GFR

Posted , 4 users are following.

In panic mode after having a blood test for cholesterol. I received a call to say that the test had identified a GFR of 46. I’ve never heard of having a test for GFR when being tested for cholesterol.  Anyway, I’ve not got an appointment for an ultrasound scan. Panic has set in, mainly because I had a gynae cancer 6 years ago. Mind in overdrive- recurrence. 

Just wonder what could cause a low GFR result? I was taking Omeprazole for acid reflux at the time and had been taking it for three weeks. 

I  have also had problems with repeated UTIs and take an antibiotic when required, but not had a problem in the last 4 months.

I’m 60 years old and have normal blood pressure.

Many thanks. 

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Posted

    GFR tells us how well your kidneys are working - we measure it all the time in medicine.

    Ideally it should be over 100. But we don't get really worried about it until it gets below 15. 46 is perfectly fine as long as it stays at 46.

    Certain drugs can do this - but omeprazole isn't one of them.

    Do you ever get Flank Pain? Have you ever had blood in your urine?

    Do you have Diabetes? What is your cholesterol?

    Which antibiotics have you previously been on?

    Which type of Gynae Ca did you have and how was it treated?

    • Posted

      Did any of the UTIs ever get up to your kidneys or where they just bladder?
  • Posted

    Hi

    GRF of 46 at 60yrs is really not too bad as long as it stays around that level like others mentioned here.

    If you had Chemotherapy or radiotherapy or cytotoxic drugs for the Gynae Ca then it coukd be that.

    Im 52yr with GFR of 41 and they cant find a cause. So they are just monitoring it. Mine has steadily gone down from 61 to 41 in 4yrs so far has stabilised in 40's for past year.

    Try not to panic too much, get your scans done etc then have good chat with your Dr.

    Hopefully nothing to worry about!

    Good luck.

  • Posted

    I had endometrial stage grade one.

    I am going to need statins for cholesterol. My antibiotic is cephalexin.

    Over the summer I had a pain in my side (mild) on and off for 10 days, then it went, with nothing else since.

    Thanks for your interest.

  • Posted

    Never had a kidney infection, as far as I’m aware. 
  • Posted

    I can certainly understand your panic. But as others have said, an eGFR of 46 is not reason for real concern. Mine is between 14-15 at this point. I'm on various medications to deal with anemia and manage my potassium level (along with a low potassium diet), but I'm actually still feeling quite well.

    My nephrologist wasn't concerned when I had an eGFR of 49; although I was certainly concerned. (It really does sound quite problematic.) He was very focused at that point on stabilizing my function which he did very successfully for several years.

    So you should be fine. You may just need your doctors to more closely monitor your renal function.

    Marj

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