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End Stage Kidney Disease

End stage kidney disease (or kidney failure, as it is better known) is a condition where your kidneys are unable to perform their function. It often requires dialysis as a life sustaining treatment.

DID YOU KNOW?

 

  • End stage kidney disease is the most advanced stage of chronic kidney disease.

     

  • 9 out of 10 adults with Chronic Kidney Disease do not know they have it

     

  • Kidney failure can occur without any prior warning.

What is end stage kidney disease? 

 

End stage kidney stage occurs when your kidneys become unable to filter waste products from your blood. End stage kidney disease is the most advanced stage of chronic kidney disease and is often referred to as kidney failure.

Kidney failure is a complex problem that can happen for many reasons such as damage from diabetes or high blood pressure. Many of the processes that lead to irreversible kidney damage (end stage kidney disease) can be treated or slowed down with guidance from a nephrologist if a patient is seen in time.

Symptoms of end stage kidney disease  

 

Many times, kidney failure can occur without any prior warning. Symptoms of kidney failure can include:

 

  • Fatigue
  • Swelling
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Loss of appetite/weight
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Confusion
  • Weight loss
  • Chronic anemia
  • Heart problems
  • Bone disease

These are dealt with very closely by your nephrologist and dialysis team.

What to Expect from Kidney Failure Treatment 

 

If your kidney function should fail to a severe enough degree, you may require dialysis as a life sustaining therapy. There are different forms of dialysis/renal replacement therapy and these will be tailored to help fit your lifestyle and needs in coordination with your kidney doctor. These include in center treatments three times a week or at home therapies as options.

Starting dialysis treatments can be intimidating for patients due to the physical and emotional demands. Our extensive team and onsite staff are available to help you transition as smoothly as possible.

Ultimately, many patients will be eligible for a kidney transplant and we will help to guide you through this process for listing at a transplant center of your choosing.

Related Resources

Dialysis Unit Locations

Go to Locations

Fresenius Kidney Care

Go to Fresenius

Treatment Support Resources

Go to National Kidney Foundation

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Request an appointment with one of our kidney specialists today.