BUN Bounce

[Razbry]

I have a history of my BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen....Kidney) levels bouncing around. Here it is:



Mar 23, 2012
11.9
12.0-20.0 L

May 16, 2012
18.2
12.0-20.0

May 17, 2012
18.1
12.0-20.0

May 18, 2012
9.1
12.0-20.0 L

May 19, 2012
28.9
12.0-20.0 H

May 20, 2012
27.3
12.0-20.0 H

May 21, 2012
32.4
12.0-20.0 H

May 29, 2012
47.5
12.0-20.0 H

Jun 01, 2012
60.0
12.0-20.0 H

Jun 05, 2012
43.1
12.0-20.0 H

Jun 12, 2012
43.5
12.0-20.0 H

Jun 19, 2012
24.0
12.0-20.0 H

Jan 02, 2013
17.4
12.0-20.0

Dec 30, 2013
14.9
12.0-20.0

Sep 02, 2015
23.6
12.0-20.0 H

Dec 14, 2015
14.0
12.0-20.0

Mar 02, 2016
17.7
12.0-20.0

Nov 03, 2016
19.6
12.0-20.0

Dec 29, 2016
26.9
12.0-20.0 H

Feb 09, 2017
28.0
12.0-20.0 H
There was a period there when I was in crisis, so I get those high BUN levels. I also have some kidney stones in waiting. I'm a little worried about this slow grind up. My MD wants me to see a nephrologist. I'm not so eager. Lots of tests and some medication recommendations I'm sure. Plus I have to explain it all again....agggggghhhh. Has anyone else had this problem? I've been tinkering with my Cal, Vit D (moving it up). I've also undergone some iron infusions. Do I need more protein? WHAT?!!!! Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[Settledownnow]

My doc told me BUN is not what matters but the creatine/bun ratio is what is important. What is your creatine/bun ratio? My ratio tends to be just a bit a little higher than norm, and I have been told it is an indication of dehydration and to drink more water. Are you drinking enough water? I drink a ton of water a day (so I think) 4- bottles of water, plus coffee, plus 20 ounces of water in my protein shake. I am pushing to get in just a little more water each day due to the slightly elevated creatine/bun ratio. However, I have to say that I am concerned also that something else could be going on.

 

[Settledownnow]

Just wanted to add for you to keep in mind that BUN becomes evaluated with a high protein diet as it is the waste product produced from protein. More protein in the diet the more urea nitrogen is produced. Water is needed to flush the system of this waste. Also fasting for bloodwork can concentrate the blood and make it appear that you are dehydrated and increase the BUN or Creatine/Bun ratio. There are many factors for doctors to consider when interpreting kidney-related results.

See http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/blood-urea-nitrogen/details/results/rsc-20211280

 

[DSRIGGS]

Hi Darling - I just saw this. My BUN/Creatinine ratio is always high and nobody has ever told me that the were concerned about it and I haven't found much about it to know if I should be concerned or not.

I hope that it isn't anything too serious for you but please keep us updated.

Here is my graph of BUN and BUN/Creatinine Ratio for the last couple of years.

 

[Razbry]

My BUN/Creatinine ratio is 28 (normal 12 -20) So it is a little high. Thank you "Settledownnow" and Scott for responding. I guess I get a little stressed when talking about my kidneys. I'm going to see my hematologist today...maybe get a second opinion. I certainly will drink more water...and Scott, COOL griding! Is it your own design?

 

[DSRIGGS]

My BUN/Creatinine ratio is 28 (normal 12 -20) So it is a little high. Thank you "Settledownnow" and Scott for responding. I guess I get a little stressed when talking about my kidneys. I'm going to see my hematologist today...maybe get a second opinion. I certainly will drink more water...and Scott, COOL griding! Is it your own design?

Ha honey, no that is just part of the package my hospital uses to report labs. I can set dates for which I want to see readings and these are from a CMP so I was able to select only the two components rather than the 15 -20 on a regular CMP.

I will be interested in what the Doc says about your numbers. Take care

 

[Settledownnow]

My BUN/Creatinine ratio is 28 (normal 12 -20) So it is a little high. Thank you "Settledownnow" and Scott for responding. I guess I get a little stressed when talking about my kidneys. I'm going to see my hematologist today...maybe get a second opinion. I certainly will drink more water...and Scott, COOL griding! Is it your own design?

I keep wondering why your PCP wants you to see a nephrologist. Is there more going on in your labs and the way you are feeling beyond the BUN? It seems like overkill for a slightly elevated BUN if that is all there is to it. Sharing your labs with the hemo is a good idea. Good luck.

 

[Razbry]

Talked to my Hematologist. He thought going to a nephrologist was overkill....although he did say it wouldn't hurt just to check it out. He confirmed what I thought might happen. They will do a bunch of tests, and then tell me to drink more water. What I will do is drink a lot of water, and if my BUN doesn't come down, then I will go see a nephrologist. The only other tests that are slightly out of whack are my ionized Ca (a tad low) and phosphorous (a tad high). I've already adjusted my supplements to take care of that. I really like my primary MD, but I do get irked when he sends down his orders to see a specialist through his nurse...with no explanation. Maybe that works for the masses, but it doesn't work for me. I know the medical system is over-worked, I know I'm off the grid (as a normal patient), I do appreciate that my MD is cautious enough to want to cover all the bases in my medical care, maybe I'm just irritable because my iron levels have been so low. (I recently got some infusions) Anyway.....

Scott...where are you at? Been to Mayo yet?