Category Archives: Exercise

I recently had some lab routine lab work done for an annual physical. My GFR was 80. While it was above the 60 reference line, that seems really low for my age, 37. My doctor didn’t even mention the result to me, though he commented on other items. I am really concerned with this finding and plan on going back to visit with him about my concerns ASAP. In the interim, can you please answer my questions, which are as follows: 1.)Does this result mean I am fated for CKD in a decade or two? 2.) My previous labs over the past decade only show the >60, not a score). Could this result be an outlier? Should I retest over the next couple of months to see how accurate this result is? 3.) I do have high blood pressure, but it is controlled. I also work out quite a bit. Should I adopt a kidney friendly diet? Apart from red meat, what else should I avoid? Thank you.

Posted on December 9, 2019 by

As long as the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is above the 60 milliliters per minute per 1.73 meters squared, this value is normal and you cannot be classified as having chronic kidney disease (CKD).  It has no prognostic value … Continue reading →

Posted in Ask the Doctor, Blood/Urine Testing For Kidney Disease, Chronic Kidney Disease, Diet/Nutrition, Exercise, GFR, Hypertension/High Blood Pressure, Laboratory Testing, Urinary Tract Infection/Pyelonephritis

Hi, I am 1 year post transplant and still experiencing side effects from medication, especially prednisone. Prednisone was eventually reduced to 4 x 5mg per week, which should have lessened the side effects, but hasn’t. In fact it’s much worse than what it was at 6 months post transplant. Now 1 year after transplant, I am still experiencing erratic moments of irritability, insomnia and aching legs and feet, these are usually worse at night. I have informed my doctor about these, and he’s told me to give it (the reduced dosage) more time to work through my system. Aside from all of that, I gained 10 kgs between May and September and when I went for a go visit on 4th October I’ve gained another kilogram which puts me at 11kgs weight gain post transplant. This weight gain, leaves me feeling very uncomfortable and beside all of that my entire body bloats from the time I get out of bed, feet, ankles, lower and upper legs, abdomen, arms, fingers, face, etc. I am not on any diuretic, I do not use salt in my diet, I try and excercise at least 4 times a week but even this is becoming a problem as my knees ache all the time and I’m finding it very difficult to even bend down or kneel as it is quite painful. I’ve informed my doctors about all of this and all they’re saying is to give the prednisone time to work. Other medication I’m using is advagraf 11mg, Myfortic 360 mg x 2 daily & a magnesium supplement which doesn’t seem to even help. What more can I do to help myself get some relief from these side effects and to lose weight or reduce the bloating? I follow a balanced diet, or at least try my best to and I don’t eat any processed foods or even drink sodas or juices. Only water, about 2.5-3 liters a day and 2 cups of decaf black coffee.

Posted on October 15, 2019 by

Weight gain after transplant is a very common problem.  The improvement in appetite and the prednisone after transplantation both promote weight gain.  Most of my patients comment on how good food tastes after getting a kidney transplant.   I suggest … Continue reading →

Posted in Ask the Doctor, Diet/Nutrition, Exercise, Kidney-Related Health Questions, Transplantation

Hello Doctor. I am a 73 year old male. I have been very healthy and very active. I am on no medication and I engage in distance swimming and maintain a good diet. I recently had blood work done. All tests were normal-excellant, including creatinine, bun/creatinine, and protein. Normal blood pressure and non diabetic. My (non african american) eGFR typically (for 20 years) has hovered between 65 and 75. This single test was 59.5. Can this be a “one off event”, or is such a low eGFR always irreversible?

Posted on July 10, 2019 by

This may well be normal laboratory variation and as you say will be a “one off event”. Just to be sure, if you have not done so, it would be important for you to have a urine test for blood, … Continue reading →

Posted in Ask the Doctor, Blood/Urine Testing For Kidney Disease, Exercise, Kidney-Related Health Questions, Serum Creatinine

Dear Dr., My left kidney is non functioning since my childhood. My age is 46. My serum creatinine is 1.0. My Protein/Creatinine Ratio is increased at 97. I am type 2 diabetic and hypertensive also. Kindly advise me. Thank You.

