It's completely understandable to feel lost when you're only given a stage number and nothing else. The good news is that stage 2 means your kidneys are still functioning, just with some mild damage — so there's real room to work with here.
Knowing the *type* of kidney disease you have usually requires a few steps your Show Full Answer
It's completely understandable to feel lost when you're only given a stage number and nothing else. The good news is that stage 2 means your kidneys are still functioning, just with some mild damage — so there's real room to work with here.
Knowing the *type* of kidney disease you have usually requires a few steps your doctor can take:
- Blood tests — to measure your eGFR (how well your kidneys filter waste) and creatinine levels
- Urine tests — to check for protein or albumin leaking into your urine, which signals kidney damage
- Imaging tests — like ultrasounds or MRIs to look at the structure of your kidneys
- Kidney biopsy — in some cases, a small tissue sample is taken to identify the specific type of damage The most important next step is to go back to your doctor and ask directly: *"What is causing my kidney disease?"* You have every right to that answer.
Some questions worth bringing to your appointment:
- What is my eGFR number exactly?
- Is there protein in my urine?
- What is the underlying cause of my kidney damage?
- Do I need any additional tests to find out more?
Don't be shy about pushing for clarity — understanding your specific situation helps you make better decisions about managing it going forward.
September 5
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