Kidney Function
Posted , 3 users are following.
Hi
I’ve had a kidney function test done, my eGFR is 72. Can anyone tell me if I should be worried about this as it should be around 90. 🤔 Thanks 🙏
0 likes, 19 replies
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Notes on Kidney Function
Lolasmom Gillian_68
Posted
I thought anything over 60 is normal. That's what the reference in my blood work shows
Gillian_68 Lolasmom
Posted
Mines shows 90, I wonder if there different depending on what labs are testing it. 🤔
Lolasmom Gillian_68
Posted
A GRF of 60 or higher is in normal range
A GFR below 60 may mean kidney disease
A GFR of 15 or lower may mean kidney failure
Gillian_68 Lolasmom
Posted
Thanks, that’s good to know. 👌😁
chris2 Lolasmom
Posted
In adults, the normal GFR number is 90 or higher
Having a GFR between 60 and 89 may be normal for some people, including those over age 60. GFR tends to decline as we age even in people without kidney disease. These people may need to have GFR checked more often in the future. They may be asked to avoid medications that can damage the kidneys (such as ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents) or reduce the dose of medicines that are removed by the kidneys
A GFR below 60 is abnormal.
Lolasmom chris2
Posted
Yes I have looked into this
I just had my eGFR done.
Here in Canada, An eGFR from 60-89 is consistent with mildly decreased kidney function
Normal eGFR is described as greater than or equal to 90
I had it tested in June. Mine was 81
I just had it done this week, and it is 93
Interesting that it went up
Surprised that it went up
chris2 Lolasmom
Posted
Thank you for this. Good news that it can go up! So are you concerned that it was a bit below par? I'm wondering whether some of the elements used in the calculation can fluctuate depending on what we eat or drink.
Gillian_68 Lolasmom
Posted
Hi
I’m in Britain, as I’ve just turned 50 and my eGFR is 72, should I be worried then? I’ve got a doctors app soon for something else, but I could ask them to test my eGFR levels. 🤔
Lolasmom chris2
Posted
I just thought it was odd that it went from 81 in June to now 93. I really do not know to much about this. I just went through a whole bunch of testing for my adrenal glands. I have some of the blood/urine results but still waiting for a couple more.
I just do not know why it could go up. I did a withdrawal from 2 drugs that took 10 months to do. I am now 10 months post withdrawal and still going through protracted withdrawal. This was the hardest thing I have ever had to do, I am kinda wondering if some of these results have any thing to do with that
Lolasmom Gillian_68
Posted
I guess that would depend on when you had your tested. Here are some of my results over the years
Aug 2014 84
Jan 2016 67
Dec 2017 75
feb 2018 76
Apr 2018 83
June 2018 81
Oct 2018 93
Gillian_68 Lolasmom
Posted
I had no idea, it fluctuated so much. 🤔.
chris2 Gillian_68
Posted
Hello
I don't know where you are but here in the UK they seem to regard below 90 as less than optimum function.
My eGFR rate showed as 87 in a recent test and on the test printout it says 'satisfactory' (I'm pushing 70 so maybe that's why). But it also say 'Possible CKD stage 2'. And that's 87! I only noticed it when I got home - it wasn't even mentioned in the consultation. I think I may go back to the GP and ask for a urine test and I suggest you do the same as it can reveal more evidence about potential problems. I've done a lot of googling and it seems if you catch a deterioration in function early there are ways of stabilising the numbers. But I've also seen posts elsewhere from people living normal 'healthy' lives at much lower levels. I think monitoring is the key here - ie checking if the number is going down and by how much.
Gillian_68 chris2
Posted
Hi Chris
I think at 72, I might have to get regular checks. They do say under 90 is a problem. I only found out my eGFR because I went private to get my blood tested. Paid £200.00 pounds and got lots of different tests done. I’m glad I did, at least now I can start looking after my kidneys and hopefully get my eGFR up. 🤔
Lolasmom chris2
Posted
I did the other blood work this week. I also did the 24 hour urine testing. I have had most results back and so far all are good. I am awaiting Cortisol 24 hour urine, Aldosterone/Renin Ratio, and Metanephrines
I also have to do a 24 hour urine but with chemical in it. I postponed that as this weekend is Thanksgiving. This particular urine testing you need to do a 3 day food restriction prior to the 24 hour urine sampling
I guess I was just surprised that my eGFR went from 81 to 93 in 4 months
chris2 Gillian_68
Posted
Hi Gillian
I've googled it - a lot (as we do) and it seems that even being over the magic 90 does not mean you are home and dry. 90 tends to be regarded as the bottom end of optimum. But it seems that a decline in those numbers is the norm for at least two thirds of older people, so being a golden oldie, I'm reassuring myself with that! The thing to remember is that number is just an estimate anyway. But as I am having some issues that may be linked, I may get a couple of other tests done.
I think it's a matter of striking a balance - being aware without being unduly worried. Being aware means you can tweak your diet and lifestyle. For example I read that drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin are best avoided if you have impaired kidney function. Useful to know!
I've often thought about having a private check. We have to give our cars an annual MOT so surely our bodies deserve at least as much care.
Gillian_68 chris2
Posted
Hi Chris, I’m in Britain as well. I’m beginning to think I might have a problem as I’ve only turned 50 a couple of months ago and my eGFR is 72. I think I might try to change my diet to mostly plant foods, I get plenty of exercise as I walk for 2 hours every day. Yes, you should get some private tests done, that’s the only reason I know about my low eGFR. It also showed an imbalance in my red blood cells which is actually connected to a low eGFR. If you decide to get some private blood tests done, you should consider” Bluecrest”. They see you in hotels, the nearest one to where you live, it’s all very comfortable and laid back. Their equipment will be in a private room in the hotel and it dosent take long, i was only 20 mins. 😁👍
chris2 Gillian_68
Posted
Hi Gillian
I only know my number because I've been pre diabetes for years so get annual checks. This time because I was concerned about a couple of things, they ended up doing a full blood count and made the mistake of giving me the print out.
T
hank you so much about the BlueCrest info - I'll look them up.
If you get an opinion from your GP, feel free to report back and I will do likewise. I am thinking about asking for a urine test. In fact I've been thinking about getting some test strips. GPs are so pushed, I worry about going to them about nothing and presenting as the worried well.
Gillian_68 chris2
Posted
Hi Chris,
Are you in England? It’s shocking here in Scotland, we’re told to phone at 8.30 for a same day app with doc’s, I phone and I’m on until 8.45 only to hear “we’re fully booked, try again tomorrow”. If I just ask for an appointment, I’m told it takes 4 weeks, it’s shocking!!! That’s the N.H.S for you 😔. Just fast Chris, it’s been proven to cure diabetes. There was a documentary on tekevision and it proved, if you fast, it cures diabetes, I’m not sure how long for though. 🇬🇧
chris2 Gillian_68
Posted
Hi Gillian
I'm in England not far from the Scottish border. I think our surgery is a bit better but not a lot. I watch GPs behind Closed Doors and they seem more prepared to listen and arrange tests. Whereas here they are more likely to send you away with a 'call us if it doesn't settle etc etc'. My sugar has actually gone down a bit and the cholesterol was up. I've read that cholesterol and kidney function can be linked but I don't know which is the primary problem. I had just started to go all out on a cholesterol reducing diet then I read that some of the best foods for that are the worst for the kidneys. And of course while soya drinks tend to be recommended for the kidneys, the sugar content isn't good for diabetes. Can't win.