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If you have recently been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD), you may be overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. It can make you feel scared and uncertain to learn so much new information about your disease and all of the lifestyle changes that may be required to improve your health. To help you adjust, we’ve put together some of the first steps you should be sure to take after receiving a chronic kidney disease diagnosis.
1. Listen to Your Doctor
Your first order of business is to listen to your doctor. You may receive unsolicited advice from acquaintances or get lost in a deluge of information and opinions online, but your doctor is the one who is familiar with your case and will have the most trustworthy recommendations for your health.
They’ll be able to give you some starting points for what to expect, what lifestyle and diet changes you’ll need to make, specialists to get in contact with, and what to do next. You can mitigate the effects of CKD on your body if you catch it early and follow all your doctor’s recommendations to keep your body healthy.
2. See a Kidney Specialist
A kidney specialist (a nephrologist) will be able to give you more specific information about your case and advise you on treatment options. This will be especially important if you are in an advanced stage of kidney disease or if your GFR rate, a measure of kidney function, is below 30,
3. Know Your Numbers
Speaking of GFR, another step on your list is to get familiar with common measurements used to evaluate kidney health and to understand what numbers are healthy.
Your kidney numbers will include two important tests: ACR and GFR. ACR (albumin to creatinine ratio) is measured through a urine test, and it tests the level of the protein albumin in your urine. Levels under 30 are normal, but over 30 may be a sign of kidney damage, and a rising number indicates worsening kidney health.
GFR (glomerular filtration rate) measures kidney function, and it is monitored through a blood test. Your GFR number helps doctors determine which stage of kidney disease you have (of stages 1–5). Over 60 indicates normal kidney function, while below 60 or dropping numbers are a cause for concern.
You should also get familiar with your blood pressure, blood glucose, and cholesterol levels, understand what healthy levels are, and know how to monitor them, as these factors affect your kidneys’ health.
4. Talk to Your Doctor about Current Medications
Many common medications can block your kidneys and worsen your kidney disease. So it is vital that you immediately inform your doctor of any medications you are currently taking and ask their advice on whether to continue taking them.
5. Meet With a Dietitian
Your diet is one factor that can drastically affect the advance of your CKD. Doctors generally recommend that you cut down on sodium intake and other foods that can cause high blood pressure. But you may have other needs that affect your diet and condition. When you meet with a dietitian, they can help you create a personalized plan for your diet and habits. The expert advice of a dietitian will be invaluable in helping you stay healthy.
6. Stop Smoking
If you are a smoker who has been diagnosed with kidney disease, now is the time to stop. Smoking slows the blood flow to your kidneys, and this can lead to more extensive damage. Smoking will make chronic kidney disease even worse, and do so at a rapid pace.
7. Stay Active
Nearly everyone could benefit from more exercise, but it is especially important to your health if you have CKD. CKD patients need to monitor and attempt to lower their risk of heart disease and blood cholesterol levels, as they are closely connected to CKD. Being active and eating right help work toward that goal.
If you have been diagnosed with Stage 4 CKD, you should also learn about your options for kidney failure treatments.
No matter what stage of CKD you’re diagnosed with, by acting quickly to form healthy habits and follow the advice of your doctors, you’ll set yourself up for the best possible outcomes for your health.
