Newly diagnosed with kidney disease

Your health practitioner should discuss with you the things you can do to help slow or minimise the damage to your kidneys. The most important thing you can do next is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes:

• continuing to get your kidneys checked, by organising regular Kidney Health Checks with your doctor.
• taking any medicines your doctor prescribes you. Some medicines such as some blood pressure and diabetes tablets also help to protect the kidneys.
• decreasing your risk factors for kidney disease (this can include quitting smoking, eating a healthy, well-balanced diet, exercising, and drinking more water)
• talking to your health care team to find out the best treatment options and pathways for you.

While there’s unlikely to be a single cure for kidney disease, there is ongoing research and innovation working towards this. In the meantime, it’s important to follow your healthcare professional’s advice and work towards slowing down or minimising the damage to your kidneys.

You may have many questions after receiving a kidney disease diagnosis. It can be helpful to organize your thoughts and questions before your next visit with the doctor. Take something to write with for your visit and tell your doctor if you have more questions or are confused. Check out these helpful tips for preparing for your visit.

Meet your healthcare team

Learn the names and roles of the members of your healthcare team. You may be introduced to:

• a nephrologist – a medical doctor that specialises in kidney disease that diagnoses and treats your kidney disease
• a renal nurse – a kidney-trained nurse that assists in giving medicines and providing you with information about caring for your kidney disease
• a renal social worker – social workers who are trained in providing you with kidney disease and your families with the support needed to cope with kidney disease
• an Accredited Practising Dietician – a dietician is professionally qualified to give practical diet and nutrition advice
• a pharmacist – a medication expert who will make sure your medicines are safe and effective for kidney disease.