Low gfr

Hi, I went to the doctor today and my gfr was 37. Last year at this time it was 54. Does anyone have any idea what would cause such a big drop?

[Benjamin124]

It's concerning to see such a drop in your GFR. Several factors like medications, infections or changes in kidney function can cause this.

Consulting your doctor for further evaluation is crucial. Take care!

[Chatham17 in reply to Benjamin124]

I just realized there are many factors that determine if you have CKD and GFI alone is not the only indicator. How were your electrolytes and did they do a urine test. Too many people, I think, rely exclusively on GFI when you have to look at the big picture of other markers.

[Milli77]

Dehydration, eating processed meats, changes in medications, such as blood pressure.

[drmind]

That seems to be a big drop. Repeat labs is suggested along with serious talks with your treating doctor. A few years ago, my gfr dropped about 6 points within a few months period. The only thing that I think was contributing to it was a prolonged dental infection and a root canal procedure which involved anesthesia and lengthy use of antibiotics. Thankfully, my gfr returned to the pre-infection level within 6 months. Hope this information helps.

[Hidden in reply to drmind]

Hi, I think I might know what the culprit is. I started taking aspirin for my knee and hip. I am thinking it was the aspirin. Tylenol don't work for me so I never know what to take that would be safe. Thank you for your reply.

[Ballspinner in reply to Hidden]

I also do chair yoga and dance for my knee and thigh muscles and thumb arthritis pain. I had a partial left hip replacement almost 4 years ago and have a slight shortening of that leg. I use a combo of arthritis formula Tylenol, a rolling massage ball for thigh muscles or even arnicare gel for joint pain.

[Pontios]

I presume you already know you need to be very careful with medications and avoid certain medications. Just in case: you need to avoid NSAIDs (e.g. Ibuprofen), avoid PPIs. Ensure you are always sufficiently hydrated. Ensure your blood pressure is under control. Ask your doctor to consider putting you on SGLT2 Inhibitors and either "ACEs" or "ARBs". Ensure low salt intake.

Consider a plant based diet. Exercise.

[Hidden in reply to Pontios]

Yup, was on a plant based diet and excessive and gfr went up to 64. I need to get off the aspirin. I didn't realize what a big impact that made. Thank you for your reply.

[lowraind]

Before you panic, make sure you are hydrated, you cut back on sodium, you research and put in place a healthy CKD diet, and request another blood test in three months.

[Darlenia]

I agree this is a big drop. As others have noted, now is a good time to review your current situation - do you have an active infection? Are you taking taking meds in the aspirin family? Are you diabetic? Do you have high blood pressure? Do you have an autoimmune condition? etc. Then, it's exceptionally important to look at your lab report - it has valuable information regarding creatinine, BUN, sugars, proteins, electrolytes, and more. What is flagged? Please don't change your diet until you've checked your health records. Cutting back on items that are already too low (such as sodium) can be damaging to kidneys or other organs. Once you have a basic grasp (talking points) on your overall picture, I'd set up another appointment with my doctor and ask for a repeat blood test as well as a plan going forward. It may be something or it may be nothing - being proactive is a very good thing.

[nikhilvarma999 in reply to Darlenia]

I was diagnosed with iga Nephropathy in the year 2015, my gfr went down to 39.5 from 57 in last 6 months , i had a wisdom teeth dental extraction in march this year and my creatinine is 2.1. Can you suggest the Diet for my situation

[Darlenia in reply to nikhilvarma999]

You have autoimmune condition where your very own body is attacking your kidneys. In the US, medications are often used - immunosuppressants/steroids/others to calm the situation. That's very important. But diet is also a valid and supportive thing to do - it's likely your doctor will recommend reducing protein, sodium, cholesterol (maybe other things too) if your labs support doing that. Ask him/her about that. If you have muscle weakness or anemia or low blood pressure, etc., he may advise against it. Although your creatinine is out of range, it shows your kidneys are still functioning reasonably well at this time, so that's good! I'm glad you're keeping an eye on it - autoimmune conditions are very frustrating and unpredictable.

[Dahlialoveblue67]

Hubby’s dropped when he was taking pain meds and used enemas for severe constitution. He did not know how dangerous they were.