Your nephrologist, renal dietician, and the rest of your healthcare team are rich sources of information when it comes to understanding chronic kidney disease (CKD), your treatment regimen, and adjusting your lifestyle to support your health. However, you may feel overwhelmed and may not know what questions to ask to get the answers you need. To help facilitate these conversations, here are some helpful questions for each member of your care team no matter what your stage of CKD.*

• What steps can I take to improve my overall health?
• What signs or symptoms of CKD should I look for and monitor?
• What types of changes should I contact you about?
• Do I need to modify my diet? How?
• What habits or conditions might make my CKD worse?
• Should I keep taking the meds for my other health conditions?
• Is it possible to keep my CKD from getting worse? How?
• What would cause my stage of CKD to progress to kidney failure?

• What can I do to keep my kidneys working as long as possible?
• What signs of kidney failure should I look for and contact you about?
• What can I do now to prepare myself and my family for dialysis?
• Why does hemodialysis require surgery, and what should I expect?
• Can you explain the at-home peritoneal dialysis procedure?
• Do you recommend a type of dialysis for my particular situation?
• Am I a candidate for transplant? If so, how do I start the process?
• I’m feeling anxious. Can you refer me to a counselor or therapist?

• What should my main dietary goals be at this stage?
• Are there any tips for keeping my diet varied and interesting?
• Is there a way to incorporate my favorite foods and flavors?
• Which dietary changes are the most beneficial for my health?
• How do I choose kidney-friendly foods and beverages when I’m eating out?

• What should I expect from my treatments at this stage?
• Will I be on dialysis for the rest of my life?
• How much better can I expect to feel?
• What symptoms or experiences should I contact you about?
• Do I need to make changes to other medications I’m taking?
• Am I eligible for a transplant after being on dialysis?
• Can I take over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements?

• What should my primary dietary goals be at this stage?
• How can I keep my diet varied and interesting, despite all the restrictions?
• What are the best go-to snacks for me?
• Does it matter if I cheat on my diet now?

• How can I make the most of my dialysis treatments?
• How might I feel after dialysis, and for how long?
• What sorts of experiences should I contact you about?
• What should I know about my prescribed medications?
• What do I need to know about my fluids, and how can I get better results?
• What can I do to feel my best on dialysis?

• How can I make the most of my at-home dialysis treatments?
• How should I expect to feel after dialysis, and for how long?
• Who should I contact with questions about my at-home dialysis process?
• Can I do my treatments by myself, or will I need help? What kind of help?
• How much storage space will I need for supplies and equipment?
• What symptoms or events should I contact you about?
• What should I do in case of an emergency?

• What are some tips for adjusting to my new treatment?
• How can I balance work and leisure activities with my treatments?
• How would I know if I’m just feeling down or if I’m depressed?
• How do I get back to feeling normal and loving my life?
• Can I travel while on treatment?
• What should I do in an emergency?
• How can I help my family and friends understand what I’m going through?
• Where can I find peer support?
• Are there resources that can help me with treatment costs and transportation?