Kidney Failure?

[Blue Iguana]

I'm a 35 year old, white, female bodybuilder, 5'8", 170, 8-9% bf. My new dr has run 2 sets of blood tests/ urinalysis. The first 5 months ago and again recently with the following results (these are most recent, not much different from the previous numbers):

Creatinine 1.48, GFR 40
These are the concern, but in case its relevant, here is the rest:
CBC: WBC 10; RBC 5.19; HGB 16; hematocrit 46.2; mcv 89...all else in CBC normal ranges
Urinalysis: all normal range (ex. glucose, bilrubin, ketones, hemoglobin, ur, ql, protein, all negaitve; specific gravity 1.005).

The dr. expressed concern about kidney problems 5 months ago when she saw the test results and I was shocked (I had just moved from a different area with a different medical system and had never heard of any problems with my kidneys before!). I had a CTdone, and the receptionist told me the results were normal and at the same time I had these blood tests done. I accessed my results online, and being an HMO its hard to get any real time with a dr, but I am concerned given the apparent objective indication of the tests, and cannot frankly discuss any of my past use of supplements with the dr's(I take anavar for approx 2-3 mths pre-context, 1/ year for the past 3 years).

I have read and researched everything I can find about GFR and creatinine levels with bodybuilders but have not been able to determine if the GFR used in this test (indicating some serious kidney trouble for me) is really an accurate picture of my state, or is misleading due to my abnormal body composition (when I put this point to the dr originally, she stated that muscularity would have no effect on these numbers).

So - if I'm this ill, would I feel anything? (I don't - I'm healthy, energetic and strong). Wouldn't the CT have determined if there was a real kidney problem? Is there any way that I can find out if this is 'normal for me' or is really indicative of a problem? Should I be panicking as much as I am?

Thank you very much for your advice - I greatly appreciate your time and expertise.

	Supps

	protein

[BITTA]

diuretics at all? any lasix?

[JOEYZ]

First of all.........welcome to the board. One thing that you mentioned is that the receptionist told you all films were normal. A receptionist cant determine this for you, no matter how many tests she has seen...........neither can the CT tech that did the test or the nurse that started your IV's. When you had a renal panel done they should have given you a result called BUN. Im going to guess that the doctor that you are seeing IS NOT a nephrologist due to the fact that she told you that being a bodybuilder makes no difference. Research tells us otherwise. Bodybuilders have been shown to have an increase in creatinine levels, however this doesnt make it normal by any means. There is a difference in something being common and something being normal. The hard fact is that you need to stop whatever unecessary drugs you are using today and get your renal issues figured out before doing anymore damage. In reference to your question regarding symptoms.................the body is a amazing mechanism that can sustain a lot of damage without you ever having any symptoms. The heart, the lungs the kidneys and so on are all this way. The lungs can lose almost 40-50% of their function before you would see any symptoms. The heart can have 80% occulsions of the 3 main coronary vessels before a patient presents with chest pain. DO NOT, and I repeat DO NOT take any diuretics especially unless directed by your doctor otherwise. Lasix especially has a very harsh effect on the kidneys. Any drugs that are metabolized by the kidneys are also going to be especially harsh on your body. This is a pretty complex situation to give advice on over a board such as this one. Kidney problems arent black and white and really need to be followed up pretty closely. The first thing to do, as I mentioned, is to stop everything you are taking that you cant live without right now. This isnt a joke and its not somthing for you to sit around and consider at this point. Its not really an option if you want to maintain your health. You are 35 and have age on your side at this point. You need to also consider that the heart, the lungs and the kidneys are organs that depend heavily on one another. When one fails the others usually are effected in the long run. Now is the time to fix it................not when you chronic.............ya know. How is your blood pressure btw?

