Here are a few tips compiled by parents of children with childhood nephrotic syndrome & other kidney diseases. These tips are meant as guidelines only.

Doctor Appointments: Pack a bag whenever you have a doctors appointment. It is better to have a toothbrush and clean clothes in the car just in case. Bring special foods with you for yourself and child.

Calcium Supplements: Do not give Tums at the same time you give steroids (prednisone). They can bind to each other and be less effective. Many nephrologists prescribe Tums for calcium. Calcium also requires magnesium and Vitamin D to be absorbed properly by your body. There are many calcium/magnesium supplements available. Check with your nephrologist regarding dosage as the dosage in the link above is for adults.

Albustix- Cut Albustix in half to get twice the use out of one test strip.

Journal's- If you have Microsoft word or works there are medical forms in these programs to keep track of meds., hospital stays, family medical history and individual medical history.

Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus contains no deet and is safe for children. It helps protect against mosquitoes and ticks and also comes in a variety of SPF.

Tips for swallowing medication (pills): Swallowing medication (prednisone & other pills) for a small child can be difficult. Teach your child to swallow pills by practicing with mini M&M's (which are about the same size as prednisone tabs). Put your mini M&M's in baby food fruit such as banana (nice and thick) applesauce or even sherbet or pudding. If your child can not swallow pills check with your hospital pharmacy to see if they can make the med in a liquid form. If so, the hospital pharmacies can usually flavor it. Some parents get the prednisolone in liquid form flavored orange & free of any dyes It usually costs about $3.00 to flavor.

Make a list of questions you want answered by your dr. before your next appointment or when you are expecting a call from them. Then add these Q & A's to your journal for future reference.

The next time you go in for labs ask the nurse for some pee cups to bring home (the same kind you use when being tested for a UTI at the doctors office). Sometimes it's easier with little ones in potty training to pee at home rather then at the doctors. They should give these to you at no charge. Also make sure you refrigerate the urine until you go to the doctor.

Face rash- Some children experience a facial rash which is a side effect of being on steroids. We recommend Elidel ointment.

Be honest with your child. Tell him or her if an IV or needle is coming. It's always best to be perfectly honest, as much as it may hurt you.

Treat your child just as you would treat any child who does not have kidney disease. If you spoil the child by feeling sorry for him/her, you'll pay for it later.

Do not tolerate temper tantrums brought on by steroid use. Tell people that your child's tantrum is due to prednisone if you must, but discipline the child just as you would a child who was not on prednisone. If your child is old enough, explain that prednisone causes angry outbursts, and it is up to your child to try and control these outbursts. Don't expect miracles though. No child can control themselves totally, but by making them aware they at least know it is not 'them' and it gives them the goal of trying to overcome what steroids can do.