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KIDNEY FUNCTIONING

Posted , 6 users are following.

amina_72
amina_72

Hi I have been told on 2 occasion by my doctor after a blood test that I have low kidney functioning so she sent me to see a specialist after seeing the specialist my results for blood test came back normal and scan also showed nothing wrong with my kidneys does this mean that sometimes the blood test can show up normal and sometimes not is this normal does it mean I have CKD if anyone can shine a light please would be most grateful.

Thanks

0 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • helen54849
    helen54849 amina_72

    Posted

    Hi,

    What were your results? scans don't always show up issues, but on the other hand your kidney function can change if you have an infection or virus or if you are certain medication so it would depend why you visited the doctor in the first place? Your specialist would investigate further if he thought there was an issue you would think.  Perhaps have it checked again in a few months and take if from there.

    • amina_72
      amina_72 helen54849

      Posted

      My doctor said its showing up at stage 3 CKD she was so concerned and sent me off to Urologist. I have a UTI at the mo and I'm on antibiotics for that they never tell you everything like a guessing game.

    • MrsO-UK_Surrey
      MrsO-UK_Surrey amina_72

      Posted

      Amina, as Helen has said if you are harbouring an infection/virus of any sort, it is possible that blood test results at that time might show a slight change in kidney function. For instance UTI as you mention suffering from one at the moment. Likewise with certain medications.

      If your eGFR at any time falls below 60, it is likely to clock up that you have reduced function. However, if a kidney consultant sees someone with a reading slightly below 60 but in whom further investigations rule out any problems alongside the patient not experiencing any unusual symptoms, then he/she is unlikely to be concerned or wish to pursue further.

      When the latest eGFR test was introduced it was to try and find out whether reducing kidney was an ageing process or a disease process, and my friend's doctor said that loads of patients were suddenly rushing off to consultants in panic. In fact his words were that the Government had opened a can of worms in introducing this test.

      At the time my personal gripe was that anyone found to have just a slightly reduced function was then labelled with the words 'Chronic Kidney Disease' - my specialist at the time agreed with me but he said it had been "introduced in America and we had to live with it"! Is it any surprise that people panic!

      In your case, if your eGFR is only slightly reduced and your CKD is right at the upper end of CKD3, I would just continue to have your bloods monitored from time to time. If they remain stable, you have little to be concerned about. Just watch your blood pressure, your sugar levels, avoid salt and drink plenty of water, especially with that UTI. Coffee/alcohol are dehydrating so avoiding those can help.

    • amina_72
      amina_72 MrsO-UK_Surrey

      Posted

      Thanks so much that makes alot of sense wish the Doctors would explain things more clearly.
  • katejo11
    katejo11 amina_72

    Posted

    Did your GP give you a GFR reading and how old are you? I don't have CKD but found recently that  a hospital dept. (not nephrology) had recorded me as having it based on a GFR reading from a blood test between 60 and 90 without any reference to a doctor. Then I was actually referred to a nephrologist following a separate investigation of recurrent UTI's and a kidney scan which found no problems. I raised this issue with her and she assured me that my GFR was normal for my age (53) and that all the other test results like creatinine were normal too. I understand the need to do these routine blood tests but CKD shouldn't be recorded on our medical records as a diagnosis without interpretation from an appropriate specialist.

    • amina_72
      amina_72 katejo11

      Posted

      She said it was 20 something I am 45 years old.
    • MrsO-UK_Surrey
      MrsO-UK_Surrey amina_72

      Posted

      Amina, an eGFR of "20 something".  Are you sure?  That puts you into CKD Stage 4, in which case your consultant wouldn't have just sent you away saying everything was normal, and it also explains why your doctor was so concerned!  Something doesn't add up here.Whereabouts are you?  Some countries record results differently. 

    • amina_72
      amina_72 MrsO-UK_Surrey

      Posted

      I live in the UK manchester .When they did all the checks a few days ago everything showed up normal it goes up and down.
    • katejo11
      katejo11 amina_72

      Posted

      Based on what I have read so far a reading of 20 to 30 sounds low. I would worry if my eGFR went below 60.
    • MrsO-UK_Surrey
      MrsO-UK_Surrey amina_72

      Posted

      Amina, it's good that the scan ruled out any problems with your kidneys as being the cause of the fluctuating eGFR.  And if the blood tests carried out by the specialist were also normal at that time, then is it just at times of UTIs that your kidney function drops?  One helluva drop from normal though.  However, I'm not a medical expert just someone who has had a lifetime of experience kidney-wis - this is one for the experts.

  • louise5027
    louise5027 amina_72

    Posted

    Hi, it can be confusing sometimes with test results. Yes, the numbers can go up and down, for example those with kidney problems are told not to take anti inflammatory tablets at all as this can reduce kidney function which can improve when the tablets are stopped. I presume the specialist/doctor asked if you were taking anything. What was the original blood test for? Was is specifically for kidney function, if so, what symptoms do you have? If the specialist gave you the all clear then I would say you do not have Ckd. I would ask the doctor what results made him send you to specialist and ask for answers to reassure you.
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