my eGFR went down… should I worry!

[Tuna14]

Hi everyone,

I'm feeling really worried and scared, and I need some help understanding what's going on. My usual eGFR has been between 43-45 mL/min since my transplant 4 years ago. In November, I had a CT scan with contrast, which caused an allergic reaction and then an infection. As a result, my eGFR dropped to 34 mL/min. I thought it would improve after the infection was treated, but I just got my latest results, and it’s still at 34 mL/min.

I'm concerned that if I get another infection, my kidney function could decline further, and I worry about the possibility of kidney failure. Is there any way to improve my eGFR, like through diet or other methods? Has anyone else experienced something similar?

I would really appreciate any advice or insights!

Thanks,

Tuna

[Parkerbarker]

Yes,ive had it go down because of infection and drugs and such.Three times it recovered but the last time as I was on forscaet it didnt go back all the way so I gotta live with that but drinking the 4 litres of water a day helps which in winter I have trouble doing.I am 3 years in and my kidney was a 50% that i recieved too so that cpuld factor in.

[SOct91]

what is your team saying? I’m surprised you were allowed a contrast as that is hard on kidneys. I know the feeling of being scared watching your gfr drop. How’s your creatinine? The numbers are correlated and I’ve been told sometimes it can take months for creatinine to drop after something sets it off (assuming that something isn’t an actual rejection episode). I’d be asking your team to collect more information and maybe a biopsy just to give you peace of mind and arm you with more information about what’s happening. Other than that yes just keep hydrated, and eat healthy (plant based, variety, don’t overdo the protein).

[Tankjsl]

So sorry to hear of your situation. My wife is a nurse practitioner and when my GFR was lower she reminded me to drink more water. So I drink between 90-100 oz. a day....maybe more some days. I will have a cup of coffee in the morning but other than that.....it's water. My GFR has been pretty good and steady. Also check with your nephrologist and transplant team. The very best of luck and stay well.

[ShyeLoverDoctor]

Oh no! They didn’t tell you to avoid CT contrast? I am so sorry.

Sometimes a substance like that causes an AKI, acute kidney injury, and your function can improve over time. Sometimes, it does not, sadly.

If anyone knew how to improve GFR they would be a billionaire.

[Dna4christ]

Drink lots of water.. they shouldn't have added contrast to your scans, knowingly! Water pear juice or anything pear really helps with kidney function!! And try going non beef red meat diet! Helps lessen the work on your kidneys as well! 14 years now!!

[littlelinda50]

First and foremost make your concerns loud and clear with your transplant team! Since you had an infection it might take your body time to get back to normal. Making sure you are hydrated properly is very important. Mine dropped because I was not drinking enough. Also, remember this every situation and person GFR numbers have different normals even though it shows of the test it's below normal it might be normal for what your body has gone through. So ask your transplant coordinator or doctor what should my GFR number be for what my body just went through and what can I do to improve it. Plus ask when should I be worried. If they try to brush you off and say it's okay than demand they explain why it's okay and what to look for when it's not okay. I know its scary but worrying will not help and I know easier said than done.

[shivermytimbers]

Plant-based diet, with plenty of green veg - spinach, arugula, kale - and fruit (not too much - fructose is just sugar, really) can help to slow down deterioration of eGFR. So claimed a medical paper I read a long time ago. Forgotten the link. Sorry.

However, as far as I'm aware, nothing will raise it. Sometimes, it can fluctuate depending on whether you're dehydrated so drink plenty.

And, as others have said, avoid contrast. Discuss it with your nephrologist not the radiographer. I had five CT scans checking to see if my colon cancer had come back. Each time the radiographer insisted on contrast dye. I pointblank refused. My nephrologist had it put on my record "no contrast due to low eGFR". Even after that I still had to fight the radiographers! I won all those fights but I could have done without the hassle.