Kidney Filtration Rate

[elliemay1]

Just had the results of my yearly blood test. The GFR is 59 which the nurse said is stable. Last year it was 60. I am on 3 different BP tablets which are successfully controlling my high BP. I know that there is a correlation between BP and kidneys. Do you think this reading is okay and is there anything I can do to get it back to 60? I am 63 yrs old.

[Mamyalynne]

Have you been given advice ie dietary etc along the way?

There are many and varied links out there, I'm not sure how reliable they are but all read like sensible healthy eating/exercise and so on - which makes sense.

[Flonska]

I should think that this something that would best be discussed with your medical advisers - since they will be aware of your current condition and medical history. I don't know who arranged the test so either contact the Nephrology Unit or perhaps make an appointment to see your GP.

[Sqad]

No big deal.......59...60 about the same.
I don't know how old you are, but I would bet that the majority of over 70's have that degree of kidney impairment.
Keep taking your tablets for BP, make sure that your diabetes is under control ( if you have diabetes), eat sensibly (NO diets) and generally exercise...swimming and walks perhaps.
DON'T get hung up over a GFR of 59 and/or 60.

[Patsy33]

I had similar reading to you elliemay about 3 years ago. In fact mine was about 51, my doctor told me she wasn't worried about me. I think if these readings were found 20 years ago, then it might have been a different story. I'm a little bit younger than you and take beta blockers for fast heart rate. I only found out because I was called in for yearly flu injection and asked why as I was under 60. Don't worry too much just watch your lifestyle eg food and drink.

[elliemay1]

Thank you all. That is reassuring,Squad. BTW I am 63. Is that still okay?

[Sqad]

LOl...my opinion remains the same.

[elliemay1]

Thank you Squad, Lynne, Flonska and Patsy.

[Peter Pedant]

and there is no way of getting it back up again
or else there would be no kidney failure in the world

[Eve]

Make sure they know of everything you take, not just any prescription medication. I was taking Ibuprofen as part of a very regular painkilling dose, seems my kidneys are sensitive to it and, since stopping, it my kidney function has gone back up a bit from being down to about 55 (I'm 38 but was younger then). It took a while for the connection to be made as it was only connected when I mentioned the Ibuprofen to my GP about another matter.