What happens next?

You will need to have some extra blood tests to see if your kidneys are getting better or worse. We will also need to look at a small sample of your urine. We use a test strip to see if you have protein or blood in your urine even very tiny amounts.

You might also need to have a special scan of your kidneys using an ultrasound machine. This helps the doctors measure your kidneys and see if they can see what is causing your kidney injury.

Some patients may need to have a catheter to help release the urine from your bladder.

What will happen to me after the first tests and investigations?

Most patient’s kidneys will get better quickly and they make a full kidney recovery. While this happens, you will be looked after by the medical or surgical doctors on the ward until you are discharged from hospital.

Sometimes patients may see a specialist team of urologists. The urologists will see you if you need a small operation to help release the urine from your bladder.

Some patients with very rare but serious kidney injury might need to be referred to the specialist kidney doctors who will take over your care. In some cases, your kidneys may not make a good recovery quickly enough. This might mean that you need to have dialysis to clean your blood and help remove waste products. Sadly, a small number of patient’s kidneys will never recover from acute kidney injury. If this happens the kidney doctors will talk to you about your options.

What about my medicines?

Your prescription will be reviewed by the pharmacist and doctor. They might stop some of your medicines altogether or suggest that you stop some for a while until your kidneys recover.

Unfortunately there are no specific medicines that we can give you that help you recover from acute kidney injury.

What happens once I leave hospital?

We will tell your GP that you have had a kidney injury before you came into hospital or while you have been in hospital. Your GP may want to recheck your blood tests or see you.

You need to look after your kidneys forever. Please check with your Doctor, Nurse or Pharmacist before taking any new medicines.

Can I do anything to help myself?

We suggest that you follow healthy eating and lifestyle advice. Try and keep your blood pressure under control.

You should always tell health care professionals eg Doctor, Nurse, Pharmacist, Dentist, that you have had an acute kidney injury, even when you have recovered.