← Return to Diagnosis of CKD: What are your disease management tips?

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@gingerw

@cath2 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Kidney disease, and chronic kidney disease in particular, can be tricky to diagnose. I have included a link here from the American Kidney Fund that talks about the basics of it all. The two main culprits of CKD are diabetes and uncontrolled high blood pressure. Other factors can include medication responses, lifestyle choices, and genetic factors. Unfortunately, many of us have found that our general physicians are simply not educated enough on the finer points of kidney disease to address it properly.

If I were in your shoes, I would consider seeing a nephrologist, for a comprehensive workup, and determination of kidney disease. A specialist is important to obtain accurate care if you indeed do have CKD. You may or may not need a referral from your primary care doctor, depending on your insurance. Reaching out to a teaching hospital, large university hospital, or to Mayo Clinic, are ideal options. Does this sound doable for you?

https://www.kidneyfund.org/all-about-kidneys/chronic-kidney-disease-ckd

What other questions do you have for me at this time?
Ginger

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Replies to "@cath2 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Kidney disease, and chronic kidney disease in particular, can be..."

Yes! That was what I was thinking. Thanks for confirmation we should explore further with a nephrologist. We live in NC near Charlotte.

Hello. I agree that most Drs are not as up to date on CKD as is needed to dispense advice. My experience, is that there are not enough nephrologists to address the huge numbers of folks diagnosed and so most will not agree to see you unless you are Stage 4 or 5.