Your body is your most considerable wealth. And why are you not taking good care of it? Perhaps visiting the kidney doctor would be an excellent first move. Whether you want to know if your kidneys are functioning properly or are experiencing pain or discomfort, it is best to get a check-up done sooner rather than later.
Here’s what you need to do: speak to a kidney-related doctor to rule out any disease. Don’t worry! This article will take you through the steps, from preparing for your appointment to the tests you may undergo and the follow-up care you can expect from a kidney-related doctor.
Why See a Kidney Doctor?
Your kidneys are like your best friends. They are very important because when your kidneys function properly, your body will function well, too. They are responsible for filtering out all the waste and excessive fluids from the blood.
When your kidneys don’t work well, you can experience many issues, such as inflammation, high blood pressure, tiredness, heart issues, and more. Do you wish to live with all these conditions? The answer is probably a BIG NO! Pay attention to what your body is trying to say. There will be signs and symptoms to alert you.
You should consider visiting a kidney doctor if you see any of these symptoms:
- Your face, ankles, and legs have inflammation
- High blood pressure that is beyond your control
- You feel like urinating time and again
- You spotted streaks of blood in your urine
- You feel tired too quickly
A trip to an experienced nephrologist is a must in this case. You don’t want to live with disease, do you?
Let’s Prep Up For Your Appointment
To make the most of your kidney doctor appointments, you must be mentally and physically prepared with everything. Don’t take stress because that has never helped anyone.
- Carry All Your Health Documents: If you’ve had any recent blood tests, urine tests, or imaging (such as ultrasound), bring those results. The nephrologist will get a clear picture of what you are going through.
- List Your Medications: Don’t be shy to tell what vitamins and supplements you take. Your doctor deserves to know everything.
- Note Down The Signs You Are Experiencing: Write down any symptoms you’ve noticed, even if they seem minor. These could be important clues for your doctor.
- Talk about your diet: You are what you eat! Do you believe in that notion? Your diet plays a significant role in kidney health. Your doctor will ask you what you eat. So, be ready to answer this question promptly.
What Happens During the Checkup?
First of all, breathe in and out! Once you make the appointment, you will be worried about what the doctor will say. Don’t be! The doctor wants to know your medical history, dietary habits, basic lifestyle, and any symptoms you are facing.
Doctors are good listeners, so they listen to you without judgment. So, feel free to talk about your problem without any stress. A physical examination is a part of the process, so make sure you are dressed comfortably.
The Physical Examination
Are you ready for the physical examination? It isn’t something you should stress about. During the physical exam, the nephrologist/doctor will check for signs of fluid retention, such as inflammation in your face or legs. You should also be ready for a blood pressure check, which will help them determine if you have kidney disease.
Tests To Get Done For Checking Kidney Health
You can expect the doctor to ask you to get some tests. This is to rule out any disease or check what is wrong with your kidney. The tests include:
- Blood test: This test measures your body’s urea and creatinine levels. How much waste is flushed out by the kidney? It’s important to know this. A high level of creatinine or urea might mean your kidney isn’t functioning properly.
- Get Your Urine Tested: Another test you might undergo is the urine test. They will check the protein in the urine and whether there is any blood streak. Sometimes, other substances should not be present in the urine.
- Get an Imaging Test Done: CT scan may be recommended. It could be an ultrasound, too. Doctors can check if the kidneys are in normal shape and size. This also helps them see if there are any cysts, stones, or tumours.
The Importance of Regular Checkups
Regular visits to your nephrologist are a must. You don’t want to end up with a kidney disease that cannot be reversed. Before it’s too late, go to the nephrologist and be open about your medical records and dietary habits.
Kidney health is important because you don’t want to live a poor life. To enjoy life to the fullest, you must be regular with your checkups and follow a disciplined lifestyle.
