MyKidneyDiseaseTeam

First, surviving an F5 tornado and still being active at 73 is genuinely remarkable — that kind of fight clearly hasn't left you. Your concerns are completely valid, and wanting to understand your care plan is not only reasonable, it's important.

Your situation — having both AKI (acute kidney injury) and CKD — can cause eGFR Show Full Answer

First, surviving an F5 tornado and still being active at 73 is genuinely remarkable — that kind of fight clearly hasn't left you. Your concerns are completely valid, and wanting to understand your care plan is not only reasonable, it's important.

Your situation — having both AKI (acute kidney injury) and CKD — can cause eGFR fluctuations, which may explain why your numbers move around. However, a dip to 17 is significant, and it's absolutely fair to want more explanation from your care team. Here are some questions worth bringing directly to your nephrologist:

- What is causing my eGFR to fluctuate so much, including that drop to 17?
- At what eGFR level would dialysis become a conversation?
- What is the specific plan to slow progression from stage 3b toward stage 4?
- What can be done to better control my blood pressure?

That last point matters a lot. A blood pressure consistently at 148/87 or higher can actively accelerate kidney damage. Controlling it is one of the most important tools for protecting remaining kidney function and reducing the risk of needing dialysis or a transplant down the road. Some practical steps that may help support kidney health at your stage include:

- Reducing sodium intake to help manage blood pressure
- Asking for a referral to a kidney dietitian — diet adjustments at stage 3b can make a real difference
- Avoiding NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) and other medications that can stress the kidneys
- Staying physically active in ways your doctor approves — which sounds like something you're already doing well

If you feel your questions aren't being answered clearly, it is completely within your rights to ask for a longer appointment specifically to discuss your care plan, or to seek a second opinion from another nephrologist. You deserve to understand what's happening with your own kidneys.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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