Having chronic kidney disease does not mean everyone needs the same low-potassium diet. A normal potassium result is a reason to discuss your current plan with your care team, rather than automatically removing many nutritious foods. Let laboratory results guide the discussion Potassium supports muscle and nerve function. Kidney disease can make it harder to keep potassium in the desired range, but levels may be too high or too low. Your clinician considers your recent result

A higher creatinine result can be worrying. The next step is to understand the change in context: your previous results, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urine findings, medicines and recent health. One result does not tell the whole story Creatinine is a waste product related to muscle activity. The kidneys remove it from the blood. Its level can rise when kidney filtration declines, but muscle mass, dehydration and other circumstances also affect the result. Cli

Stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD) does not automatically mean dialysis is ahead. It does mean that kidney function needs monitoring and that you should understand your individual risk and treatment plan. What stage 3 means Stage 3 is divided into G3a, with an eGFR of 45–59, and G3b, with an eGFR of 30–44. A persistently reduced eGFR for at least three months supports a chronic diagnosis; an abrupt drop also needs assessment for acute kidney injury. eGFR estimates kidney fi

A first visit to a kidney specialist is a chance to understand why you were referred and build a practical plan. You do not need to understand every laboratory number before arriving. Bring your questions and the information that helps explain your health history. Prepare the information you already have Check the Patient Center for the practice's current forms and visit instructions. Bring your medication list, including doses, supplements and over-the-counter products. A wr