My "renal function tests" have come back low the past few months. Not sure what that means.

Am about to send you an email. I've got some frustrating news to share that I'm sure you'll understand!

I had a higher than normal creatine level (seen in results of metabolic panel) a couple of times, attributed to ibuprofen. Other NSAIDS can do the same I stopped the ibuprofen, creatinine improved.

Keep in mind guys that when your kidneys aren't doing well, you get inflammation of the hands and feet.

I am so glad you posted this. I too have been watching my labs and I am seeing my creatinine slowly creep up and the GFR slowly going down. I have read that heart and kidney disease can go along with RA. I have been looking at my meds too. I plan on asking about my labs at my next appt.

me2012 - what meds do you take? Dont know how long you have had RA or been on meds as profile private but I have taken meds since 2006 but recently had plaquenil added which may be the culprit of itself.

It may even be reacting with something else I take - herbal stuff. I avoid St. Johns Wort as I know that is tricky with allopathic medicine but have been taken a supplement that improves mood. That has vitamins and amino acid related products in.

GP pared it all back so keeping fingers crossed. Havent yet tracked down on internet what numbers are considered dangerously high with creatinine.(sp?)

When I was first diagnosed my rheumy prescribed an nsaid, which wasn't totally successful and he added methotrexate. After about a year, my Primary Dr decided that my creatinine level was unacceptable, even tho my rheumy said my labs were perfect. My Primary sent me to a kidney specialist, who agreed with her and said I had to get off the nsaids because I was at stage 3 chronic renal failure. Once I was off the nsaids, all my inflammation and pain came back, but my creatinine level improved. I feel that it's
one of those you're damned if you do, damned if you don't situations for sure.

Camba,I am taking mtx, cymbalta, and prednisone for a year. Added orencia in march. Occasionslly take tramadol for pain. I cannot tolerate nsaids due to a hiatal hernia. Mostly i just put up with the pain and fatigue. Hot showers, hot packs, heating blanket helps sometimes. Its getting harder now that the weather is getting cold again. Then when i noticed my labs changing i thought what else?!
Kabvt, it is a terrible shame about your kidney disease. I hope you find relief.