Dear Dr. Roach: I have Type 2 diabetes, which is under control, but my creatinine level fluctuates between 2.2 and three, staying mostly at 2.6. I am asymptomatic and feel fine. I have no swelling in my ankles, and my blood pressure is within normal range. I am 75.
Can you explain the significance of the creatinine numbers on my kidneys?
S.W.
Creatinine is a waste product of muscles. Everybody has it in their blood. The kidneys get rid of creatinine, as well as many other waste products. So, a higher creatinine level means the kidneys aren鈥檛 doing as good a job at getting rid of waste products in the blood. Creatinine doesn鈥檛 hurt the kidneys. A normal level is usually around one, and a level of two means roughly that the kidneys are only working half as well as they ought to.
With very poor kidney function, the creatinine level may be as high as 10. This is typically about the time people are starting dialysis (which is basically an artificial kidney outside the body for a few hours several times weekly).
At that point, potassium levels may be dangerously high 鈥� a very common reason for dialysis to start.
听
Dear Dr. Roach: My 87-year-old mother has taken medication for familiar tremor in her hand for more than 15 years 鈥� 120 milligrams Inderal and 250 mg primidone daily.
For the past seven or more years, she has been experiencing memory problems.
Lately she is forgetting recent events quite frequently. I read that beta blockers such as Inderal, as well as the epilepsy drug primidone, can affect memory, especially in the elderly.
Do you think her long-term use of these medications could be impacting her memory?
D.M.
Medications are a common reason for forgetfulness in the elderly, and both of these medications reportedly can have this effect. However, neither of them is in the most likely category, and it is probable that your mother has another cause.
The seemingly slow rate of change suggests it may be dementia. However, I think a trial off the medications might be a good idea. Of course, talk to her doctor prior to making any medication changes.
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Dr. Roach cannot answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. You can email questions to [email protected].
