Stage 2 CKD? Advice please?

I recently found out that I have 80 for a GFR score...Kidney Foundation stages that at 2nd stage. My biological father has really bad kidney function, one is very shrunken, and now I find out about this for me, and my brother also has stage 2. Has known for a while so do not know what stage or number he is at now. I think it has been quite a while since he had last testing. I know he complains a lot about kidney's being very sore.

My creatinine was 70 umol/l (reference 45-84)
Urea was 4.4 mmol/l (reference 1 - 8.2)

According to the site, urea and creatinine will be normal at this stage...I guess I am just needing some feedback from a real person, not just some numbers on a computer screen.

Can anyone help me with some more info or what I should do? My dr never even told me about my results. I have the copies and looked into myself. I have many issues, but now I guess I have to wonder about this, as well?

Thanks for the help

[lindahand]

GFR of 80 is pretty good so there is no need to go into hyper vigilant mode. The doctor probably didn't mention it because it is no cause for alarm yet. Depending on your age it may even be normal as your kidney function declines naturally as you age.

My GFR was 54% and now is 72% (I am 38) and I credit it to starting to use a kidney diet. I wouldn't go hog wild, but making a few simple changes may help (consulting your doctor first). For example dark colas and pre-packaged foods are really tough on kidneys because of the phosphosus in them. Making sure you stay within the recommended levels for protein. At stage two I wouldn't reduce protein, but would stick with protein no larger than the size of a closed fist (6 ounces usually). And I would also just moderate a bit really high potassium foods like tomatoes, oranges, nuts, and potatoes. And lose the salt shaker. And one thing I would for sure do is avoid NSAID medications like Aspirin, Aleve, Ibuprofen (Advil), etc. They are super duper hard on the kidneys.

But I wouldn't freak. 80% is pretty good. If you stay there you will be just fine. Because of the kidney disease in your family taking some preventative measures may be a good idea. If you can go back and look at your tests from the previous time that is important to. If it was previously 80 then you just may naturally have kidneys that don't process as well. If it was 90 and went down to 80 then it is more of a cause for concern because it may be progressing.

So its something to keep an eye on, but not worry about too much.

[panda2526]

Thanks so much...it would have been nice for the dr to at least mention it as it was commented on my test results by lab...just never even came up and I have been in for so many other things as well.

That being said...I do take a lot of Advil...my NSAID of choice, extra strength and double doses as I suffer from migraines, sciatica and back and neck pain. So I know that is something I have always done as long as I can remember. Tylenol and muscle relaxers time to time as needed as well. So I will have to try to limit that. Any other alternatives for pain meds?

I am 42, female.

Good for you you improved your kidney function! I will look into the diet aspect and what is recommended for kidney health. I unfortunately have no base line to compare to, this was my first test I know of for kidney's. Up until recently I have not been a go-to-the-doctor kind of girl...I liked to avoid it! Unless I had my kids, no one would have ever looked at me sideways or backwards!!! I know, bad...(I also have only ever had 2 paps done in my life) so I have never been one to run to drs, although over the years have attempted at times to try to get to the bottom or ask questions regarding more serious concerns or pain, but no one was ever able to help me, so I think I kind of gave up.

Anyway, thanks for your reply. Appreciate the encouragement.

Cheerz, C

[lindahand]

I haven't found any good alternatives for pain meds. I know tylenol is better than NSAIDS on the kidneys. Another thing you can try is melatonin for helping with sleep. I have a lot of pain so it is a real sacrifice not to take NSAIDS. I see a physiotherapist (physical therapist in the US) and that helps a lot.

If you get a lot of migraines you may want to inquire about a medication for prevention. My sister takes something called Topomax (topamax) at a low dose and it has pretty much eliminated hers.

Good luck.

[panda2526]

Cheerz, Lindahand

Thx for the advice...

I'm hoping to get to the bottom of this, having my thyroid function analyzed...this is a fight and a half getting to the bottom of the REAL levels, and also my iron, as it is elevated, and I know that this is bad thing for overall health, the culprit in many other conditions...

hopefully it will all make sense soon!