1. Community
  2. Genito-urinary/Kidney
  3. Kidney Failure and CKD

CKD low calcium what does it mean?

Posted , 3 users are following.

d1990
d1990

Hi,

I have a diverse renal history. Born with renal reflux had ureters realigned in the bladder in childhood, when I was a teenager had right nephrectomy, now I'm 25. Four years ago I was sent to a nephrologist to monitor my remaining kidney. Creatinine is usually between 100-120, so not hugely elevated. My urine is always positive for blood and protein. I think they said my GFR was like in the 50s so I'm not acutely ill or in a bad way, but had my regular routine bloods last month and my calcium showed up as 1.6 (should be 2.something) consultant said my phosphorus was down also and usually in renal patients if calcium is low phosphorus is high and that things didn't match up, he put me on Desunin (cholecalciferol) vitamin D and told me to see him in 2 months whereas I usually see him yearly, but he wants to monitor it closer now... So now I'm worrying cause he was so vague that I don't know what he thinks is happening?

Like at the appointment he was like going on about getting an ultrasound done that day but I had had rib pain a month before that and a&e had thought it was renal colic cause it was low down so I had had a recent ct kub which was normal so he said that was sufficient for now and to see him in January...

I guess my question is, like has anyone experienced this? Does anyone have any idea what it may be showing? I can't sit around need an idea it's driving me mad!

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • realsis
    realsis d1990

    Posted

    I'm not 100% sure about the calcium however I was just sent for a ultra sound of my kidneys too. I have kidney disease and my GFR fluctuates from as low as 28 to as high as 40. The ultrasound checks the kidneys for blockages, tumors, blood vessel issues and shrinkage. unfortunately when a organ is not properly working shrinkage does happen. I found out my kidneys have had extreme shrinking . to the point the doctors consider them " diminutive". I'm fairly certain the ultra sound will be checking you for these things I mentioned above. I wish I could answer your calcium question but perhaps someone else can answer it. I hope my answer regarding the ultrasound has helped a bit. please keep us posted and let us know what the findings were after your ultrasound test. I hope you do well and the doctor finds NOTHING abnormal.I wish you the very best. I'm here if you ever want or need someone to talk to about what your going through with your kidneys. sometimes it helps to talk with someone who is going through kidney problems themselves. a bit of support can really help sometimes. please keep us posted on how your doing and sorry I couldn't have been more help regarding your question.
    • d1990
      d1990 realsis

      Posted

      Aw thanks so much for your reply was starting to feel a bit isolated seeing the consultant this week so fingers crossed alls well appreciate the reply
  • MrsO-UK_Surrey
    MrsO-UK_Surrey d1990

    Posted

    Hello d1990

    ​Low calcium levels in the blood can occur due to insufficient Vitamin D available, and you will probably have already heard that many of us in the UK are deficient in Vit D and in need of supplementation.  A simple Vit D blood test can show any deficiency.  Normal levels are between 75 and 150/200 depending on which area health authority you come under.  Hopefully, taking the Vit D supplement (Colecalciferol) that you have been prescribed will not only increase your Vit D levels if you are, in fact, deficient, but the extra Vit D will help more calcium to be absorbed into your body. 

    It isn't unusual for eGFR readings to be lower in those with one kidney - the important thing is that the eGFR remains stable at its present level.

    ​I believe it is also quite common for those of us with kidney problems to be in need of Vit D supplementation.

    ​It's good that you will be monitored more closely now, if only to check that the calcium levels improve - even that they don't go too high!

    ​I had my right kidney removed aged 12 and the remaining kidney has served me very well for 60 years - I hope that is reassuring for you.  The problems occurring now are mainly down to high blood pressure which is proving resistant to treatment, and having had an autoimmune inflammatory condition that the medics failed to diagnose and treat  for 12 months, leaving my kidney at risk from the untreated inflammation coursing through my body.

    I wish you well.

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.