Kidney Health - Patient Guide

What is it?

Your kidneys filter waste and extra fluid from your blood. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) means they are working below normal — we find it with a blood test (eGFR) and a urine test for protein, usually before you feel anything. Most people with CKD never need dialysis, especially when blood pressure and blood sugar stay controlled.

What can I do?

• Control blood pressure — nothing protects kidneys more. Take your BP medicines every day.
• Control blood sugar if you have diabetes.
• Keep taking kidney-protective medicines we prescribe (like an ACE/ARB or an SGLT2 pill) — they slow CKD down even when you feel no different.
• Skip NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) — they are the most common avoidable kidney insult.
• Eat less salt and less processed food.
• Tell every doctor, dentist, and pharmacist about your kidneys before new medicines, supplements, or scans with contrast dye.
• When you are sick and can't keep fluids down, ask us which medicines to pause until you recover — some become harmful when you're dehydrated.

What can I expect?

Lab checks once or twice a year (more if things change). Know your eGFR number and track it over time like you would a blood pressure.

When should I call?

• New swelling in your legs or around your eyes.
• A big change in how much you urinate.
• Before starting any new over-the-counter medicine or supplement.
• Go to the ER for little or no urine output, or swelling with shortness of breath.