In 2006 my kidneys failed. I was on dialysis for a few months and then my kidney function returned. A miracle indeed. My Dr. did a 24 hour urine test and some blood tests. My creatine level was too low and I have excessive amounts of protein in my urine. I did not know your creatine could be too low and would like to know why mine is. I am very concerned, I do not want to be on dialysis again, could this mean I have more kidney damage?
I believe you mean creatinine, not creatine (which is a nutritional additive and is metabolized into creatinine). Which test showed a low creatinine level? A blood creatinine test should show a creatinine of 1.5 or less (technically 0.3-1.5). In this test, you’re right, a low creatinine level is good. The 24 hour urine test measures the amount of creatinine which your body is removing through urine. In the 24 hour test (called a creatinine clearance), a low creatinine level indicates a problem. There are a number of things you should do to prepare for the creatinine clearance test, such as limiting your intake of meat and not undertaking any strenuous exercise for 48 hours.
Good luck & keep on top of this.
March 11th, 2010 at 6:43 pm
Unfortunately you guess it right on the first try…sorry about that…you must remember that the kidney is a form of filter. and like any filter if you got small holes in it you let things through. Creatine has to do with muscle mass builders. I would suggest you try a supplement creatine. But discuss this with your DR. first. I’m a former nurse.
References :
March 11th, 2010 at 7:26 pm
I believe you mean creatinine, not creatine (which is a nutritional additive and is metabolized into creatinine). Which test showed a low creatinine level? A blood creatinine test should show a creatinine of 1.5 or less (technically 0.3-1.5). In this test, you’re right, a low creatinine level is good. The 24 hour urine test measures the amount of creatinine which your body is removing through urine. In the 24 hour test (called a creatinine clearance), a low creatinine level indicates a problem. There are a number of things you should do to prepare for the creatinine clearance test, such as limiting your intake of meat and not undertaking any strenuous exercise for 48 hours.
Good luck & keep on top of this.
References :
http://health.yahoo.com/urinary-diagnosis/creatinine-and-creatinine-clearance/healthwise–hw4322.html and I am a transplant coordinator.
March 11th, 2010 at 7:58 pm
It means you have permanent kidney damage, the dialysis gave your kidneys a rest, so they began to work again. But, this is an issue you will be dealing with for the rest of your life. You will need regular monitoring of your kidney function, you will need to drink at least two liters of water daily, and you will need to be prepared to use dialysis again in the future.
References :
RN