Originally Posted by Blue Iguana

I'm a 35 year old, white, female bodybuilder, 5'8", 170, 8-9% bf. My new dr has run 2 sets of blood tests/ urinalysis. The first 5 months ago and again recently with the following results (these are most recent, not much different from the previous numbers):

Creatinine 1.48, GFR 40
These are the concern, but in case its relevant, here is the rest:
CBC: WBC 10; RBC 5.19; HGB 16; hematocrit 46.2; mcv 89...all else in CBC normal ranges
Urinalysis: all normal range (ex. glucose, bilrubin, ketones, hemoglobin, ur, ql, protein, all negaitve; specific gravity 1.005).

The dr. expressed concern about kidney problems 5 months ago when she saw the test results and I was shocked (I had just moved from a different area with a different medical system and had never heard of any problems with my kidneys before!). I had a CTdone, and the receptionist told me the results were normal and at the same time I had these blood tests done. I accessed my results online, and being an HMO its hard to get any real time with a dr, but I am concerned given the apparent objective indication of the tests, and cannot frankly discuss any of my past use of supplements with the dr's(I take anavar for approx 2-3 mths pre-context, 1/ year for the past 3 years).

I have read and researched everything I can find about GFR and creatinine levels with bodybuilders but have not been able to determine if the GFR used in this test (indicating some serious kidney trouble for me) is really an accurate picture of my state, or is misleading due to my abnormal body composition (when I put this point to the dr originally, she stated that muscularity would have no effect on these numbers).

So - if I'm this ill, would I feel anything? (I don't - I'm healthy, energetic and strong). Wouldn't the CT have determined if there was a real kidney problem? Is there any way that I can find out if this is 'normal for me' or is really indicative of a problem? Should I be panicking as much as I am?

Thank you very much for your advice - I greatly appreciate your time and expertise.

	Supps

	protein

[Blue Iguana]

My BP is normal/ low - usually 120/70 or a bit lower - I have used aldactone pre-contest (couple of days) and post-contest (under dr's advisement) and was given a prescription for lasix after my first contest by a dr who was concerned about my water retention post-contest.

Neither of the times they did lab tests did I get a BUN result, which to me seems strange as well given that it seems to be important (unless its called something else that I'm not picking up on...).

I take it, therefore, that I should push my dr for further tests/ investigations? (As I mentioned, no call from their office post-results, its been over a month...).

Thanks again!

[BITTA]

Joeyz is probably one of the most helpful people you will find on any board. He has proably forgotten more than most people on the boards will ever even know, he helped me in the past with some blood test results and his knowledge is very informative. definatly stick around and I would follow up with all he reccomends.

[Blue Iguana]

Ok - Just in case this is helpful - I checked and found a test for 'uric acid, serum' - so the blood uric acid level is 6.0 mg/dl (which they have indicated as normal)....not being a medical person, I'm not sure if this is related to the BUN though...?

[JOEYZ]

Originally Posted by Blue Iguana

Ok - Just in case this is helpful - I checked and found a test for 'uric acid, serum' - so the blood uric acid level is 6.0 mg/dl (which they have indicated as normal)....not being a medical person, I'm not sure if this is related to the BUN though...?

Uric acid is important, but its not the same. BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) is another common test performed. I cant imagine your doctor not perfoming one...........its included in a renal function panel which would be basic testing for your condtion. What other history do you have? Any diabetes, frequent ibuprofen use, any other health problems?

[Blue Iguana]

No diabetes, take the occasional advil (maybe 1-2/mth), otherwise healthy, no conditions (past or present) etc...the blood creatinine level is the only thing that's really odd.

[JOEYZ]

Originally Posted by Blue Iguana

No diabetes, take the occasional advil (maybe 1-2/mth), otherwise healthy, no conditions (past or present) etc...the blood creatinine level is the only thing that's really odd.

If it were me, I would dump anything you dont need as I mentioned. Definately get rid of the cycle. After stopping the cycle and all unnecessary meds, have it re-checked. It will probably take a few weeks to return to normal if it is caused by the drugs. Increase your water intake as well. Let us know what the outcome is when you get your results back. I will be curious to know. Good luck.