Understanding Your Lab Trends: Tips from a ReMend Mentor

ReMend’s Online Support Community sessions are filled with honest conversations, practical ideas, and shared experiences from people who understand the kidney journey.

After hosting a recent session, ReMend Mentor Jeanmarie shared several of the topics that stood out—including the importance of understanding your personal lab trends, asking questions, and finding small ways to support your overall well-being.

Learn What Is Normal for You

Lab results can feel overwhelming, especially when numbers are marked high or low. One of the most helpful reminders from the session was that every patient has an individual baseline.

What is typical for one person may not be typical for someone else. Instead of focusing only on whether a result falls inside a standard range, ask your nephrologist:

• Which lab values are most important for me to follow?

• What is my usual baseline?

• Are my results changing over time?

• When should a test be repeated?

• What changes should I contact my healthcare team about?

One unusual result may not always mean something is wrong. Healthcare providers often look for patterns and trends rather than relying on a single number.

Keeping track of your results can help you notice changes and prepare questions for your next appointment. When something concerns you, write it down or send a message through your patient portal rather than waiting and worrying.

Understanding your lab trends can also help you have more informed conversations about your diet, hydration, medications, and daily habits. Always speak with your healthcare team before making changes based on a lab result.

Kidney Health and Heart Health Are Connected

The group also discussed the relationship between kidney and heart health.

The kidneys help manage fluid, blood pressure, and waste in the body. When they are not working properly, the heart may have to work harder. Conditions such as high blood pressure can also affect kidney function.

You do not need to understand every medical detail to take an active role in your care. Start by learning which numbers matter most for you and asking your healthcare team to explain anything you do not understand.

There is nothing wrong with asking a question more than once. Your health information should make sense to you.

Finding Ways to Sleep More Comfortably

The conversation was not limited to lab results. Participants also shared ideas for staying cool and sleeping more comfortably.

Fans were a popular choice—and Jeanmarie admits she may own nearly every model available. One participant also recommended the BedJet, a cooling system designed to circulate air through the bed.

The right solution will be different for everyone, but the discussion was an important reminder that sleep affects mood, energy, blood pressure, healing, and overall quality of life.

Sometimes the most useful support comes from hearing what has worked for someone else and deciding whether it may be worth discussing or trying in your own life.

You Are Not Alone in This

Becoming a more confident and informed patient does not happen overnight.

You may be newly diagnosed, receiving dialysis, preparing for transplant, living with a transplant, considering living donation, or supporting someone you love. Wherever you are in the journey, your questions and experiences matter.

ReMend’s Online Support Community offers a welcoming place to talk, listen, learn, and connect with others who understand. Sessions are hosted by different ReMend Mentors, giving participants the opportunity to hear a variety of perspectives and lived experiences.

You are welcome to join the conversation, share what has helped you, or simply listen.

Learn more about the ReMend Online Support Community and register for an upcoming session at ReMend.org/support-community.

ReMend Mentor Tips reflect personal experiences and community conversations. This information is provided for general education and peer support and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your physician or healthcare team before making changes to your treatment, medications, diet, fluid intake, or healthcare routine.