CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE (CKD) Patient Leaflet
Why am I getting this leaflet?
This information sheet is being sent to you because your recent blood tests show you have Chronic Kidney Disease or CKD. This is nothing to be concerned about; it simply means that your kidneys are not working as well as they used to.
How common is CKD?
CKD is thought to affect around 3.5 million people in the UK. It is more common to develop as people get older. It is also more common in people with diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease. For most, CKD will gradually get worse very slowly over a period of years.
Why is it important to know if I have CKD?
People with CKD have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular complications such as high blood pressure, heart disease or a stroke. Furthermore, certain medication can cause CKD to get worse. Therefore it is important to detect even mild cases of CKD.
How is it diagnosed?
CKD is usually diagnosed by a blood test called estimated glomerular filtration rate or eGFR. CKD can be classified into 5 different stages. Stage 1 and 2 usually require no treatment.
Stage 3 is by far the most common and requires monitoring by the GP practice.
Stage 4 and 5 usually require additional monitoring by a kidney specialist in the hospital.
How can I help myself?
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the most important thing you can do to stop CKD from getting worse. This includes: reducing salt, eating healthy, taking regular exercise, losing weight and stopping smoking.
What happens now?
You have now been added to a register at the practice for those with CKD. This means you will be regularly reviewed in the practice to ensure CKD is managed appropriately. This is normally done by our practice nurse team and this review may take place during reviews for other chronic illnesses you may have. If your CKD begins to get worse, this will be picked up and monitored.
Other important things I need to know?
There are certain medications that are not recommended for regular use as these can cause your kidneys to get worse. These include Ibuprofen, Diclofenac and Naproxen (known as NSAIDS).
Additionally if you are unwell with a dehydrating illness, you should stop taking certain medication if prescribed – please see enclosed Medicine Sick Day rules card for more information.
We hope that this information is helpful. If you have any further questions about CKD, please feel free to discuss with one of the GPs or nurses. Further information can be found at:
www.kidneycareuk.org
20170814-medicines-sick-day-rules-card-v2-0-print.pdf (ihub.scot)