Question 1

how frequently do i need to see my nephrologist?

Accepted Answer

Depends: If you have mild kidney disease, then you probably need to see the nephrologist 2 to 3 times a year.  However if you have more advanced renal impairment that requires multiple medications and frequent checking of your labs, they you may need to see that doctor 4 to 6 times a year.

Question 2

is there a way to avoid dialysis when your nephrologist orders you to have it?

Accepted Answer

Avoiding dialysis: When to start dialysis is sometimes an easy decision, and sometimes more difficult. If your nephrologist sees a need then there is a good chance there really is one, but there can be differences between nephrologists as to absolute need for dialysis in cases where the lab or clinical data are not clear cut. Tthere are many risks, benefits and alternatives to discuss, so a second opinion may help.

Question 3

i have ckd stage 2. is there any reason why i should not consult with a nephrologist?

Accepted Answer

: Consulting a nephrologist would be a good idea.
Wish you good health!

Question 4

i was in the er diagnosed with hydronephrosis. what should i know? and when or if should i go to nephrologist?

Accepted Answer

See urologist: Hydronephrosis, which is dilation or swelling of the kidney, arises from obstruction in the kidney tube (ureter).  Critical points to define: what is causing obstruction- narrowing or kink or junction between ureter/ kidney or lower in ureter, stone in ureter.  Also need to know if involved kidney is healthy with renal scan. See urologist to define issues and possible treatments

Question 5

i have my first appt with a nephrologist today to try and rule out diabetes insipidus. what can i expect on this first appt?

Accepted Answer

H/P and lab: Expect a good history and physical exam and being scheduled for urine and blood testing. Also, a chance to ask questions and receive answers.  Study up before the visit to know what to ask.

Question 6

heard cefipeme could cause problems in kidney pts. will nephrologist automatically reach out to my grandpa if he is on it, in light of fda warning?

Accepted Answer

Most probably: Nephrologists are usually acutely aware of such alerts for the benefit of their patients. To ease your mind, you might contact the nephrologist's office to see if your grandfather needs an appointment to adjust his cefipeme dose.

Question 7

egfr has fluctuated between stg 2 and 3 for the pst 6 yrs. ckd is of unkwn origin. when should i see a nephrologist? have sjogrens, and other problems

Accepted Answer

Yesterday!: Those numbers are real low. Acetaminophen probably not good for you.

Question 8

i have a question for a relative. she's 23 and has a creatinine level of 0.41 (normal range: 0.52-1.04). everything else is normal. is this something that needs follow up? if so, is it best to see a urologist or nephrologist?

Accepted Answer

Normal: All laboratory results need to be interpreted in the clinical context and the doctor who ordered the tests is usually in the best position to do that. Talk to the doctor who ordered the tests. Having said that, her creatinine is normal.  It may be low because she is skinny and has low muscle mass.

Question 9

what kind of doctor removes your kidneys, a nephrologist or urologist?

Accepted Answer

Nephrectomy : A urologist is the surgical specialist of the kidney and a nephrologist is the medical specialist of the kidney. So a urologist would remove a kidney.

Question 10

what does a nephrologist do?

Accepted Answer

A kidney specialist: Nephrologists take care of patients with kidney problems.  These include acute kidney injury, chronic kidney diseases, kidney stones, high blood pressure, glomerulonephritis (inflammation of kidney tissue), and kidney failure.

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A member asked:

How frequently do i need to see my nephrologist?

A member asked:

Is there a way to avoid dialysis when your nephrologist orders you to have it?

A member asked:

I have ckd stage 2. is there any reason why i should not consult with a nephrologist?

A member asked:

I was in the er diagnosed with hydronephrosis. what should i know? and when or if should i go to nephrologist?

A member asked:

I have my first appt with a nephrologist today to try and rule out diabetes insipidus. what can i expect on this first appt?

A member asked:

Heard cefipeme could cause problems in kidney pts. will nephrologist automatically reach out to my grandpa if he is on it, in light of fda warning?

A member asked:

Egfr has fluctuated between stg 2 and 3 for the pst 6 yrs. ckd is of unkwn origin. when should i see a nephrologist? have sjogrens, and other problems

A member asked:

I have a question for a relative. she's 23 and has a creatinine level of 0.41 (normal range: 0.52-1.04). everything else is normal. is this something that needs follow up? if so, is it best to see a urologist or nephrologist?

A member asked:

What kind of doctor removes your kidneys, a nephrologist or urologist?

A member asked:

What does a nephrologist do?

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