What is end-stage renal disease?
End-stage renal disease means that your kidneys may no longer be able to keep you alive. When your kidneys get to the point where they can no longer remove waste, you may need dialysis or a new kidney. When you understand your options, you can make the choice that's best for you.
End-stage renal disease affects your whole body. It can cause serious heart, bone, lung, blood, and brain problems.
What tests are done when you have end-stage renal disease?
Your doctor will do regular blood tests to check on how you're doing. The tests help your doctor know if you need any changes in your treatment. Blood tests measure:
- Levels of waste products and electrolytes in your blood that should be removed by your kidneys. These include creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), potassium, and calcium.
- Your parathyroid hormone (PTH) level.
- Your red blood cells, to see if you have anemia of chronic kidney disease. Your doctor can use repeat complete blood cell count (CBC) tests to see if anemia treatment is working.
How is end-stage renal disease treated?
In end-stage renal disease, your two treatment choices are dialysis and a kidney transplant.
- Dialysis is a process that filters wastes from your blood. It is not a cure. But it can help you live longer and feel better.
- Kidney transplant may be a good choice if you are in otherwise good health. If this is an option for you, you'll probably need to have dialysis while you wait for a kidney.
Many people with end-stage renal disease have successful kidney transplants. Others live for years using dialysis. Some people choose not to treat their kidney failure and instead make end-of-life plans.
Making these treatment decisions when you are very ill is hard. And it's common to be worried and afraid. It may help to visit a dialysis center or transplant center and talk to others who have made these choices.
How can you care for yourself when you have end-stage renal disease?
When you're living with end-stage renal disease, making healthy choices can help you feel better.
These steps may also help with high blood pressure, diabetes, or other problems that make kidney disease worse.
- Follow a diet that is easy on your kidneys. A dietitian can help you make an eating plan with the right amounts of salt (sodium), potassium, and protein. You may also need to limit how much fluid you drink each day.
- Be active every day that you can, in any way that you can. Work with your doctor to decide what level of activity is right for you.
- Do not smoke or use tobacco.
- Limit alcohol.
Some medicines can hurt your kidneys. Always talk to your doctor before you take any new medicine, including over-the-counter remedies, prescription drugs, vitamins, and herbs.
End-stage renal disease: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have new or worse nausea and vomiting.
- You have much less urine than normal, or you have no urine.
- You are feeling confused or cannot think clearly.
- You have new or more blood in your urine.
- You have new swelling.
- You are dizzy or lightheaded, or feel like you may faint.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.
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