Low Glom Filt Rate

[Palmilla]

I am essentially a healthy 61 year old woman (no diabetes) and following the death of my husband four years ago have not been seen by a physician for any reason for over 6 years;  Mainly because of being a caregiver and because I had no insurance.  

Recently because of my symptoms, I became very concerned and went to a local doctor.  

Symptoms this past year has been getting worse and could not ignore it. They are as following:

• Extremely tired
• Weight gain
• Memory problems.
• Lower left back pain
• Flu like symptoms
*               Dizzi


The following labs came back and because in the past my blood work has always been in normal limits.

The doctor (GP) faxed me a copy of the following results and told me “ LAB SHOWS SIGNS OF KIDNEY DYSFUNCTION – I WOULD ADVISE THIS LAB BE RECHECKED AROUND THE FIRST OF JULY – SHOULD THIS PERSIST FURTHER EVALUATION OF YOUR KIDNES MAY BE NEEDED. “  This doctor is a D.O.  I just moved to a very small community and the nearest large town is over 40 miles away.  Should I be concerned?  



Basic Metabolic Panel (8)

Glucose, Serum 88
Bun 23
Creatinine, Serum 1.13
Glom Filt Rate, Est 49
If African-American 59 (I am 1 quarter Indian)

Bun/Creatinine Ratio 20
Sodium, Serum 140
Potassium 4.3
Choride                105
Carbon Diaxide 23
Calcium                9.6
THS                 1.855

Thyroixine (T4) 7.6
T3 Update                 27
Free Thyroxine Index 2.1

Thanks you

[zenmind]

I too don't have any answers, but I'll be glad to share my experience.  In January, after yet another angiogram and stent, I was referred to a nephrologist because my GFR then was 59.  It is now 50, and I'm not as panicky as I was initially.  My nephrologist says they don't start looking at dialysis/transplant until the GFR reaches 15 or so.  So we have some time.  They'll do bloodwork now every couple of months (at first it was every week!), and I'm scheduled for a biopsy in a couple of weeks.  In case there is a nephritis that can be treated with steroids, we'll do the biopsy.  But more than likely, it's my long-standing history of hypertension that's the culprit.  Hope this helps some.
Do take care.
Angie

[MSKshelly]

I do not have all the answers for you, however the GFR rate it pretty low. Mine was considered low as well, at 63.4.  My URO said however that a 24 hour urine would give a better overall picture of what my rates are!  He also said these test (the GFR rate),are a predicter and not always completely accurate.
LIke you I have no insurance... however I have a lot of out of pocket medical expenses... esp. right now so we are waiting to do another 24 hour urine untill some more pressing urinary issues are treated!

I did do a lot of research on my own, about this rte and kidney disease.  One thing i read was limiting your protein intake can really help the kidneys.  Meats are really hard on our kidneys and I read that limiting your meat consumption to about 6oz a day and using alternative foods (nuts, grains etc.)  to get your needed protein can actually help or even slow the progression of kidney disease. You might consider checking into this with your doctor!

I hope someone with more info. can help you!  I know when got my blood test and saw the low rating etc, it was a little scary, so wanted to at least post!  Sorry i don't have more info.

Shelly