Preparing for an appointment

Most people are already hospitalized when they develop acute kidney failure. If you or a loved one develops signs and symptoms of kidney failure, bring up your concerns with your doctor or nurse.

If you aren't in the hospital, but have signs or symptoms of kidney failure, make an appointment with your family doctor or a general practitioner. If your doctor suspects you have kidney problems, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in kidney disease (nephrologist).

Before your meeting with the doctor, write down your questions. Consider asking:

• What's the most like cause of my symptoms?
• Have my kidneys stopped working? What could have caused my kidney failure?
• What kinds of tests do I need?
• What are my treatment options and what are the risks?
• Do I need to go to the hospital?
• Will my kidneys recover or will I need dialysis?
• I have another health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions together?
• Do I need to eat a special diet, and if so, can you refer me to a dietitian to help me plan what to eat?
• Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing me?
• Do you have any printed materials that I can take with me? What websites do you recommend?