Specialties & Services

Kidney Disease

Facing a chronic illness alone can be hard for you and your family. If you have fears or concerns, talk with people close to you. Talk with your healthcare team and other people with kidney disease. Ask for support or help right away when you need it. Ask your healthcare team about support groups in your area for you and family members. Contact national organizations that offer expert advice and education.

 Find a provider

Talking with your team

Over time, you'll work with a team of healthcare providers. They will include:

  • Nurses
  • Dietitians
  • Technicians
  • Pharmacists
  • Social workers

They want to help you feel as good as you can. If you are confused or worried, ask them questions. Find out what changes in treatment might mean. If you know more about your illness, it may make treatment less scary and easier to follow.

If needed, your healthcare provider may talk about getting help for your mental health. This may be a counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist. These resources can also help your family members.

Talking with others with kidney disease

When it comes to support, the experts are the people living with kidney disease. They know what you are going through. Talking with them can give you insight. It can also give you new ways to cope. Sharing experiences will help you feel less alone. And sometimes that's all it takes to make life a little easier. The same is true for family members who need support.

Sources of support

Information and support are offered by groups all over the nation. Contact these groups for help:

Monitoring Kidney Health

Your health care provider will check the health of your kidneys. That way, treatment can be adjusted if needed. They'll also be checked if you have other health problems that affect your kidneys, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

Tracking your numbers

Blood pressure

  • Target is ___________

  • Mine is ____________

Creatinine level

  • Mine is ____________

  • Date ______________

  • Mine is ____________

  • Date ______________

  • Mine is ____________

  • Date ______________

BUN level

  • Mine is ____________

  • Date ______________

  • Mine is ____________

  • Date ______________

  • Mine is ____________

  • Date ______________

Keep appointments

Your provider may want to see you every few months. Your visits may include any of these tests:

  • Urine tests. Your urine is checked for protein or albumin, blood, and other signs of problems. A complete 24-hour collection may be used to measure how well your kidneys are working. The tests may be repeated to confirm the results and check if the treatment has been working.

  • Blood tests. These tests measure wastes, such as blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine, left in the blood. You may have other blood tests to check for health problems caused by reduced kidney function. These include:

    • Low blood counts (anemia).

    • Parathyroid hormone (hyperparathyroidism, which leads to weak bones).

    • Low vitamin D levels (weak bones and other problems).

    • Low calcium and high blood phosphorus levels (weak bones).

    • High or low potassium (irregular heartbeat).

    • Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) . This helps to measure how well your kidneys are removing waste from your blood.

  • Imaging tests. These include ultrasound exams, and CT and MRI scans. They will show damage to the kidneys and blood vessels. Be sure to tell the X-ray specialist (radiologist) that you have kidney disease. Some X-ray tests use dyes that can harm your kidneys.

  • Kidney biopsy. For this procedure, a small amount of kidney tissue is removed. It's then examined under the microscope to confirm some kidney diseases.

Health care provider taking blood sample from woman's arm.

To maintain health

Be a partner in your care. Try the tips below to help maintain your health.

  • Stick to your diet. People with kidney disease may need to follow a special diet. You may need to avoid foods that are high in salt, potassium, and phosphorus. You may have to discuss your diet with a nutrition specialist (dietitian). Use your diet to help control any other health problems. These include diabetes, high blood pressure, and anemia.

  • Talk to your provider. Tell your provider before taking any new medicines, either prescription or over-the-counter. Do the same with herbal remedies. Many medicines are flushed from the body through the kidneys. This includes some ointments and creams. Your doses may need to be adjusted, depending on how your kidneys are working. Also, some medicines can hurt kidney function. They need to be avoided.

  • Stop smoking. Smoking can make kidney disease worse. If you need help quitting, talk to your provider about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.

  • Maintain a healthy weight. Talk with your provider if you need help with managing your weight.

  • Exercise regularly. It helps you stay healthy and may help your kidneys work better.

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