I just got the results of a blood test back and my creatinine level was 1.7. I get a blood test every three months but this is the first that it has been out of the normal range. My questions are: How bad is 1.7? and could sleeping aids, like Lunesta, cause any issues with kidneys? Just a little concerned as the research I have now done doesn't sound very good (kidney function issues, disease, etc.)
Thanks for any help

I just got the results of a blood test back and my creatinine level was 1.7. I get a blood test every three months but this is the first that it has been out of the normal range. My questions are: How bad is 1.7? and could sleeping aids, like Lunesta, cause any issues with kidneys? Just a little concerned as the research I have now done doesn't sound very good (kidney function issues, disease, etc.)
Thanks for any help

1.7 isn't that bad at all. Do the docs know why it is increasing? I don't believe that most sleep aids can cause damage, but ibuprofen can. Do you take Advil, Aleve, or any other nsaid? They are very bad for you kidneys.

The thing to keep in mind is that it is the trend that is important. This test was up, but you will need to watch and see what happens over time. Then you can tell if the damage is progressing slowly, or quickly. If you take good care of yourself, very often you can slow the progression of whatever disease you have. I have had diabetes for over 40 years and it took over 20 years before I had to go on dialysis.

Take care and feel free to post as many questions as you like. There are a number of us here with a lot of experience.

Cora

Thanks for the response. No ibuprofen. I looked at my previous three test results but none of them have the creatinine levels. The only thing I see is Creatin Kinase (I believe it was called). Do you if that is related to the kidneys and if so, do you know what it is because those were normal in the last three(it is not on the most current one?) I have an appt in a week and a half so I will have to see why the creatinine is not on the others.
Just curious, how long have you been on dialysis and do you remember what your creatinine levels were at that time?
Thanks again for your help

I was only on dialysis for a year and then my cousin gave me a kidney. My creatinine was about 10 before I went on dialysis. I'll admit I should have gone on a bit sooner. Maybe around 8 or so. It depends a lot on the person. Some people feel awful at 4 or 5, and I was still doing ok at 9. It depends on how you feel.

Cora

Just curious: How long can a person be on dialysis? Is there a time when it doesn't do the job anymore or causes other problems?

I have heard of people who were on dialysis for over 30 years. These were folks, of course, who didn't want, or couldn't have a transplant. Beleive me, a transplant is a far better form of treatment.

Cora

I looked around some more after I asked. I'm not sure if I'm looking at the same numbers but I keep seeing where the survival rate of being on dialysis is 77% for one year, 30% for two years and 9% for five years...you mentioned 25 years. Just a little confused Any ideas? - sorry for all the questions.

I looked around some more after I asked. I'm not sure if I'm looking at the same numbers but I keep seeing where the survival rate of being on dialysis is 77% for one year, 30% for two years and 9% for five years...you mentioned 25 years. Just a little confused Any ideas? - sorry for all the questions.

No problems with all the questions. The thing to keep in mind is that you can never trust statistics. They are absolutely perfect for not describing any one patient. The other thing is that most of the time, these numbers are generated by people who are much older. If you are young enough for a transplant, and you Dad is young enough to donate, you definitely do not fall into the category of the stats. Besides, everyone is different.

If you don't mind my asking, what caused your kidney disease, and how old are you? Also, there are different types of dialysis and they all have different effects on the body.

Take care.

Cora

I'm 36 and not sure I have kidney disease at this point. I only know my latest lab result for creatinine was 1.7 - more recently I called to find out when the last creatinine test was done, it was Feb '06 and the result was 1.2. My doctor is not worried at all (at this point anyway) but I heep wondering why such a big jump in only a year. They said it could be my bp meds, but I have been on them for more like two years. They also said maybe I'm not drinking enough water and that we will test again (probably in 3 months) and if need be, more testing at that point. The other meds I'm on are Triglide(for triglycerides) and Synthroid...who knows. To me, that number change is just quite concerning, whether they say they're concerned or not. I really don't think I will be too calm about this until I see more tests done but I understand I can't test eveyday.

I'm 36 and not sure I have kidney disease at this point. I only know my latest lab result for creatinine was 1.7 - more recently I called to find out when the last creatinine test was done, it was Feb '06 and the result was 1.2. My doctor is not worried at all (at this point anyway) but I heep wondering why such a big jump in only a year. They said it could be my bp meds, but I have been on them for more like two years. They also said maybe I'm not drinking enough water and that we will test again (probably in 3 months) and if need be, more testing at that point. The other meds I'm on are Triglide(for triglycerides) and Synthroid...who knows. To me, that number change is just quite concerning, whether they say they're concerned or not. I really don't think I will be too calm about this until I see more tests done but I understand I can't test eveyday.

Sorry, for a sec I had you confused with someone else. As I said, don't worry too much about one number. It could be something as simple as dehydration. Always make sure you drink plenty of non-caffeinated fluid. While there is a jump, it is quite likely that your next lab result will be lower.

Cora