Daily Archives: March 3, 2017

I have been diagnosed with IgA nephropathy and is in stage 3 CKD. My question is related to diet. I have observed from experience that if I follow a low protein diet, my egfr and creatinine seems to be in better level. When I increase food intake there is a decrease in egfr and increase in creatinine levels. My nephrologist insists not to worry about diet or protein at this stage. Is it better to take less food and be underweight or is it better to take enough food and worse the blood results?

Posted on March 3, 2017 by National Kidney Foundation

I agree with your physician.  I am not a fan of low protein diets.  This can lead to malnutrition which can have other ill effects on your body.  I suggest that you follow a low salt DASH diet.  You can … Continue reading →

Posted in Chronic Kidney Disease, Diet/Nutrition, IgA Nephropathy/IgA Dominant Glomerulonephritis, Kidney-Related Health Questions, Treatments | Comments Off on I have been diagnosed with IgA nephropathy and is in stage 3 CKD. My question is related to diet. I have observed from experience that if I follow a low protein diet, my egfr and creatinine seems to be in better level. When I increase food intake there is a decrease in egfr and increase in creatinine levels. My nephrologist insists not to worry about diet or protein at this stage. Is it better to take less food and be underweight or is it better to take enough food and worse the blood results?

I am a 47 year-old white male, non-smoker since 1997, occasional drinker, BP controlled w/5Mg lisinopril and no diabetes. On January 31, 2017 I had a checkup. My bloodwork revealed a 2.3 Creatinine level with a 36 BUN and microscopic hematuria. I was on a higher protein diet for the 30 days previous to this test. I returned a week later (after moderating my protein intake) for a retest and my numbers had dropped to 1.8 creatinine and 26 BUN. A subsequent test yesterday revealed a Creatinine level of 1.7 and Bun of 38. Dry CT (no contrast since my GFR was 43) of abdomen and pelvis revealed a thickened bladder. Having a cystoscopy in the near future. Is there hope to be found in the fact that my creatinine levels keep declining? If I have an underlying bladder obstruction/issue that is resolvable, is it possible that my kidney function could improve? Or are they simply damaged to the point they are now and I need to nurse them through the rest of my life?

Posted on March 3, 2017 by National Kidney Foundation

I am not able to provide a specific diagnosis based on the information that you present.  Your kidney disease could be on the basis of blockage.  I agree that you should have an evaluation for your bladder and then monitor … Continue reading →

Posted in Ask the Doctor, Blood/Urine Testing For Kidney Disease, Chronic Kidney Disease, GFR, Kidney-Related Health Questions, Laboratory Testing | Comments Off on I am a 47 year-old white male, non-smoker since 1997, occasional drinker, BP controlled w/5Mg lisinopril and no diabetes. On January 31, 2017 I had a checkup. My bloodwork revealed a 2.3 Creatinine level with a 36 BUN and microscopic hematuria. I was on a higher protein diet for the 30 days previous to this test. I returned a week later (after moderating my protein intake) for a retest and my numbers had dropped to 1.8 creatinine and 26 BUN. A subsequent test yesterday revealed a Creatinine level of 1.7 and Bun of 38. Dry CT (no contrast since my GFR was 43) of abdomen and pelvis revealed a thickened bladder. Having a cystoscopy in the near future. Is there hope to be found in the fact that my creatinine levels keep declining? If I have an underlying bladder obstruction/issue that is resolvable, is it possible that my kidney function could improve? Or are they simply damaged to the point they are now and I need to nurse them through the rest of my life?

In Feb. 2016, my albumin readings were 19mg/dl and my creatinine was .99mg/dl, the GFR 61ml/min/1.73M2. Feb 10, 2017 my readings were BUN 25mg/dl, creatinine 1.03mg/dl GFR 58ml/min/1.73. On Feb. 25, 2017 just 15 days later my readings are bun 18mg/dl, creatinine 1.16ml/dl, GFR 50ml/min/1.73. My family physician is taking me off my acid reflux med and ibuprofen. Then retest in 3 mos. Can my totals change so drasticly in such a short period of time? If this is a true deterioration, what time frame am I looking at until dialysis is an issue. Do you have any other suggestions I should do to try to slow down or reverse my progression besides the med changes? How should I calculate my water intake? I have been told it should be half my body weight and does that include other liquids? Scared and confused.

Posted on March 3, 2017 by National Kidney Foundation

The information that you mention is within the normal variation of laboratory testing.  The serum creatinine can vary from day to day and just be normal laboratory variation.  I suggest that you continue to follow your doctors advice and get … Continue reading →

Posted in Ask the Doctor, Blood/Urine Testing For Kidney Disease, Chronic Kidney Disease, Dialysis, GFR, Kidney-Related Health Questions, Laboratory Testing, Treatments | Comments Off on In Feb. 2016, my albumin readings were 19mg/dl and my creatinine was .99mg/dl, the GFR 61ml/min/1.73M2. Feb 10, 2017 my readings were BUN 25mg/dl, creatinine 1.03mg/dl GFR 58ml/min/1.73. On Feb. 25, 2017 just 15 days later my readings are bun 18mg/dl, creatinine 1.16ml/dl, GFR 50ml/min/1.73. My family physician is taking me off my acid reflux med and ibuprofen. Then retest in 3 mos. Can my totals change so drasticly in such a short period of time? If this is a true deterioration, what time frame am I looking at until dialysis is an issue. Do you have any other suggestions I should do to try to slow down or reverse my progression besides the med changes? How should I calculate my water intake? I have been told it should be half my body weight and does that include other liquids? Scared and confused.