ADPKD Guide
Readable, evidence-first ADPKD treatment, symptoms, diet, trials, and research updates for patients, families, and clinicians.
Last sweep: Jun 1, 2026
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Questions for Your Nephrologist

Use these questions to deepen your conversations with your kidney doctor and make informed treatment decisions.

Understanding Your Diagnosis

Diagnosis & Genetics
  1. 1 Can you confirm I have ADPKD and which genetic type (PKD1 vs PKD2)?
  2. 2 How fast is my kidney disease likely to progress based on my type and age of onset?
  3. 3 Should my family members be screened for ADPKD?
  4. 4 Would genetic counseling be helpful for family planning?

Monitoring & Testing

What to Track
  1. 5 How often should I have blood tests (creatinine, eGFR), urine tests, and ultrasounds?
  2. 6 What is my current eGFR and which CKD stage am I in?
  3. 7 Should I monitor blood pressure at home? What's my target?
  4. 8 Are there any warning signs I should watch for and report immediately?

Treatment & Medication

Drug Therapy
  1. 9 Is tolvaptan a good option for me? What are the benefits and risks?
  2. 10 What blood pressure medications should I be on, and why?
  3. 11 Are there any new trials or emerging treatments I should know about?
  4. 12 Are there any drug interactions I should avoid (including supplements)?

Lifestyle & Self-Care

Diet, Exercise, and Habits
  1. 13 What dietary changes help slow progression? Should I restrict sodium, protein, or fluids?
  2. 14 Is exercise safe for me? What type and intensity do you recommend?
  3. 15 Should I avoid certain foods or supplements?
  4. 16 How much water should I drink daily with ADPKD?

Complications & When to Seek Help

What to Watch For
  1. 17 What are the signs of a cyst infection and what should I do?
  2. 18 Am I at risk for kidney stones? How do I prevent them?
  3. 19 Should I be screened for intracranial aneurysms? How often?
  4. 20 When should I contact you or go to the ER about a symptom?

Planning Ahead

Kidney Transplant & End-Stage Planning
  1. 21 When should I start thinking about transplant or dialysis options?
  2. 22 How do I prepare for a living-donor kidney transplant?
  3. 23 What specialist referrals should I consider (transplant, genetics, dietitian)?
  4. 24 Are there clinical trials I'm eligible for that I should know about?
Tip: Write down your doctor's answers and bring a list to each visit. Consider bringing a family member or friend to take notes.
Not Medical Advice: These questions are for educational purposes. Always follow your nephrologist's personalized recommendations for your specific situation.

Related Pages

Newly Diagnosed
First steps after diagnosis
→
Patient Guide
Full evidence-tiered overview
→
Symptoms
What symptoms mean and when to act
→