Kidneys remove waste from your body, and balance your fluids and electrolytes (for example, sodium and potassium).
Chronic kidney disease can be caused by several conditions. These include:
What are some symptoms of kidney disease?
When your kidneys don't work well for some time, you may develop other problems. These may include:
- problems thinking and understanding (cognition)
- leg and body swelling
- high blood pressure
- itchy skin
- pain
- loss of appetite
- problems sleeping, feeling very tired
What about a kidney transplant?
One of the best ways to treat severe kidney disease is by having a
kidney transplant. This is surgery where your diseased kidney is replaced with a healthy donor kidney. Talk to your
nephrologist (kidney specialist) about whether this is an option for you. The transplant team works with your nephrologist and family doctor to coordinate your care.
What is dialysis?
Dialysis is a treatment for kidney disease. It is not a cure. Dialysis helps to filter your blood when your kidneys don't work well. There are many factors to consider when deciding whether to have dialysis. To find out if it's right for you go to:
Should I start dialysis?, and talk it over with your family and doctor. If you choose dialysis, you'll likely need to make some changes as it can take a lot of time and can have side effects.
Some people choose to manage their kidney disease without dialysis. Even with treatment, kidney disease can get worse. Your palliative and end-of-life care team can help you choose what's right for you and support you to make these important treatment decisions.
What if I decide to stop dialysis?
You may reach a time when dialysis is no longer helping. You may decide to stop dialysis and focus on living well without this treatment. This is called conservative kidney management, and your palliative and end-of-life care can help to:
- answer your questions
- manage your symptoms
- give emotional support, including supporting loved ones to deal with loss
- helping to plan for the end-of-life
- find other supports if you need a higher level of care (for example, go from home to supported living or hospital)
The
Conservative Kidney Management website has resources and more information about choosing and what to expect with conservative kidney management as an option.
How can palliative and end-of-life care help?
When you're on a transplant list, your palliative care team can:
- answer questions about the waiting process, your symptoms, and talk to you about the future
- work with the transplant team to manage your symptoms (for example, help arrange medicine delivery, provide information about massage, acupuncture, mindfulness, and psychological and spiritual supports)
- give emotional support before and after your transplant
Not everyone on a transplant list will have the surgery. If this is you or if you're on dialysis or chose not to have dialysis, your palliative care team can help:
- you have the best quality of life that you can have
- provide comfort management of your symptoms, including poor appetite and sleep
- give emotional support
- find other supports if you need a higher level of care (for example, go from home to supported living or hospital)
