Your First Nephrology Appointment: What to Expect and What to Ask
At your first nephrology appointment, a kidney specialist usually reviews your health history, medicines and recent test results, examines you, and may order blood, urine or imaging tests. The aim is to understand what is going on with your kidneys and agree on next steps. A little preparation, such as gathering lab reports and writing […]
Blood in Urine: What It Can Mean and When to See a Doctor
Blood in your urine, called hematuria, has many possible causes, and many of them are not serious, such as a urinary tract infection, a kidney stone or hard exercise. It can also be a sign of kidney disease or, less often, cancer of the bladder or kidney. That is why blood in your urine should […]
When Should You Get a Second Opinion From Another Nephrologist?
Wondering whether to seek a second opinion about your kidney care is a common, completely reasonable question, and it doesn’t have to feel like an act of disloyalty to your current doctor. A second opinion is a normal part of managing your own health, especially with a condition as long-term as kidney disease. Key Takeaways […]
How Do You Cope with a Chronic Kidney Disease Diagnosis?
A chronic kidney disease diagnosis can bring up a wave of emotions all at once, worry, confusion, sometimes even relief at finally having an explanation for how you’ve been feeling. All of these reactions are normal, and how you process this news matters just as much as the medical plan that follows it. Key Takeaways […]
Living Donor vs. Deceased Donor Kidney Transplants: What’s the Difference?
Once a kidney transplant becomes part of the conversation, one of the first questions many patients have is whether a living donor or a deceased donor kidney is the better option. Both are proven, effective paths to a transplant, but they differ in meaningful ways worth understanding upfront. Key Takeaways A living donor transplant uses […]
How Much Does Dialysis Cost, and What Does Insurance Typically Cover?
Cost is one of the first questions many people have once dialysis becomes part of the conversation, and it’s a completely reasonable one to ask early. The good news is that Medicare covers dialysis for most patients regardless of age, though out-of-pocket costs can still add up depending on your specific coverage. Key Takeaways Medicare […]
Kidney Disease and Pregnancy: What Expecting Mothers Should Know
Being pregnant while managing chronic kidney disease raises real, specific questions that a general pregnancy resource won’t answer. The encouraging news is that most women with early-stage kidney disease go on to have healthy pregnancies, especially with the right planning and monitoring in place. Key Takeaways Women with early-stage CKD and well-controlled blood pressure generally […]
What Happens During a Kidney Biopsy, and Is It Painful?
A kidney biopsy can sound intimidating before you know what’s actually involved. In most cases, it’s a well-established, outpatient procedure that takes under an hour and provides information other tests simply can’t. Key Takeaways A kidney biopsy removes a small sample of kidney tissue for examination under a microscope. The procedure is usually done with […]
Anemia and Chronic Kidney Disease: Why It Happens and How It’s Treated
Anemia is one of the most common, and most overlooked, complications of chronic kidney disease. It often develops gradually, which means many patients feel more tired than usual for a while before anyone connects it back to their kidneys. Key Takeaways Healthy kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin that tells the body to make red […]
What Is Proteinuria, and Why Does Protein in Urine Matter?
Protein in the urine, known medically as proteinuria, is one of the earliest and most important signals a kidney test can reveal. It often shows up on a routine urinalysis long before any other symptom appears, which is exactly why it matters so much. Key Takeaways Proteinuria means protein, usually albumin, is leaking into the […]