I am thirteen years out from being a living kidney donor (Jan. 2004). Recently my doctor has been worried that my creatinine levels are too high (1.2 and 1.6). The doctor doesn't know whether this suggests a problem with my kidney, or if it is attributable to one kidney doing the work of two. I have never had any problems in the past, and in fact am in better health now than I was at the time of donation. I was told I had no other health problems that could be causing these increased levels. Anybody had an experience like this, and if so, what was recommended to treat it?
Dear Andy,
Two posts in the last two days discuss this topic.
Many kidney donors have a creatinine reading above normal. If it is stable, this is not a reason for concern.
We also have an enlarged kidney, which is not 'normal'.
Why don't you visit with a nephrologist? Many physicians have no idea what is 'normal' for a person with a single kidney.
Love, elephant
Those numbers are above normal, but not by much. For reference, I believe my husband's creatinine level was around 7 pre-transplant and he was not on dialysis yet. He's at 1.4 post-transplant. So it's not too bad, where you are.
It's good to pay attention, but I wouldn't worry too much about it. Stay well hydrated and keep an eye on the numbers.
have you gained weight? Do you have hypertension or pre diabetes...what was your GFR pre donation? it all matters
Also were you well hydrated before the test. I had a weird result last summer, 1.2 (whereas it was at 0.87 six months after surgery) but looking back, I had red meat the night before (which I rarely eat) and it was hot and I hadn't drank a whole lot of water. I think those may have played a role in the results. But even at 1.2 the doc wasn't worried.
Thanks to all who replied to my question. I don't remember what my pre-donation creatinine levels were. I have not gained any weight. Perhaps I could have been better hydrated. I have just submitted to another blood test and a urine test. Hopefully, it will provide me some more answers to my questions. Thanks again. Andy