Posted , 6 users are following.
GFR now 41, down from 72 last April. I have RA. The inflammatory process of RA is damaging my kidneys, but anti inflammatory drugs will also damage kidneys. I am on xeljanz, after having been on multiple biological previously with adverse reactions. I am heading toward dialysis? How low would GFR have to be before that happens?
0 likes, 4 replies
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fran32391 diane00296
Posted
Yea, that's quite a bit in one year but at least you're not on dialysis yet. I guess it depends on you and your Nephrologists as to when you would start. Depends on how you feel. I have read they start anywhere from 15 down to like 6. At 41 you have quite a bit of function so if you can just stabilize, that would be great. Follow your Nephrologists orders. Don't take ANY meds without first checking with your Nephrologists. Not even over the counter. Follow your renal diet your Dr gives you. You probably watch eating red meat due to your RA but now you'll need to be careful with chicken and fish also because they have a lot of protein.
I went down a lot also in a year so I understand how frustrating it is to see those numbers keep dropping. I finally stopped at 22. Haven't had my labs done this month yet so we'll see what happens. I also have RA among other co-morbidities. You just need to keep your head up, think positive. Try and not stress over it so you can keep control of your blood pressure, not good for kidneys, you know. Work at finding out what calms you.
Enjoy what you can and deal with the rest.
diane00296 fran32391
Posted
marj01201 diane00296
Posted
I can definitely understand your worry! I just saw my nephrologist today. He has a pretty upbeat attitude about dialysis if "the patient" is otherwise quite healthy.
I'm definitely headed to dialysis as well. I've decided to start with PD and then move to HD as my system eventually wears out from PD. I'm thinking that will prolong my life as long as possible. Of course, the unknown is what quality of life I'll have on dialysis.
My father was on dialysis due to blood pressure issues. He had a pretty miserable experience with it. But I'm not my dad; I'm overall much healthier than he was. Do, I'm planning for the worst but hoping for the best at this point. Right now my kidneys are quiet and stable with about 30 percent function according to my labs and what my nephrologist just told me. For me, that's a win!
Marj
marj01201
Posted
I meant to say 20 percent function🐶
Marj