Hello - I am a 26-year-old male, 6’2" and 215 pounds.
I recently had a physical because of some bad constipation issues (which have since resolved), and they did some blood tests. The doctor hasn’t called yet, but I checked my results online and my kidney numbers are concerning:
BUN: 40
Creatinine: 3.78
eGFR: 21
According to Google, an eGFR of 21 is close to renal failure…
Before the test, I was throwing up most of the fluids I drank because of the constipation, and I remember asking for water when I left the clinic because I felt so parched. Is it possible these numbers are just from being dehydrated, or are my kidneys failing? I’ve been feeling extremely thirsty lately, so I’m hoping it’s just a lack of fluids. I have an appointment with a GI specialist tomorrow morning.
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You should see a nephrologist immediately. I’d suggest heading to the ER right away.
Get to the emergency room.
I’m happy you made it to the emergency department. Best of luck!
It’s surprising that your physician’s office didn’t contact you right away to send you to the hospital after seeing those labs. I’m relieved you followed the suggestions and went to the ER. Hope everything goes okay!
Update: I’ve been at the hospital for about 6 or 7 hours now. They’ve done blood and urine tests and started an IV. My blood work is still poor but showing slight improvement. I’ve only seen the doctor once because it’s very crowded here. I’ll keep you posted. Thanks.
Update 2: They performed a kidney ultrasound and retested my blood and urine after the first IV bag. I’m waiting to see the nephrologist. My initial blood results have shifted:
GFR: 21 → 26
BUN: 40 → 40
Creatinine: 3.78 → 2.96. I’ll share the next set of results soon.
Update 3: Numbers are getting better:
GFR: 21 → 26 → 29
BUN: 40 → 40 → 35
Creatinine: 3.78 → 2.96 → 2.66
Update 4: I’ve been sent home! The diagnosis was Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), likely caused by a combination of fluid loss and acute phosphate nephropathy due to vomiting and heavy laxative use. Essentially, they believe the constipation and nausea (throwing up fluids over the weekend) led to severe dehydration. My levels improved after just 1.5 IV bags. I’m home now, hydrating heavily, and will follow up with my GP on Monday for more blood work to ensure everything is back to normal. Thanks for the support. I’ll update again Monday.
Final Update: It’s Wednesday, and I got my Monday results back. I’m nearly back to normal!:
GFR: 21 → 26 → 29 → 53 (needs to be over 60)
BUN: 40 → 40 → 35 → 19 (normal range)
Creatinine: 3.78 → 2.96 → 2.66 → 1.74 (needs to be under 1.27)
Thanks for following my story, take care everyone!
Just checking in to send some good vibes; I hope your lab results are still trending upward.