I'm assuming you were given various lab and urine tests for your kidney. Could you post your kidney function numbers on the board? That would help. Renal function depends a lot on one's age, gender, ethnicity, medications (used & using), and other medical probs, (especially hypertension and diabetes). So there is no one-size-fits-all for this. Try and get your lab test results and post them here. What did your doc say?
monte
__________________ Never interrupt your enemy when he's making a mistake!
Last edited by montesflus; 11-19-2010 at 06:00 PM.
I am going to agree with montesflus, your labs will be very helpful in answering your questions. There are some very knowledgeable and helpful folks here who will be happy to help you, and support you. You are not alone!
The eGFR function lab test is a very common test. Please be aware that as we age, the eGFR deteriorates to some extent. Mine was 56. I repeated it, but I did the repeat eGFR test while being VERY WELL HYDRATED!! Even though 56 was still ok for my age, my doc suggested doing the re-testing and drinking plenty of fluids 1-2 days prior. So, after following his instructions, my new eGFR result was 63! Here is how he explained it to me in his own words :
''The e GFR is based on a formula that takes into account age and sex and ethnicity
This level is fine for you
Most people's eGFR goes down with age. By age 70 (you are not there!) a GFR can drop to the mid 50's and still be considered normal for that age and person
There is nothing for you to be worried about''.
The above paragraph is exactly what he emailed me. I'm a 65 yr old petite white woman.
So according to what MY doc said, you really don't have to worry. Try and follow a low sodium diet as far as possible and definitely keep your hypertension under good control.
Good luck,
monte
__________________ Never interrupt your enemy when he's making a mistake!
The Following User Says Thank You to montesflus For This Useful Post: asthmaticus (11-20-2010)
I personally don't think you have the beginning of kidney failure. However, like I said before, try and keep to a low sodium diet as far as possible, always try to keep your BP under good control. Unless your docs have advised you differently, you don't need to be on a renal diet (which is a very hard diet to follow). My husband is on it so I know firsthand about that. I don't understand why you're so worried. However, if you're really bothered, then perhaps ask to see a Nephrologist (kidney doc). BTW, what was the result of your Creatinine Serum test, which is usually done in conjunction with the eGFR as part of the kidney function test? I don't remember whether you posted that here.
Try not to worry so much about it,
monte
__________________ Never interrupt your enemy when he's making a mistake!
Hi Monte,
Thanks for your reply.
I guess it was because of that Surgeon.
He is the one who labeled me a Borderline Renal Failure.
Scared the pants off me.
Creatine was 84
I've checked back 3 years of Lab tests, and I've been in about the same
place GFR, up or down 1 or 2 points.
I guess I'm worried as I have so many other health problems to deal with.
I do try my best to keep BP in a good place.
I'm wondering about my Fasting Blood tests on the 8th.
You mentioned to drink lots of water before the test.
But in this case I can't.
I could however drink a couple of glasses of water just before
my 12 hour fast begins.
Still I am adding 3 or 4 -12 oz glasses of water a day.
I have not been a water drinker, I'd rather have coffee.
So, I'm trying to cut down on coffee, and drink more water.
I'm sorry your husband is suffering with Renal Failure.
You will have a lot of knowledge.
Yes, when we get back home in the Spring, I'll ask to see a Nephrologist
and also a dietician. (that is if I cannot get those GFR #'s up)
Keeping sodium low is difficult, it is in most everything.
I do steam most vegitables in a microwave, and do not add salt.
But I am making an effort.
So
Creatine,
GFR
Sodium
Potassium
Urea
Are all tests to keep an eye on.
Are there others I need to watch?
I'm never sure what the letter abreviations stand for.
We will be leaving Dec. 26th for 3 months in Arizona.
That will be very difficult, as there are so many pot lucks,
parties etc.
But I have to keep my weight down anyway, so I'll just
add keep sodium down too.
I appreciate your information, and your kindness in
answering.
I'm sure I will get used to this, and it will be just one more
of many problems to deal with.
That surgeon who said you were ''borderline renal failure'' is NOT a kidney specialist. If your kidney function tests have been more or less in the same range over the past 3 yrs. then that's even more reason not to worry so much as if there HAD been anything serious going on re your kidneys, I'm sure you would have been informed about that in the past!
It's the ''kidney function'' test that it's good to do with 1-2 days of prior good hydration. Will you be repeating the kidney function test? Perhaps try to get a kidney function REPEAT test done separately from your other blood work, perhaps on a different day, that way you can drink plenty of fluids 2 days prior without worrying. It helped MY results as my eGFR went from 56 (without the hydration) to 63 (with 2 days of prior hydration). I stayed at home for 2 whole days and literally drank like a fish before doing my repeat test
Good luck
monte
__________________ Never interrupt your enemy when he's making a mistake!
Borderline Renal Failure 
