What to know upon discharge from the hospital: kidney failure

So you're being discharged from the hospital. Here's what you should know when you leave in order

to set yourself up for success. [MUSIC PLAYING]

Your discharge plan will be created during your stay at the hospital in concert with your doctor

and the rest of your health care team. This plan will help you to be prepared to stay healthy once you leave the hospital

and help you avoid having to come back. This is not an exhaustive list. Your health care providers will have specific guidance

tailored to your unique needs. But in general, here are some things you'll want your discharge plan to include.

The medical condition you have, any allergies you have, the medicines you should be taking, and how and when to take them.

For those living with kidney failure, the type of treatment you will receive will depend on the cause of your kidney failure.

Some may need diuretics to help your body get rid of fluids. Some may need dialysis, which can help remove toxins

and fluids from your body. Some may need medications to control potassium, while others may need medicine to increase their calcium

levels. You'll want your discharge plan to include where your next stop is, are you going home or to another facility, will you need special assistance

like a home health aide, when and where your next appointments are, and contact information for the providers you'll see.

Ways to monitor your condition-- for those living with kidney failure, you should monitor how much urine you are producing.

If you notice a change in the amount of urine you're producing, you should contact your health care provider. You should also monitor your weight.

Talk to your health care provider about what limits you should be aware of for weight changes. If you notice a significant change in your weight,

talk to your health care provider. You'll want your discharge plan to include what problems to look out for and what

you should do in case one arises, who you should call if you have a problem, what physical activities you can do

and ones you should avoid, where you might find additional information and resources, what

special equipment-- if any-- you may need, what foods you should eat, and ones you should avoid.

For those living with kidney failure, your health care team may tell you to drink a certain amount of liquids each day.

Ask how much and which liquids you should be drinking. As far as food is concerned, you may be asked to limit foods that contain sodium, potassium,

phosphorus, or protein. If you have a caregiver, you'll want them to also know and understand the ins and outs of your discharge plan.

The same goes with anyone else who might be helping you after your discharge. Following your discharge plan will

help you stay healthy and, hopefully, avoid having to come back to the hospital. [AUDIO LOGO]