Declining eFGR

[Bluecharles]

Hi. Just joined this forum. I'm a 66 healthy male. Since December of last year my efgr has declined from 63 to 57 a couple of weeks ago. Now CKD Stage 3 a. My father had polyscistic kidneys and recieved dialysis during his last few years. My ACR and BP were normal. My creatinine level however was 114 (range 59-104). My cholesterol was 4.6 and is now reduced to 2.0 since taking statins Since this decreasing level i have changed my lifestyle and diet. I have reduced red meat, no processed food, no crisps or chocolate and limited alcolhol to below 20 units a week. I now walk briskly every other day for 30-40 minutes. My main concern (and seems to be for a lot of people on this forum) are the use of other tablets. 18 months ago I was on 1 x Famotidine per day for my Acid Reflux. After witnessing lower abnominal pain I decided to stop taking them about four months ago.....guess what, no stomach pain. Also, for 18 months I have been taking 1 x 10mg Atorvastin statin at night. The pattern is since taking these tablets my efgr has reduced 6 points. I drink plenty of water during the day but at night I have to drink a pint of water as my mouth gets so dry. Are these statins causing me more problems than good. Is it really safe to come off them once started?With my improved diet/excersise I would hope to maintain a healthy cholestreol level. Would appreciate any similar experiences/advise. Thanks

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

It would be irresponsible to tell you stop a prescribe medication. My story was I went on them for about 4 weeks. My triglycerides were high, cholesterol was a bit over. I felt awful on them and weaned myself off slowly. I was on a very restrictive diet and went to plant based for a while. Everything came way down. Cholesterol is perfect, triglycerides way, way better.

[Bluecharles in reply to Bassetmommer]

Hi and thanks for responding. My story so far is similar to yours. I'm just trying to investiagete as much as I can at the moment and decide whats my best way forward. Take care and thank you

[ROCKERMAN in reply to Bluecharles]

It is very important to have your blood pressure regulated. My BP was a key factor on my PKD. I didnt knew the relatjonship between BP and PKD.

[WildIris]

hi Bluecharles and welcome. When I first learned I had CKD, my egfr tested as 24, so I took it seriously and jumped into plant based with both feet. This test proved to be a fluke though and it’s stage 2 or 3 now after 3 plant based years and exercise and losing 80 pounds. This regime also cured my heart problems including high bp and most of the arrhythmias, also lupus is MIA (don’t miss it). So I commend you for taking plant based steps. I also stopped most meds tho I never took statins. High cholesterol doesn’t have specific symptoms, so I guess you should cut back like maybe half then ask for a retest, or talk to your doctor. Personally I relish having gone from multiple specialists to just a GP once a year, knock wood.

[Bluecharles in reply to WildIris]

Thank you so much for sharing your story and your time responding to me. I am just gathering all sorts of information in order to plan my way forward. Take care and thanks again

[userotc]

After being on statins for 1y, my dad came off them several years ago at a similar age to you. But he only did this after radically improving his nutrition via a Nutritional Therapy protocol. His cholesterol ratios (the reason for starting statins) are as good or better than with statins.

Nutritional Therapy from a qualified practitioner can also help for other health systems e.g. there's significant evidence that it is best for early stage CKD. My mum (ckd3) has adopted an NT protocol for several years.

Btw what reasons were given for statins being prescribed with a total cholesterol <5? nhs.uk/conditions/high-chol...

[barbara55109]

20 drinks a week is quite a lot. My Dr advised no alcohol.

[Bluecharles in reply to barbara55109]

Hi. Thanks for responding. In the Uk 1 drink of alcohol is usually equivalent to 1.5 units. So I usually have 10-15 drinks per week. Agreed it can come down more, but life’s enjoyment v’s boring ratio always gets calculated!!