Time frame for stabilizing serum creatinine

[kimosabi1961]

I am 6 months post-transplant. The first month it went from 3.8 down to 2.65. The next month it stayed below 2.0, It averaged between 1.55 and 1.9. In the middle if the third month it started going up until it was 2.4, and I was found to be having a "borderline" acute rejection. After treatment it dropped back to 1.5 about 3 weeks after. But just 8 days later it was back to 1.8 and was 1.78 at the end of the fourth month. 1 week into month five it went to 1.9, and by the end of the month it was 2.03. At the start of month 6 it started dropping, down to 1.76, then 1.66, then 1.64. But in just 2 days it was back to 2.1, then 2 days later it was 1.94. When it started dropping in month five from 2.03 to 1.76, I had taken a fluid pill 3 days before labs, and this was also the case when it dropped to 1.66. According to my doctor I am drinking enough and my output is enough, but to me I'm not sure. There have been days I gained 3 lbs. in one day, and lately I've noticed a little swelling in my lower legs and ankles. I wonder if this is normal, and I also wonder how long it took others to get a stabilized serum creatinine. Thanks!

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

Let's just say that it takes awhile for your creatinine to stabilize. Part of it is your body and new kidney getting adjusted to your immunosuppressants. I am 19+ years post transplant. I remember it was a year and a half before my creatinine stayed pretty constant. I had 3 kidney biopsy's in that time frame. Now my creatinine stays at 0.9