ESRD

ESRD (End Stage Renal Disease)

End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) is that stage of kidney disease when the kidneys are no longer able to function adequately for the patient to maintain a state of health and well-being. Usually only 15% or less of kidney function remains. At that time a patient will need dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Causes of ESRD

The most common causes of ESRD are Diabetes and high blood pressure. CKD from other causes such as infection, heredity, obstruction and inflammation can slowly, over many years, progresses to ESRD .

Symptoms of ESRD:

Patients with ESRD may have all or some of the following symptoms. The kidneys can no longer maintain a state of health and the patient feels sick.

  • General feeling of illness and fatigue,
  • swelling of hands or feet
  • Generalized itching,
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting( especially in the morning)
  • Headaches, decreased ability to concentrate, confusion
  • Thirst and or urine odor on breath
  • Muscle cramps or twitching
  • Sleep disturbances

Treatment of ESRD:

  • Dialysis or kidney transplant are the only treatments for ESRD.

Your physical condition and other factors will help you and your physician decide on the best treatment for you.

Dialysis is not a cure, but will help you feel better. You should begin to prepare for dialysis before you are in immediate need for it. In this way, you will have time to learn about the different types of dialysis and with the assistance of your doctor choose the therapy that is right for you and for you to have a dialysis access placed.

While on dialysis you probably will take medications to treat your anemia and bone disease.

You will be placed on a special diet that may limit protein, salt, phosphorus, potassium and fluid.

  • Another option is kidney transplant; however, you may wait for a kidney that will be a good match for you.
  • Dialysis and or transplant are necessary to sustain life. In the absence of treatment for ESRD, toxins and fluids would build up in the body and death would result.
  • While treatment decisions can be difficult, we here at IHS Dialysis can assist you to make treatment decisions and choices that make it work for you.
  • Patients can lead full, active lives while on dialysis and still enjoy many of the activities and work they enjoyed prior to dialysis .Your doctor and dialysis team are here to assist you in any way possible.