Posted on June 4, 2019 by

The normal for the urine protein/creatinine ratio is less than 150 milligrams per gram of creatinine (mg/g). I am not sure of the units for the result that you quote as 97. This may be a normal result. For having … Continue reading →

Posted in Ask the Doctor, Chronic Kidney Disease, Diabetes, Diet/Nutrition, Exercise, Hypertension/High Blood Pressure, Kidney-Related Health Questions, Nephrectomy / One kidney, Serum Creatinine

Will use of the steam room and sauna cause kidney damage?

Posted on December 17, 2018 by

I do not believe that use of a steam room or sauna, in the usual fashion, would be associated with any injury or harm to kidney function.

Posted in Ask the Doctor, Exercise, Kidney-Related Health Questions

What is the advice for one healthy kidney patient? In the case of one right side kidney being absent?

Posted on November 30, 2018 by

Many people lead a normal life with only a single kidney. It is important to protect your single kidney and not inure your only kidney. You should not smoke. You should avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s) such as Motrin, Ibuprofen, … Continue reading →

Posted in Ask the Doctor, Blood/Urine Testing For Kidney Disease, Diabetes, Diet/Nutrition, Exercise, Hypertension/High Blood Pressure, Kidney-Related Health Questions, Nephrectomy / One kidney

I’m CKD stage 2. DTPA renogram done shows adequate function with GFR 78. My question is that how can I arrest ckd for further progression. What medicine should be taken to improve kidney function?

Posted on November 30, 2018 by

There are no medications that specifically increase kidney function. Instead, the treatment of kidney disease is to avoid those things that make kidney function worse or potentially injure the kidneys. You should not smoke. You should avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs … Continue reading →

Posted in Ask the Doctor, Blood/Urine Testing For Kidney Disease, Diabetes, Diet/Nutrition, Exercise, Hypertension/High Blood Pressure, Kidney-Related Health Questions

I m a retired 72 yo female who has had CKD for many years, diagnosed in 1997. I’ve had only one kidney functioning (left one) for many years. I’m not sure when that started but I suspect it was back in the early 70s when I had a bout with pain in my right back. My kidneys failed finally in late 2013, around the holidays. I started peritoneal dialysis in late Feb 2014. Lately, I tend to nod off (fall asleep) at all times of the day & night. No longer on any schedule. Is this normal? I realize I’m not as active as I should be. It’s hard to get motivated. I’m single, live alone and rely totally on myself without a caregiver. My appetite has dwindled tremendously and my weight has gone from mid 150s to now 136 this year alone (a nice side effect but a bit worrisome). Your comments?

Posted on November 29, 2018 by

I am unable to make a specific diagnosis based on the information that you present. It is true that unless you exercise and maintain your overall activity, it can lead to poor stamina and lack of energy. I recommend that … Continue reading →

Posted in Ask the Doctor, Dialysis, Diet/Nutrition, Exercise, Kidney-Related Health Questions

I have a still working fistula in my lower left forearm and received a kidney transplant 5 years ago. Recently I began some physical therapy on my right shoulder, and some of the exercises require me to lift the left arm above my head for less than a couple of minutes. Does this activity present any risk to the fistula? It flattens quite a bit when the arm is raised but it is not constricted by anything. Thanks!

Posted on November 6, 2018 by

Exercise does not pose a risk to an existing fistula. You should avoid using any straps or constricting wraps around your fistula arm, but otherwise I would encourage you to continue with your physical therapy and exercise.

Posted in Ask the Doctor, Exercise, Kidney-Related Health Questions

Hi Dr. Spry! I had a stent placement recently due to ureter constriction. Duration is 3 months. Is it OK to resume my yoga class?

Posted on October 26, 2018 by

Stent placements are performed by a urologist. I am a nephrologist and do not perform stent placements. I suggest that you discuss this with your urologist.

Posted in Ask the Doctor, Exercise, Kidney-Related Health Questions, Urological Issues