Creatinine Spike

Just when I thought the transplant was going well, and UCLA is about to release me to my regular doctors, the latest test results show a big increase in my creatinine test result.

This is a chart of creatinine levels from 2/1/2021. The “normal high” line is at 1.3 mg/dL. I have been pretty close or below the line since a week after the transplant, but now the number is at 1.58. That implies a eGFR of 50. Two weeks ago, the numbers for creatinine and eGFR were 1.23 and 67 respectively. I do not know if this is common to have large swings in creatinine levels post surgery. I do have an appointment with UCLA so I am sure they will discuss it with me. This makes me feel that tomorrow’s appointment will not be the last one since they likely will want another follow-up test and appointment.

On that topic, I have been getting random flashes of pain in area where I think the new kidney sits. It is never a sharp pain, and goes away quickly. I also have these random spikes of pain all over my body that I attribute to peripheral neuropathy, especially in my ankle/feet (one is starting up in my right ankle as I type), so I was never concerned. When I go to clinic in person, the doctors also have me lie down and then press on that area; there were never any issue with that either. I did notice a little more pain from that area this past weekend but do not know if it is related to the higher creatinine levels. Finally, I have had three Natera Prospera tests and they have not mentioned any signs of organ rejection.

Hopefully this is an one time thing, and my creatinine levels drop to normal levels during the next set of lab tests.