Preparing for an appointment

Start by seeing your primary care doctor. If your doctor suspects you or your child has a kidney problem, such as nephrotic syndrome, you might be referred to a doctor who specializes in the kidneys (nephrologist).

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

When you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as restrict your diet. Take a family member or friend along, if possible, to help you remember the information you'll be given.

Make a list of:

• Your or your child's symptoms and when they began
• Key personal information, including major stresses or recent life changes
• All medications, vitamins or other supplements you or your child takes, including doses
• Questions to ask your doctor

For nephrotic syndrome, some questions to ask include:

• What's the most likely cause of my or my child's nephrotic syndrome?
• What tests do I or my child need?
• Is this condition likely temporary?
• What are the treatment options? And which do you recommend?
• Are there changes I can make to my or my child's diet? Could consulting a dietitian help?
• How can I best manage this condition with my or my child's other medical conditions?
• Are there brochures or other printed material that I can have? What websites do you recommend?

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you questions, such as:

• Do symptoms come and go, or do you have them all the time?
• How severe are the symptoms?
• Does anything seem to improve the symptoms?
• What, if anything, appears to worsen the symptoms?