Discussion: I often go to the doctor, ask hard questions, and get evasive answers. I prefer the doctor to tell me they do not know the answer regarding my kidney disease.

The patient does not expect the doctor always to know everything; listening is critical. This phenomenon is not unique to chronic kidney patients but is generally common.

Modern medicine mainly treats the symptoms of chronic kidney diseases instead of the causes, simply because a significant part of the causes are unknown! In Western culture, we are used to thinking that the doctor is omnipotent and knows everything, but the reality is entirely different. Although the doctor has learned a lot and knows a lot, he does not always know how to cure diseases, especially when it comes to chronic diseases. I prefer a direct answer of "I do not know." It indicates the physician's self-confidence and empathy. When the doctor says, "I do not know," there is at least a chance that someone will look for the correct answers.