it was very expensive even with insurance, so I found a hospital that has grants for Jardiance much much cheaper than my own insurance, so I had to jump thru a few hoops to get this pill, well that meant a blood test first, so I went back to my family dr. and got it, that is when I found out how much it dropped, long story short he tells me it's a normal reading, that is when I found this site.. cause I do not trust doctors anymore. and I did find out this reading can go up and down for this I am grateful, you don't know how very mad I was when I seen it in my chart the number 27, because I know all I had been eating was salads. he did give me samples of jardiance to use before getting the reg. script from the hospital. Now my nephrologist wants the next blood reading sent to her, if she does not like what she sees I have to go back to see her it's 3 months reading.. She would like to see me in 6 months for a checkup. I don't go in for another blood test till the end of July.. again thanks for writing to me.. I do appreciate it

[drmind]

My gfr was steady in the 3b[31] zone for several years. Then, I had a dental infection and multiple rounds of antibiotics for a new crown and a root canal. My next lab showed a reduced gfr at 27 and then 25, and eventually back to 32. Not sure if the dental infection and/or antibiotics causes the slip over several months, but I believe its very possible. Or, as others often suggest, these are just numbers from different lab techs and gfr variance can happen. Welcome to the group and hope you can stop worrying, but I know its not easy to do. Best to you.