"Hi, I’m [Your Name], a medical student. I’ve been asked to talk to you about the results of your recent kidney function tests. Could I confirm your full name and date of birth?"
"Today I’ll explain what chronic kidney disease is, what your results mean, and how we manage it going forward."
"Is it okay if we proceed with this discussion now? Would you like anyone else to be present during our conversation?"
"Have you heard of chronic kidney disease, or CKD, before?"
"Is there anything in particular that you’re concerned about — such as dialysis, life expectancy, or dietary changes?"
"CKD means your kidneys aren’t working as well as they used to. It’s usually a gradual process and is picked up on routine blood or urine tests."
"We measure it using something called eGFR, which gives us an estimate of your kidney function. We also check for protein in your urine and monitor your blood pressure regularly."
"In early stages, you may not notice any symptoms. But if it worsens, it can cause tiredness, fluid retention, or higher risks of heart problems."
"Our goal is to slow the progression and reduce any complications."
"The most important steps are managing blood pressure and any related conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol. We often use medications like ACE inhibitors or statins to protect your kidneys."
"We also advise drinking enough fluids, reducing salt intake, avoiding over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen, and staying on top of your blood tests and reviews."
"You’ll have regular check-ups to monitor your bloods, blood pressure, and symptoms. If kidney function falls further, we might refer you to a specialist team — but many people live for years with stable CKD."
"So in summary, CKD means your kidney function is a bit reduced. It’s common, especially with age, high blood pressure or diabetes — and we can manage it well with medication and lifestyle changes."
"Here’s a leaflet with everything we discussed. If you ever notice swelling, breathlessness, or changes in urine, please let us know immediately."
"Do you have any questions about what we discussed today?"
"Let’s agree on a plan that you feel comfortable with, and we’ll arrange regular monitoring to keep things under control."
"Thanks for your time — we’ll keep monitoring things and support you with regular reviews."