Multi-Care Kidney Clinic (formerly The Renal Management Clinic) Information for patients and families Read this booklet to learn: what chronic kidney disease is how the Multi-Care Kidney Clinic can help what to expect at the clinic appointments who to call if you have any questions Good health is a team effort Please visit the UHN Patient Education website for more health information: www.uhnpatienteducation.ca 2017 University Health Network. All rights reserved. This information is to be used for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for non-commercial personal use only. Author: The Multi-Care Kidney Clinic Team Revised: 05/2017 Form: D-5581
What is chronic kidney disease? You have chronic kidney disease if your kidney or kidneys are damaged or don t work as well as they should for 3 or more months. There are 5 stages to this disease: Healthy kidney Damaged kidney Stage 1 More than 90% healthy Stage 2 60 to 89% healthy 2
Stage 3 30 to 59% healthy Stage 4 15 to 29% healthy Stage 5 Less than 15% healthy How can the Multi-Care Kidney Clinic help? The Multi-Care Kidney Clinic has a team of health care providers who will help you: learn more about your disease and medicines care for yourself and keep track of how you are managing your kidney disease learn about healthy food choices and exercise cope with life changes (emotional and physical) you may have because of your disease learn about the treatment choices for your kidney failure 3
Who is on my health care team? We work together to help keep you as healthy as possible. You and your family members are the most important members of our team! It s important to let your health care team know how you are doing. Your team includes a: nephrologist (kidney doctor): Your nephrologist is in charge of your medical treatment, tests and medicines. nurse: Your nurse keeps track of your health, coordinates your care and helps you learn more about your kidney disease. dietitian: Your dietitian helps you keep track of what you are eating and helps you learn about the healthy food choices for you. social worker: Your social worker helps you cope with your disease, provides emotional support and helps you find resources that you may need. pharmacist: Your pharmacist helps you learn about your medicines, how to take them safely, any side effects and what to do if you think they are not working. chiropodist: Your chiropodist helps you if you are having any problems with your feet or legs. clinic secretary: Your clinic secretary helps book your clinic appointments and arranges tests, procedures and referrals to other doctors. 4
How can I take part in research in the Multi-Care Kidney Clinic? The Toronto General Hospital is a teaching hospital, so research is very important. The Multi-Care Kidney Clinic does research to look for ways to help people with chronic kidney disease. We may ask you to take part in these research studies. You don t have to take part in any research if you don t want to. Your choice will not change the excellent care you receive. How do I prepare for my appointment? Please bring: your health card (OHIP) all your medicines, including: prescription medicines non-prescription medicines ( for example, vitamins, pain medicine, herbs or traditional medicines like Ginseng or Omega 3 fish oil) a list of your questions or concerns your completed clinic questionnaire If you don t speak English, please call the clinic and we will book an interpreter. What will happen during my clinic appointments? At your first appointment you will meet with the clinic nurse for about 1 hour. They will then send you for blood tests. At your next appointment you will meet with the nephrologist and the team. This appointment may take up to 3 hours. Your follow-up appointments may take from 1 to 3 hours. At each appointment, your nephrologist or your nurse will talk with you. You may also see other members of the team, if you need to. 5
How do I get to the clinic? The Multi-Care Kidney Clinic Toronto General Hospital Norman Urquhart Building 12 th floor 585 University Avenue Toronto ON M5G 2C4 Phone: 416 340 4800, extension 6389 If you enter at the University Avenue entrance, take the Munk elevators. Turn left when you get off on the 12 th floor. If you enter from the Elizabeth Street entrance, take the Eaton elevators. Turn right when you get off on the 12 th floor. When you arrive at the clinic, please check in with the receptionist at the desk. Parking Visitor parking is on Elizabeth Street between College Street and Gerrard Street. Please ask the attendant for the rates when you arrive. TTC Take the University-Spadina subway line to Queen s Park subway station. The hospital is south of College Street at 585 University Avenue. Who can I call if I have questions? Please call the Multi-Care Kidney Clinic at 416 340 4800 extension 6389 if you have any questions. Website: http://www.uhn.ca/mcc/patientsfamilies/clinics_tests/renal_management 6