Patient information and education

Learn how to prepare for your appointments with the young adult kidney clinic and find important information about managing your kidney condition.

Top tips for your appointments

• Always bring an accurate, up-to-date list of your current medications to every hospital appointment.
• Check your supply of medication before you come. Do you need to ask the doctor for a new prescription?
• As questions for the medical team pop into your head, write them down in a notebook or keep a list on your phone and bring it to your appointment. When you are in your clinic appointment, it can be difficult to remember all those questions you thought of before!
• If you need to miss an appointment or change an appointment, just pick up the phone and ring us. We will help you to reschedule – don’t skip your appointments!

Important message about painkillers

If you have kidney disease, you must avoid taking painkillers called ‘non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs’ (NSAID) such as:

• Ibuprofen

• Nurofen
• Diclofenac or
• Voltarol

Vomiting or diarrhoea (unless only minor)

Fevers, sweats and shaking (unless only minor)

You MUST stop the following medications temporarily:

• ACE inhibitors: medicine names ending in ‘pril’ e.g. Ramipril, Enalapril, Lisinopril
• ARBs: medicine names ending in ‘sartan’ e.g. losartan, candesartan, irbesartan
• Diuretics: e.g. furosemide, bendroflumethiazide
• Metformin: a medicine for diabetes

Only RESTART these medicines again when you are well (after 24 hours of eating and drinking normally). If you are in any doubt, contact the clinic on 0203 313 4268 or local doctor or pharmacist.

Healthy eating

Eating a healthy, balanced diet is an important part of maintaining good health and can help you feel your best. The saying goes, “You are what you eat.” Check out this website for more information on how to live well and eat well

Some medical conditions require a special diet. Do you need to have a special diet? Do you know what you can and can't eat?

If not, ask your doctor. He or she can explain and make an appointment for you with the dietician to give you more help and advice.

Exercise

Exercise is free, easy to take, has an immediate effect and you don’t need a GP to get some!

Being active for at least 60 minutes a day is linked to better general health, stronger bones and muscles. It's essential if you want to live a healthy and fulfilling life into old age. You can find some great ideas on the [NHS website https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/physical-activity-guidelines-children-and-young-people/]

Pregnancy and medications

Not all medications are safe in pregnancy. Some medications can seriously harm an unborn baby.

Do YOU know if your medications are safe in pregnancy? If not, just ask. If you are taking medications that are dangerous in pregnancy, you must use contraception. Do you need help with this? Just ask!

If you want to become pregnant, talk to your doctor so that we can help you plan a pregnancy that is safe for you and safe for your baby.

Sexual health

The Jefferiss Wing at St Mary’s Hospital runs a confidential sexual health clinic for young people. Find out how you can access sexual health services at the Jefferiss Wing.

Alcohol

Everyone reacts differently to alcohol. Your height, weight, sex and medications are just some of the factors that play a part in how alcohol affects you. Even what you had to eat that day or how much sleep you've had recently can make a difference to how you feel when you drink.

To keep health risks from alcohol to a low level, the UK Chief Medical Officer has advised that it is safest not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis.

Smoking

… just don’t do it! It is so expensive, and we all know how bad it is for your health and the health of those around you. Learn more on the NHS website

Illicit drugs

We cannot condone the use of illicit drugs. If you need help, it’s OK to talk. Remember – you have a right to confidentiality from your doctor. You can also get advice on the NHS website

Further online resources:

• West London Kidney Patients' Association is a charity run by kidney patients, their families, friends and carers with support from staff of the West London Renal Centre.
• Kidney Care UK is the leading kidney patient support charity providing advice, support and financial assistance to thousands every year.

There are also closed Facebook groups just for kidney patients and their families – speak to your care team if you have any questions about