With a GFR of 16, the kidneys are functioning at a very low level — filtering only a small fraction of what healthy kidneys would. This places someone right at the edge of stage 4 and stage 5 (end-stage kidney disease), where dialysis becomes a very real and important conversation to have with a nephrologist.
At this stage Show Full Answer
With a GFR of 16, the kidneys are functioning at a very low level — filtering only a small fraction of what healthy kidneys would. This places someone right at the edge of stage 4 and stage 5 (end-stage kidney disease), where dialysis becomes a very real and important conversation to have with a nephrologist.
At this stage, some common symptoms to watch for include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Swelling in hands, legs, or feet
- Nausea or loss of appetite
- Brain fog or trouble concentrating
- Itchy or dry skin
- Shortness of breath
- Changes in urination Dialysis helps take over the kidney's job of filtering waste and excess fluid from the blood. There are two main types — hemodialysis (done at a clinic or at home using a machine) and peritoneal dialysis (done at home using the lining of the abdomen). A nephrologist can help determine which option is the best fit based on overall health and personal circumstances.
For elderly individuals, starting dialysis is a big decision. Quality of life, overall health, and personal goals all matter. It's worth having an open and honest conversation with the care team about what to expect. Regarding Crohn's disease — since that falls outside the scope of kidney disease topics, it's best to speak directly with a specialist who can look at the full picture and how all health factors interact, especially when considering dialysis options.
The most important takeaway: a GFR of 16 means close monitoring and proactive planning with a nephrologist is essential right now.
June 27
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