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TransplantBuddies.org Forums » Kidney - Pancreas Transplant » GFR « Previous Next »
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Sumi
Member
Username: Sumi123

Post Number: 5
Registered: 03-2014
Posted on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 - 01:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

According to Wikipedia - GFR above 90 is normal. Is the GFR value of the 2 kidneys combined?

What should be the GFR of each kidney for a potential donor?
Gene
Member
Username: Gene2x

Post Number: 54
Registered: 11-2011
Posted on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 - 03:31 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

As far as I know the GFR is the total value for whatever kidneys you have. You may one, two or three (after transplant). The GFR measures how whatever kidneys you have are working. My two native kidneys probably register about 10 or less, as they did when I got my transplant. However, my current GFR is around 37 and that is the total for all three kidneys. I can't imagine how they would break out the function for an individual kidney.

A donor is measured by more than just their kidney function. It obviously has to be in the normal range, but their overall health is also considered. High blood pressure, for instance, is a knock out blow for a donor.
Kidney Tx - Aug 4, 2011
VA Pittsburgh Health Care Center
Follow UPMC non-steroidal protocol
Live donor was my radio operator in Vietnam
1/6 match
Sumi
Member
Username: Sumi123

Post Number: 6
Registered: 03-2014
Posted on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 - 07:51 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Gene,

Is GFR of 37 regarded as CKD stage 3 or it's normal value after transplant?
Gene
Member
Username: Gene2x

Post Number: 55
Registered: 11-2011
Posted on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 - 10:04 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Sumi,

I can only say that 38 is what comes out when you plug my various factors into a GFR calculator. At my age (68), my creatinine (1.8 average), gender (male) and race (white), that's what comes out. It's as good and as normal as it's going to get for me. Certainly if you are pre-transplant and your kidneys are failing, and are expected to continue failing, then you would consider that you are in a downward spiral and 38 is stage 3 on the way to stage 4. A younger recipient with a good match from a live donor would probably have a higher GFR than I do. I'm pleased with my results as it allows me to live a relatively normal life. Prior to my transplant I didn't really notice any major side effects of my failing kidneys until my GFR got into the mid to low 20's.

One thing you'll find out on this, and other chat rooms, is that everyone has a unique experience based on their age, overall health, type of kidney disease, reaction to drugs, quality of the donated kidney and other factors that I can't think of right now. Transplanting a kidney maybe an exact science, but the outcome can't be guaranteed.
Kidney Tx - Aug 4, 2011
VA Pittsburgh Health Care Center
Follow UPMC non-steroidal protocol
Live donor was my radio operator in Vietnam
1/6 match
Sumi
Member
Username: Sumi123

Post Number: 7
Registered: 03-2014
Posted on Wednesday, April 23, 2014 - 08:03 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Gene,

If you don't mind my asking - Did you see any change in GFR and creatinine level in the last 3 years or it has been more or less in this range? Thanks for your help.
bill s
Member
Username: Bill_s

Post Number: 156
Registered: 08-2011
Posted on Wednesday, April 23, 2014 - 07:29 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Hi Sumi,

My kidney was transplanted 3 yrs ago from a male cadaver, 50+ yrs old. My creatinine has been stable at 1.6 to 2.0 since that time (GFR is about 37) so that the kidney is operating at about 60%. My docs are satisfied since the creatinine is stable and my last reading, 2 days ago is 1.77.

I suppose that makes me a CKD stage 3 person, but as long as the kidney remains stable at this level, I'm not worried. I'm 77 yrs old and in relatively good health.

I thought you might like to hear from another similar transplant patient.

Good luck!
Gene
Member
Username: Gene2x

Post Number: 56
Registered: 11-2011
Posted on Wednesday, April 23, 2014 - 07:42 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

No, it's been fairly consistent since my transplant in Aug 2011. The only problem was my bout with the BK virus when my creatinine spiked up to 2.5, which then lowered my GFR.
Kidney Tx - Aug 4, 2011
VA Pittsburgh Health Care Center
Follow UPMC non-steroidal protocol
Live donor was my radio operator in Vietnam
1/6 match
Rita
Forum Leader
Username: Rita

Post Number: 950
Registered: 06-2003
Posted on Sunday, May 04, 2014 - 09:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Hi Sumi, to be a donor your kidney function needs to be normal. You major organs will be tested. You need to be in good health and Transplant Centers are very concerned that your physical and mental health is good before they would consider you as a donor. Your health comes first according to the transplant centers.
Rita
Kidney Transplant 9/95
New York Hospital, NY
Dr. Wang

Rita's Page on Transplant Friends- see her photos

Lessons of Hope, Love and Kindness blog

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