eGFR

[kathy1972]

Is there any other reason that a eGFR could be low? 18 months ago it was 63 and the test wasn't flagged now it is down to 58 and it is.
I am 35, female and I am not diabetic nor have high blood pressure but have had some bad kidney infections in the past. I haven't been feeling too well lately and the Dr. doesn't seem to think it is a big deal, he never even noticed the flag that came up for the test!! Could it be CKD? and should I get a second opinion?

[kathy1972]

As far as any differences( surgeries, meds...etc) from one test 18 months ago to the current not much has changed and the only prescription medication I take is anti inflammatories occasionally for my back. I don't know if the prescription would affect my results but I heard that they can possibly damage your kidneys even more.  I am supposed to take them everyday but I probably only take them every 3 or 4 days justs to keep my back & hip pain at bay.  Without them I would not be able to walk but I heard taking them long term is not good for kidneys or the stomach either.

I have a Dr. appointment tomorrow and I am going to see if they can do the other simpler tests and see if that helps. If everything is fine then great but I just want to make sure. I will keep you posted. Thanks again!

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

For your own peace of mind and also to allay your worries , a second opinion from a nephrologist or an internist will be able to guide you.


For additional tests, a kidney ultrasound , a complete blood count, ff up of BUN and creatinine levels, serum albumin levels, a 24 hour urine collection will be able to help.

Are you currently taking any medications?

Have you had any history of instrumentation or surgeries? Any event that contrast has been used in any previous scans?

[kathy1972]

Thanks for your response.
The kidney infections that I have had were over 10 years ago and I was hospitalized 3 or 4 times for severe infections.  It is just the last few months that I have been tired and and getting alot of headaches as well as getting up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom.
I think why I am frustrated is that my Dr. never noticed the test result in the first place and then had his secretary phone me back and tell me it is nothing.  Do I have reason to be a little concerned and everthing that I have read on CKD says early diagnosis is important but yet the Dr's don't seem to think so.
Otherwise I am healthy, normal BMI and get lots of exercise as I run regularly.
If you had to recommend another test to correspond with this one, what would it be? Thanks for letting me vent.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

I understand that you are worried about this. Your GFR may need to be monitored for the next three months. Although in your case, you have mentioned of repeated kidney infections in the past which may also contribute to  a decreased GFR. It is best to be thoroughly assessed.

A kidney ultrasound ,a 24 hour urine collection to determine albumin levels and a complete blood count may help. Also BUN and creatinine levels may be used to correlate with your GFR results.

Keep a positive attitude.You may seek a second opinion to allay your worries. Maintain a healthy lifestyle and set daily exercises everyday.

Keep us posted for anything.