My GFR

[Penny462010]

I had my GFR done along with my other routine blood work. My sodium has dropped, my Magnesium has dropped  and my chloride level has also dropped under the norm. I been having pain in the middle of my back on the right side and I am extremely tired all the time. I have also noticed I am using the bathroom more often but hardly anything is coming out.
My GFR has always been >60 and I noticed this time it dropped down to 59. Is this something I need to be concerned about? I am diabetic, high blood pressure, have NASH a form of liver disease and have suffered one stroke. Are my kidneys okay?
Thanks for answering
Penny

[Azwoman]

Actually a GFR of 59 in my opinion, is not bad,, mine is not even that high but with your diabetes and high blood pressure, not a good combo if your GFR is dropping. I would see a nephro like the other poster said but your GFR is certainly not horrible.

[irishrooster]

Hi Penny,  I dont know what your insurance situation is but if you have a PPO you need to make an appt. with a nephrologist (kidney doctor).  I am going to see one this Tuesday.  I am not sure about your tests but I know that pain is sometimes present for kidney issues and diabetes and high blood pressure are the number 1 and 2 reasons for chronic kidney disease respectively.  I am not sure about the liver disease (is NASH the non-alcoholic form of fatty liver?---I have drug induced fatty liver--I take Depakote at a high dose due to bipolar disorder and they have told me I need to get off of it or end up with cirrohis in 22 years but I would rather stay sane for my sons sakes then live a long life any day).  Anyway, I am also not sure how the stroke figures in to all this but I cant think it is a good thing since all bodily systems affect one another--kinda like gears that turn other gears, if one gets a kink in it then all of them will slow down or stop--.  If your gfr has always been more than 60(how much more?  I mean like 61 or more like 90?) then has dropped to 59 it could be due to some other reason and not your kidneys at all.  That is why you need to see a nephrologist.  He will test your blood again and get you a new gfr and also make sure your blood pressure is stable and remains stable.  That is VERY important as is making sure your diabetes stays under control.  Since you are possibly looking at kidney involvement I would stay away from ALL sugar/glucose/sucrose substitutes includine agave since it is actually one of the worsts despite being touted as a good sugar sub.  Be careful and try to use only stevia products.  There are many good stevia products out there and they make delicious treats as well.  Also stay away from NSAIDS, like Ibuprofen.  A good diet to follow is a low protein, low sodium and low phosphorous diet.  There are many good sites to check out for diet and just for good info to help you learn about the kidneys.  Try davita.com, and www.kidneyschool.com

Good luck Penny and try not to worry.  I know how that its.  I am the most horrible worryer and it is causing me all kinds of trouble including keeping my blood pressure at stage 2 hypertension for over a month now.----------Tamye