GFR post transplant

[LRob0223]

hi everyone. I’m just curious what everyone’s experience was with GFR levels post surgery. My transplanted kidney appeared to start working right away with the GFR continually climbing and the creatinine decreasing. However my last two test have shown the GFR drop a bit and the creatinine climb a little. It is not a huge amount and I see my dr in 2 days so I’m not super worried. I’m just curious if this is normal? My dr mentioned it may start improving more slowly but hadn’t mentioned it faltering a little. Thanks for your time.

[Jayhawker]

Are you pushing fluids? I know that it’s extremely important to drink lots and lots of water. I struggled with that for awhile after my transplant I think because I had lived for over 5 years with fluid restrictions. Once I got going with my fluid intake my data stopped bouncing around and began a steady and pretty quick upward climb. My labs from yesterday were the best yet. Creatinine .88 with eGFR of 69.7!! I’m 9 months post transplant.

Jayhawker

[OperationKidney]

After surgery it is pretty typical for the GFR to bounce around. Im not sure of the science behind it - Id guess its a combination of med dosing changing and the body getting used to the new organ, among other factors. You can always ask your doctors too but I wouldnt be too worried! Mine still changes nearly every month but its pretty stable.

[PostivelyJo]

Hi I was told mine would wake up slowly and that’s what happened. It took about 3 months to get fully awake and then little dips and rises. Almost 4 years in and it’s a fairly constant number and sometimes has little bursts of improvement … I am less EFGR ted by the numbers than I was originally as I tend to go by how I’m feeling .

[ShyeLoverDoctor]

Mine varied. I am 2 months 1 week out. My creatinine was 1.3 then 1.1 then 1.2 and I said I was worried. They said as long as it is under 1.5 we are totally happy. GFR was around 59-60 back and fourth. Today it is 65! Creatinine 1.03. Best yet. It is very normal for it to jump around they told me.

[Pegasus2021]

Hi. I’m 2 years post transplant. My creatinine and GFR bounced around a lot the first year. I was told that it’s normal to bounce around and that one lab test is not indicative.

My best creatinine was 1.1, but I’m hovering in the 1.4 range for the past 6 months now. Not sure what’s causing it, but it’s making me very anxious. My transplant team is not overly concerned. Perhaps ShyeLoverDoctor is correct - as long as it’s under 1.5 I shouldn’t worry.

[meggy619]

Creatinine is a waste product from your muscles, as you get stronger, post transplant it will often go up and the GFR will go down , its a direct ratio, Creatinine up = GFR down and vice versa Creatinine down, GFR up, my best was ,GFR 79 now hovering around 69, willpower and diet is important, good luck to all.

[Porter20]

I am at 18 months post transplant. My function has always been on the lower side. I have a living donor.

They tell me every person has their own normal. My normal they say is 1.4-1.7 after transplant. My best has been 1.2 and they are happy with anything lower than 1.7. I too go off how I feel versed numbers because every month they bounce around.

I had dengue fever prior to transplant and have read articles that say we are clinical nightmares, due to the bouncing around. If it continues up all the time is when they get really concerned and biopsies start.

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

Just like your creatinine your eGFR jumps around at first. I think your body is trying to adjust to your new medication regimen too. I am now almost 24 years post transplant with a stable creatinine of 0.9. They don't always calculate my eGFR, but last time they did it was 65.

Take care.

[Rocknlily in reply to WYOAnne]

24 years post Transplant!?! God bless you! And to have such remarkable numbers. Nice to know!

[Darlenia]

My hubby's numbers jumped around a lot early on. His team tweaked his meds often and also told him to drink lots of water. Since he was water restricted while on dialysis, this was hard for him to do. Anyway, everything eventually settled down - his creatinine runs around 1.7 and his eGFR is in the low 50s. His team and local nephrologist are happy with that. The condition of the kidney (hubby's came with issues), the match (hubby's was average), the meds, the liquids, your activity....lots of things influence the numbers. It takes time for things to settle down.

[lkhenderson]

minor fluctuations in both directions is normal. If you are on prograf, and your dosing is too high, this can inflate your creatine which drives down your GFR, as just one example. Hydrating is always important but don’t over do it either. I am 5 years post transplants and my creatine consistently stays between 1.2-1.4 and my GFR between 43-47. My doc told me the GFR is not important post transplant its the creatine for the most part that they focus on. Good luck I think you will be fine.

[Bunkin]

It does fluctuate. I wouldn’t be concerned til you see what doctor has to say. Easy to say I know. I am on top of my labs as soon as I get them so I completely understand how you’re feeling.

[Parkerbarker]

Mine 1 year post up down up down but now around 38 to 44gfr with compromised kidney donor .only time creatinie wet realky high was when on tacro and it was toxic to me

[LRob0223]

Thanks everyone. I’ve seen my dr. He’s not concerned as he said things will fluctuate until we regulate my weight, fluid intake, and meds. I appreciate everyone taking the time to respond.

[Camppy3]

I am 13 months post transplant mine both fluctuate alittle.