There is hope

[Bambi44]

I’ve been following this site for a while and wanted to tell you my story to try and give a little light to anyone panicking about egfr.

In 2021 at 43 I had some private bloods taken and my egfr was 73, no panic, as first test and didn’t take much notice.

In 2023 at 44 I had it retested and it was 71. I did a little research and panicked - if I kept on this trajectory by the time I was mid 50’s I’d be in the 60 and could be in real trouble.

I went to see my GP, who was not interested in the slightest and gave no advice about salt, protein, ibuprofen said they wouldn’t worry until it was below 60! Which I thought was too late.

I started following Kidney Solution on Instagram to get some tips about diet and vitamins. I stopped snacking on roasted peanuts/crisps, cut down on salt and cut down on processed meat and alcohol, when I say cut down I would still have it, just be mindful and I’d still splurge on holidays.

I started taking a probiotic, omega 3, bit D and B and alpha lipid acid.

I had my test results yesterday and my egfr at 46 is 91. I was so relieved I could cry. Everything I read told me it wouldn’t get better, the best I’d hoped for was stability.

I wanted to share - I believe this kind of advice should be given by GP’s and it could help others and save the worry and anxiety I know this can cause x

[Attari11]

congratulations Amazing would you please share which omega 3 you been using thanks

[Bambi44 in reply to Attari11]

I use Zipvit super strength omega 3 fish oil 2000mg, EPA 660mg and DHA 440 mg

[Attari11 in reply to Bambi44]

Thanks how long you been using do you take medication?

[Bambi44 in reply to Attari11]

About 4-6 months

No other meds or issues at the moment

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador]

I was put on a CKD diet y my Primary Doctor and it has worked for me. It was based a blood work results for eGFR, sodium, potassium and phosphorus. I have continual blood work following these items.

[eGFR68climbing]

thanks for your post. I am 59 male and just found out my eGFR of 68 is stage 2 kidney disease from a nurse practitioner that I hired through 10X Health. My primary care doctor never mentioned this ever! After reviewing last 5 years blood labs apparently this should have been mentioned as my eGFR has been under 80 last five years! Your experience gives me hope! I am now following kidneysolution on instagram. Thank you!

Best regards-Bryce

[Transalp in reply to eGFR68climbing]

I’ve been south of 80 for 15 years, still kicking around the 60-70 mark.

[Dana66CKD]

I changed my diet to mostly plant-based, reduced animal protein to fish, egg whites (occasional whole egg) and lean chicken. 3x/week. Reduced processed foods, increased water intake daily to 64-80 oz. Was taking fish oil, but didn't notice improvement & causing mild heartburn.Started at 55 eGFR (stage 3a), with bp rx, diet changes & wt. loss, eGFR's back up to 88-90's.

Struggling with other issues & very sensitive to bp meds. I keep plugging along to try & find right med/dose for spikes in bp.

Glad to hear your good end result. Stay on you diet & lifestyle changes. It will help prolong your kidney & overall health.

Keep us posted.

[Bingo88]

WOW That Amazing, and yes you are right doctors don't bother telling you that you have kidney problems until its getting serious and the longer you have had a lifestyle with food. The harder it is can be to alter your eating habits. Thanks for the information..sadly its too late for me and I am awaiting the Fistula procedure to be done. Keep well. Brian

[Pepperthedog]

Research findings and advice on Astragalus are contradictory, so I avoid it. Some sources also say Vit D is potentially a problem, while others (including my renal guy) say it's a good one, along with Vits B & C. Vits A & E, according to most authorities on kidney disease, are definitely to be avoided.

[nonna70]

My nephrologist explained to me that it was okay for EGFR to go up and down. The problem is if it continues to go down with no upswing.

[Merny5]

That is wonderful news Bambi! Keep up the hard work and good luck on your journey!