At Your Appointment

Polycystic Kidney Disease Appointment Guide

Ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment. Answer two questions below to personalize your appointment guide.

• Has your doctor diagnosed you or your loved one with polycystic kidney disease?

  1. Yes, diagnosed
  2. No, undiagnosed
• Will this appointment be an in-office visit or an online/telehealth appointment?

  1. In-office visit
  2. Online/telehealth appointment
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Top Questions Your Doctor May Ask You About Polycystic Kidney Disease If you’re having a telehealth appointment, it's helpful to keep these things in mind. Test your computer or smartphone to make sure you can log in without difficulties. Since the doctor can’t examine you in person, be very specific about your symptoms. Print this appointment guide or write down your questions so you remember what to ask, and consider having someone sit with you to listen in. Have your medicines with you so you can show the doctor the labels and doses, and if you are interested in a specific treatment, be sure to ask about it.

• Please describe the symptoms and issues you’re having that led you to schedule this online appointment. Start at the beginning of this current episode and tell me how and when things have changed and progressed.
• What symptoms are you currently experiencing?
• When was your last set of lab tests?
• Have you added, changed the dose, or stopped any medications?
• Have you had a baseline imaging exam of your kidneys and abdomen?
• Have you had a brain MRI?
• Are you having any symptoms, such as back pain or side pain, blood in your urine, or frequent or urgent need to urinate?
• When did you first notice these symptoms?
• Do you have high blood pressure?
• Do you have a family history of kidney disease, including polycystic kidney disease?
• When was the last time you had a kidney function test?
• What side effects are you having with your medications?
• What new symptoms are you experiencing?
• What tests and treatments have you had so far?

Top Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Polycystic Kidney Disease Many people forget to ask important questions at their doctor's appointments. You may want to print or write these questions down before your appointment so you remember to get the answers you need.

• How do you expect my case of polycystic kidney disease to progress? Will my kidneys eventually fail?
• What follow up testing do I need and how often?
• What other complications are possible with polycystic kidney disease?
• What treatments do I need to protect my kidneys?
• What diet or lifestyle changes can I make to protect my kidneys?
• Are there any medicines that can slow polycystic kidney disease?
• What is most likely causing my symptoms or abnormal lab results?
• Could another medical condition be causing or contributing to these problems?
• How do you diagnose polycystic kidney disease?
• What treatments are available for polycystic kidney disease? How effective are they?
• Is polycystic kidney disease reversible?
• Are there medicines that would protect my kidneys with fewer side effects?
• Do my new or different symptoms mean my polycystic kidney disease is getting worse?
• What is the best treatment plan for my polycystic kidney disease?

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