Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
What Causes Low Gfr Levels?
I am a 61 year old female. I am a teacher of little children so I am active enough. I could probably lose a few pounds, but am not seriously over-weight. I donated a kidney 3 years ago and in the last year have had a lower GFR 43. Creatinine has been mildly up but in the normal range. I went to a renal specialist and after a 24 hour urine they said my GFR is more in the range of 69. They said to come back if I experienced high Creatinine and that the lower blood GFR could be due to more muscle than the typical woman of my age. My internist says not to worry, but it is hard not to. I never thought about GFR before!! I try to drink enough water but often fall very short on this. Could dehydration be the cause and am I able to raise my GFR? Feeling good in all aspects, no meds or NSAIDS-just occasional Tylenol, take vitamins, normal activity, no diabetes or high blood p. Just arthritis.Not a drinker. Advice to move on take care of self and not worry?
Mon, 13 Mar 2017
hi,
single kidney is sufficient to do routine work. So first of all no worry regarding single kidney. Another good thing is you have no other high risk factor.
But if you feel some pain in renal area that subsided after drinking, it means you may be suffering from some small stone or UTI.
So you go for USG abdomen along with urine microscopy. If both come negative then it may be due to dehydration only and you should be aware about your hydration. Because when proper urine output is there then automatically eGFR increases. So if transient reduction in your eGFR then not to worry about it. Another thing I want to tell you regarding analgesic use. As you mentioned that you have arthritis. It means you may be taking some analgesic regularly. If so, then please reduce the dose or stop it or change it to kidney safe analgesic drugs to save your single kidney.
So go for some test, drink as much as you can and avoid analgesic use.
thank you
single kidney is sufficient to do routine work. So first of all no worry regarding single kidney. Another good thing is you have no other high risk factor.
But if you feel some pain in renal area that subsided after drinking, it means you may be suffering from some small stone or UTI.
So you go for USG abdomen along with urine microscopy. If both come negative then it may be due to dehydration only and you should be aware about your hydration. Because when proper urine output is there then automatically eGFR increases. So if transient reduction in your eGFR then not to worry about it. Another thing I want to tell you regarding analgesic use. As you mentioned that you have arthritis. It means you may be taking some analgesic regularly. If so, then please reduce the dose or stop it or change it to kidney safe analgesic drugs to save your single kidney.
So go for some test, drink as much as you can and avoid analgesic use.
thank you
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems and comprehensive renal care, talk to a Nephrologist. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Tylenol
Loading Online Doctors....