Second Blood Test

[tranted]

Ok, have just had results for 2nd blood test. 12th Dec gfr was 65 but I know I was not drinking enough. Now drink 4 or 5 cups coffee daily plus at least 1ltr of water but 2nd blood test was gfr 62 and creatinine level 87. I don't really know what any of this means and have an appt with the gp tomorrow. My bp is fine and I don't smoke, also not drinking any alcohol. My sugar levels are also ok now, within the normal range. I have a discomfort on left side/back, almost a bit of a numb feeling which is worse when I lay on that side, almost like you're lying on something. Was anxious before, now worse I really thought if I drank more the gfr would improve even if only slightly. To drop 3 points in 3 weeks isn't good is it? Keep thinking I'm gonna die and that I won't see out the year. I feel sorry fir my husband I'm such a mess. Don't know what to do.....

[orangecity41]

You will have to see what your GP's diagnosis is. I was diagnosed at level 3b, 2 years ago and CKD progression has slowed down with diet and regimen prescribed by Doctor. In my situation, eGFR does fluctuate a few points.

[tranted in reply to orangecity41]

Thankyou. Will try to think positive thoughts. Wishing you all the best.

[Beanbag5]

Please don’t think like that, I’m on 3% function and still going without any intervention at the minute. My creatinine is 1300. Don’t panic, literature suggests that anything over a gfr of 60 is nothing to be concerned about as you’re born wit much more function than you need and it can fluctuate from day to day, hour by hour. Only if you reach <10 would they even consider any intervention. I’m sure you’ll be absolutely fine

[tranted in reply to Beanbag5]

Thank you so much for your kind words I keep telling myself how fortunate I am compared to others. My appt is this afternoon will come back and let you know how I get on.

[Bet117]

Hi Tranted,

First, take a breath!

I understand how the numbers can scare you and the frustration of working hard and not seeing a change.

You are NOT going to die unless the doctor says so.

Glad that you are seeing your GP tomorrow. Bring a copy of your results and a list of questions with you. Discuss these numbers and what you can do about them, including the possibility of seeing a nephrologist.

Diet and some exercise is key.

Low protein, no red meat, watch your sodium intake..between 1500 and 2000mg daily. No processed foods like cold cuts, hot dogs and canned soups.

Fruits and fresh steamed or fresh frozen veggies are excellent.

Eggs and egg whites are fine. Ezekel puts out a no sodium and low sodium bread.

Ask ypur doctor for dietary suggestions and possibly a referral to a dietician.

Davita.com and Kidney.org are great sources of dietary guidance. Many people on this site work with Davita as they even give you recipes with protein, sodium etc. broken down for you. Check it out.

I still have my morning iced coffee but I use Carnation FF liquid creamer rather than milk. If invited out, I may have a second cup, but it is rare.

I have switched to drinking more water than coffee. So maybe 2 -25oz sport bottles.

Keep a positive attitude and know that you are not alone here. Someone is always on the other end of the computer.

Take Care, and let us know the outcome of your appointment tomorrow!

Bet

[tranted in reply to Bet117]

Deep breath.....thank you will come back to you later after my appt

[Bet117 in reply to tranted]

I will be here! Positive thinking!

[lowraind in reply to tranted]

I have also just been diagnosed and have been reading everything available. My comment has to do with the amount of coffee you are drinking. From what I have read at the National Kidney Foundation site, an 8 oz. cup of coffee has 116 mg of potassium, which is a low potassium food. However, 5 cups has 580 mg. of potassium which is considered high in potassium. Coffee is also a mild diuretic, which makes the kidneys work harder. Have you checked this out with your doctor and/or dietician?

Does anyone have information regarding what causes creatinine levels to rise? When doctors just tell you that you have ckd and give you no further information, it gets very frustrating.

[tranted in reply to lowraind]

Hi, thanks for your reply. Is this because of the caffiene, so would decaff be ok? Does it also apply with tea?

[lowraind]

From Kidney Buzz: "Chronic Kidney Disease patients should consider limiting coffee intake to eight (8) ounces and tea to just sixteen (16) fluid ounces."

This is what I found regarding decaf: Many coffee drinkers don’t

limit themselves to 12 or 16 ounces but repeatedly fill oversize mugs or consume larger sizes in coffee shops. The additive effects of several cups of decaffeinated coffee consumed throughout the day can be significant if someone is sensitive to caffeine or suffering from a health condition aggravated by caffeine.

Also regarding decaf: Decaf coffee is not the same as caffeine-free, no decaffeination method is able to remove 100% of caffeine. In view of the point, Stage 3 kidney disease patients should keep away from the decaf coffee.

I do a lot of googling, and sometimes I get conflicting information, that's why it is important to check with your doctor and/or dietician. I saw my GP on Tuesday, for the first time since I have been diagnosed. I handed her two pages of questions. It seems that the more I read and the more information that I get, the more questions I have. I am not seeing the nephrologist until March, and I do not want to wait until then to find out what I am supposed to be doing.

[LaurieRose in reply to lowraind]

Useful information

[LaurieRose]

Best not to drink more than 2 cups of coffee a day and drink a small glass of water every hour. Try the pioppi diet. Meditate. Ask for more support. Remind people you love them and appreciate their help. Keep going back to ask for answers if you aren't told enough which can often be the case for a lot if us because they don't have enough time I guess with so many I'll people x good luck all the bestx