Kendie, my levels are somewhat steady. They fluctuate between 3.8- 4.5. Blood work is done every 2 weeks now. There are many factors to the levels rising or falling. My neph never wanted me to fast prior to blood work, the Mayo does and when I do fast my levels are usually lower. Fasting meaning everything but small amounts of water.

The Mayo wants me to check my BP in the morning BEFORE I drink my one cup of coffee ( yes, they did tell me one cup a day is fine) and check it in the evening, NO MORE. Unless of course I'm not feeling well. Checking BP itself is done in a completely different manner. At home, check it 3 times waiting approximately 30 seconds to one minute in between. I was never taught that way here. It was ALWAYS check it once and wait 15 minutes in between. very odd. They want my targeted BP #'s in the 140/90's range. They just up'd my diuretic pill from 40 mg to 80 mg because my readings have been running consistently 150/110.

Potassium levels? Stay AWAY from anything with tomato sauce. Yeah I know right, crazy talk. That is so hard for me. Lots of noodles now with alfredo sauce. We have to do what we have to do. My levels went from 5.1 to normal range of mid 3's but that's with watching closely what I do eat. I'm not sure about others but I somewhat know when my cre levels are up. I start feeling that I have no energy. Please share your situation.

Hi Tkski, I reread all your posts and noticed that the docs at the mayo clinic said potassium numbers can really affect your kidney function. I never knew that. Did they say why it could lead you to dialysis faster? Are you on the transplant list now? Will you have your transplant in Pittsburgh? I heard that if you have someone who is willing to donate a kidney but is not a match for you they can donate the kidney to someone else and then move you up the list faster. Do you know if that's true? Good luck to you. Keep us updated.

Kendie, the way it was explained about the potassium is, the failing kidneys can not remove the potassium from the body. Too high of potassium readings can lead to complete failure.

I just finished my screening tests yesterday, for the transplant evaluation at Allegheny General in Pittsburgh. I should hear if not tomorrow, next week on whether or not I was approved. I don't foresee no reason why I wouldn't.

As far as me moving up on the list if my donor is not a match for me but still wants to give a kidney, no I am not aware of that. They do offer a "kidney swap" My donor can swap with another donor if mine is not a match for me. Hope that makes sense.

Tkski, I think I was thinking of "kidney swap" because I saw something about that on a news show a while back. It seems to assure that you can get a kidney if someone you know donates one. I didn't know if only certain hospitals do transplants in different parts of the country. I live in Ohio. Right now I'm doing ok but you never know what lies ahead. Take care.