My GFR has dropped from 53 to 33 in the last six months. My GP is now trying to get me into a specialist asap. I'm scheduled to have major reconstructive ankle surgery in the next 6-8 weeks. We are not unclear as to whether they will proceed with surgery.
Has anyone out there had major surgery when their kidneys are not working well. I've waited months for this surgery I just don't want it cancelled.
Surgery with kidney issues is not always that big a deal although precautions must be taken. Don't forget, people have kidney transplants while on dialysis. I had a couple of minor surgeries while on dialysis (no kidney function).
I would make sure to be under the care of a nephrologist who will help the surgeon know how much to hydrate you and what to be avoided post op.
Hey, thanks for your encouraging reponse. I've been stewing about it for the past 24 hrs. I live in a smaller city and there are approximately 4 nephrologist here. All have extremely long waiting lists, so the waiting begins to see which one deems me to be urgent enough to an appointment. My ankle surgery will take place in a very large city approximately 5 hours drive away from home. I'm praying my GP takes the lead and coordinates with these specialist. I'm trying not to press the panic button.
My thoughts this morning are that I don't have another 20 points to play with and I'm afraid of what the next six months will bring. If it repeats itself I'll be on a transplant waiting list.......just can't picture this.....I know I shouldn't jump ahead but I'm so unsure of my future.
There are things you can do that will (sometimes) slow the progression of kidney disease. This includes keeping hydrated, cutting sodium, and cutting back on animal protein. Monitoring and maintaining your blood pressure is also important.
Don't go by the eGFR too much. It is estimated (that's what the "e" stands for) and is often wrong because it is based on assumptions about your size and sex. Watch your creatinine and electrolytes and watch for the trends. Also, your edema and how you feel will determine when dialysis is necessary and that may take many years.
Do you have any idea why your kidney function is declining? Keeping the underlying cause under good control is important too. There are many conditions that can lead to kidney failure, and it is so important to find out what that is.
I've been on Micardis for years and my BP has been very good, up until the last five weeks and now it is up and down, it usually stays around 137/86 which is a lot better than what it been up to 195/110. Dr. is not making any changes to meds until I see neph.
The earliest dectection of kidney decline was around 2007 and it was felt to be caused by long use of NSAIDS and anti-inflammatory drugs. I have a severly damaged ankle that has been operated on at least four times and the joint is going to be replaced for the second time in the next six week, this will be along with two fusion and bone grafting. Dr. limited use of these drugs and have had to try any manage on tylenol. I have used A.....l on occassions when the pain has been beyond manageable. However, I am now on a Butran patch which is helping pain so much and no other pain meds are required. Maintaining my GFR in the high 50 has been pretty successful up until the last year total drop 24, 20 being in last six months. Reason totally unclear.
I have had issues with since Oct last year with right hand.....sent to rheumy....according to him no immune disorders, however developed trigger thumb and DeQuervain disorder....treated with cortzone shots.
I have not had any blood work other and GFR and Creatine Test, so do not know where I stand with things like anemia, sodium, phosphate, etc, etc.
I'm praying Neph will be able to clear up the mystery.
Re: GFR Drops 20 
