My Latest Kidney Number

[deercotn]

For those of you not familiar with my story, my GFR (kidney function) was first diagnosed as "LOW" back in March. I have a brother on transplant list so this really got my attention. My PCP said the reduced function (GFR) was due to me not controlling my diabetes and blood pressure. I started diet and exercise and doing much better at control. I was hoping to get my GFR back above 60 but looks like it's not going to happen. The only thing a person can do is try to keep it stable or slow the progression down. All diabetics should know and keep track of their GFR!! Less than 60 is not good.

August '07-- 64
July '08-- 65
March '09-- 55
April '09-- 47
May '09-- 58
August '09-- 55
October '09-- 58

[foxl]

Well, keep slowing it down! We want ya around for a while with us! :D And you never know it just might turn around, given time.

[Granny Shanny]

Good to hear from you, DC . . . and your GFR seems to have stabilized this summer/fall. Keep on keepin' on!

[cherokee_psh]

So it's the GFR....I forgot to ask which one it was on these 3 pages of test results. Thanks for the info....btw borderline along with you at 59 but my glucose levels have never been high. Probably faulty parts.

[jps]

Don't fear it too much, just stop it from decreasing. Where you are at IS NOT THAT BAD, it really isn't. You have very slight kidney impairment. Keep it there and you'll be just fine.

[deercotn]

So it's the GFR....I forgot to ask which one it was on these 3 pages of test results. Thanks for the info....btw borderline along with you at 59 but my glucose levels have never been high. Probably faulty parts.

If you're below 60, you need to find out WHY. You need your GFR taken every 6 months and you need to make sure it's stable. If it's declining, again you need to find out WHY and do something about it. Be proactive. Less than 60 means moderate kidney damage. This could be due to high BP and diabetes (as in my case) or any number of other factors.

[Khan]

Don't fear it too much, just stop it from decreasing. Where you are at IS NOT THAT BAD, it really isn't. You have very slight kidney impairment. Keep it there and you'll be just fine.

I think this is really good advice. No deterioration means you are doing great.

[cherokee_psh]

If you're below 60, you need to find out WHY. You need your GFR taken every 6 months and you need to make sure it's stable. If it's declining, again you need to find out WHY and do something about it. Be proactive. Less than 60 means moderate kidney damage. This could be due to high BP and diabetes (as in my case) or any number of other factors.

I have think mine is a faulty kidney. I have had kidney infections every 7-10 years, since I was a young teen. The second one bought me a week in the hospital, 105 temp and 7 months pregnant. The third one, the doctor expected lasting damage. He told me I lucked out. It is always the right one too! I'm battling one now, number 5, with cipro. My a1c has held steady at 6.2 for the past year blood pressure is occassionally over 120/80 but not that often.