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Should these test results be concerning to me? I'm 50 and have had extremely uncontrollable high blood pressure since I was 7 months pregnant 20 years ago. I am non African American: Creatinine 1.37 Range 0.50 - 1.20 mg/dL, GFR MDRD Non Af Amer 41.

The results that you quote would suggest that you have Stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD) if these results have been present for at least 3 months. I suggest that you have urine testing done for blood, protein, and infection. I then suggest that you discuss these results with your primary care physician (PCP) and...

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A recent blood test indicated that my GFR was 52. I asked my doctor about what it meant because I looked it up and found that it puts me at stage 3 CKD. He looked back over my readings and my GFR was at 46 a few years ago and it is now rising, so that it is a good thing. He doesn't see where I get the idea that I have stage 3 CKD. He says these numbers are just normal for me. If they drop drastically then he will be concerned. He says there are many other factors that go into determining if it is CKD. Should I be concerned?

Chronic kidney disease is commonly asymptomatic. Hence, it may be present for many years and not cause any symptoms. The treatment, however, is to stay healthy, eat a low salt diet, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, keep your blood pressure well controlled, control your diabetes (if present) and have regular blood and urine testing. If your physician is advising you accordingly, then your physician is likely doing everything that...

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My GFR fluctuates between approx 18-22 and has for quite a while. However, my symptoms have gotten unbearable. Specifically the pain in my bones, jaw, teeth and the itchiness, and I sleep literally at least 18 hours a day and can not always get up even to shower or function on a daily basis. My cognitive skills are shot and I feel like I'm just laying here waiting to die. What and when can something be done to bring me back to life? I have had iron infusions for anemia and am on several medications, but I am so tired of feeling like the living dead. Does my GFR absolutely have to be lower then 15 for a long period of time before the doctor can do anything to make me feel better? I.E. dialysis

The decision to start dialysis is one between you and your nephrologist. It is not based on any particular number. It is based on the opinion of the nephrologist to determine if dialysis can relieve some or all of your symptoms. Once your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) falls consistently below 20 milliliters per minute per 1.73 meters squared, you should be eligible to be evaluated for the kidney transplant list. You should discuss...

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A blood test showed my GFR at 87 and a more recent one showed it's 105. At the first visit, at 87, the doctor told me i was in stage 2. What does the new number mean. Am I getting better or worse than the first visit, when he said I was in stage 2? Also, what supplements or prescription medicine, should I stay away from?

I am not sure about the advice given to you by your doctor. If these GFR's are based on the MDRD or other estimating equation to estimate the glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) then these values are normal. We do not classify Stage 1 or Stage 2 chronic kidney disease (CKD) based only on the eGFR. If your eGFR is above 60, this is normal and the estimating equations are not very accurate with estimating GFR above 60. I would re-consult your...

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How much can GFR fluctuate in patients with stable and very mild glomerulonephritis (no protein, normal blood pressure)? Is it, for example, possible for creatinine to be 1.00 in one test and 0.80 in another or when CKD is present the numbers stay stable? e.g. 1.00. I see that healthy people have big fluctuations (e.g. from 1.05 to 0.70) but I don't know if this happens to CKD patients.

Unfortunately, the serum creatinine is subject to some variation, especially in the low ranges that you cite. I do not think these numbers are different from each other, but they may lead to marked variations in the calculation for the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The serum creatinine can easily vary by 0.1 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) from one test to the next and this is just...

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My GFR is 56, I asked my doctor if it is because I'm not drinking enough water, and he said,"yes". I do drink water but he said I should drink about 3 quarts because I weigh 176 pounds. I have hypothyroidism, adrenal fatigue, I believe I have mercury poisoning according to Dr Cutler because of my mercury amalgams. What should I do?

An estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 56 milliliters per minute per 1.73 meters squared is very mild chronic kidney disease (CKD). It is early Stage 3 CKD. I suggest that you continue to consult with your physician. I believe he or she is giving you accurate information. You should be retested in the next year.

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I recently found out I have had Stage 3 kidney disease since at least 2008. My GFR has been between low 30's and 40. I have been taking NSAIDS for maybe 30 years for severe osteoarthritis primarily in my hands. I have been off for about a month, but have quite a lot of pain What is the safest thing to take? Can I use Voltaren gel and or MoveFree Ultra (cartilage and hyaluronic acid)? Or should I just live with arthritis? My doctor doesn't seem concerned because I'm stable.

I cannot give medical advice without knowing your complete history and performing a complete physical examination. In this case, I recommend that you discuss this carefully with your physician. In general, topical agents and glucosamine and chrondroitin (hyaluronic acid) are safe, but I do not know all of your medical problems. This should be reviewed with your physician.

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My doctor diagnosed me with Stage 3 CKD with a GFR of 58. He was concerned because I'm only 46 (and female, by the way). He referred me to a local nephrologist who looked over my labs and told me to come back in a year so he could check the labs again. Should I be pursuing a more proactive doctor -- he didn't even mention seeing a nutritionist or anything to prevent further damage to my kidney function.

You appear to have early Stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD) if your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) has been less than 60 milliliters per minute per 1.73 meters squared for more than three months. If it has not been three months yet, then repeat testing may be in order. It is important to make sure this decrease...

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Can long term use of norvasc (amlodpine) and lisinopril cause more kidney damage? I was stage 3 ckd 6/4/14, and as of 7/14/14 my GFR went down from 40 to 25. Can you explain reason? I have a kidney doctor but he states my numbers has decreased due to heat wave in Washington State and my numbers will return to normal once heat wave goes away. Need some advice on this issue.

Amlodipine and lisinopril should not cause kidney damage and in fact are used to treat high blood pressure and slow the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The changes in your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) seem excessive and may represent an...

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I recently had a physical and was complaining about some kidney pain and shortness of breath. Doctor ran tests and my creatinine level was 1.4 and my GFR was at 59. I am a 31 year old, white male, 5'8" and 150lbs. My blood pressure was normal, no diabetes, my cholesterol was on the higher side (252). My doctor said we should do another urine sample and blood work in 3 months. Should I be concerned? Should I ask for an ultrasound, 24 hr urine test, etc to be done now? I am still having flank pain in my kidney and right side of my body.

The diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires that tests be abnormal for at least 3 months, so your physician is very astute and is asking for a repeat test in 3 months. Lab tests may be in error and need to be repeated. CKD is very uncommonly associated with pain. In fact, kidney disease is usually painless. If you are otherwise well, I would follow the recommendation of your physician. I am not able to make a diagnosis based on the...

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