What is Kidney Failure?

When your kidney function falls below 15 percent of normal, you are said to have kidney failure. There may be symptoms in your body due to the buildup of waste products and extra water.

To restore kidney function, you may choose from three treatment options:

• hemodialysis
• peritoneal dialysis
• kidney transplant

Dialysis or kidney transplant are the treatments for end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

People with kidney failure may choose not to have dialysis or a transplant, but they continue to receive care from their health care team, take medicines, and monitor their diet and lifestyle choices.

Consider your options with your health care team and family and choose a treatment that works for you. You will feel better and live longer if you receive treatment.

Knowing ahead of time what to expect can help you make a better treatment choice and take control of your health care. Also, you need to give yourself time to adjust to the major changes in your life. Failure of the kidney may affect your day-to-day activities, your relationships with friends and family, and how you feel.

What are the symptoms of kidney failure?

You may not notice kidney failure symptoms right away because they develop so slowly.

Your kidneys play a vital role in keeping you healthy by preventing wastes and excess fluid from building up in your body and balancing the salts and minerals in your blood-such as calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium. The kidneys also produce hormones that control blood pressure, make red blood cells, and keep your bones strong.

• When your kidneys fail to do these jobs properly, you develop other health problems. Your kidney function may decline as you age.
• You usually have swelling in your legs, feet, or ankles
• get headaches
• feel itchy
• feel tired during the day and have sleep problems at night
• feel sick to your stomach, lose your sense of taste, not feel hungry, or lose weight
• make little or no urine
• have muscle cramps, weakness, or numbness
• have pain, stiffness, or fluid in your joints

Having trouble focusing, having trouble remembering, or feeling confused

Most of these symptoms can be avoided or addressed by following your treatment plan. Treatment plans may include regular dialysis treatments or a kidney transplant, a special diet, exercise, and medicines.

What health problems can people with kidney disease develop?

Other health problems can result from kidney disease. The health care team can help you avoid or manage:

Blood pressure is high. The condition of kidney disease can both cause and result in high blood pressure. Your kidneys are damaged by high blood pressure, and damaged kidneys do not work as well as they should to control your blood pressure. You can't get rid of excess water if you have kidney failure. Drinking too much water can cause swelling, raise your blood pressure, and make your heart work harder.

You can control your blood pressure by taking medicines that lower your blood pressure, limiting sodium and fluids in your diet, staying physically active, managing stress, and quitting smoking.

A heart condition. Diabetes and high blood pressure are two of the main causes of kidney disease and heart disease. Kidney disease puts people at risk for heart disease, and heart disease puts people at risk for kidney disease.

You can prevent heart attacks and strokes by taking steps to manage your kidney disease, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose (if you have diabetes).

Anemia. If the kidneys are damaged, they do not produce enough red blood cells, a hormone called erythropoietin (EPO). Oxygen is transported from your lungs to other parts of your body by red blood cells. Some organs may not function as well as they should when you have anemia, including your brain and heart. You may feel tired and weak from anemia.

Iron supplements may be prescribed by your health care provider. You may be prescribed medicines to help your body produce more red blood cells in some cases.

Disorders of the minerals and bones. Calcium and phosphorus are balanced in your blood by healthy kidneys, which also produce hormones that help to maintain bone density. When kidney function decreases, bone density decreases.

• Reduce the hormone that aids calcium absorption. The low level of calcium in your blood triggers the release of parathyroid hormone (PTH) like dominos. PTH moves calcium from your bones into your bloodstream. You can also feel itchy when you have too much PTH.
• Phosphorus shouldn't be removed as much. Excess phosphorus in your blood also pulls calcium from your bones.

Bones may become thin and weak without treatment. You may experience joint or bone pain. Dialysis, medicines, supplements, and dietary changes may help.

Undernutrition. Keeping yourself well fed can become increasingly difficult as your kidney disease worsens. Food may not taste the same, you may not feel hungry, or you may lose interest in eating. You may have trouble utilizing the food you eat if you have an infection or other stress on your body. People with kidney disease can benefit in the long run from working closely with a dietitian to make sure they're eating enough of the right foods.

I'm itchy. Itching is common and can be caused by a number of factors. Dry skin can make you itchy. Moisturizers may help. Alternatively, your blood may be too phosphorus-rich, causing you to feel itch. This can be resolved by eating less phosphorus. Taking a phosphate binder with meals may be prescribed by your health care provider. Medications such as these prevent your bloodstream from absorbing phosphorus from your food.

Some people find relief from UV light from the sun or from a light box.

How can I live well with kidney failure?

Living with kidney failure is challenging. If you manage it well, you'll feel better

• Keep to your treatment schedule
• You should review your medicines with your health care provider at every visit and take them as prescribed
• Develop a diet that includes foods you enjoy while also improving your health with the help of a dietitian
• stay active by walking or engaging in another physical activity that you enjoy
• stay in touch with your friends and family

You will live longer and feel better if you undergo dialysis or transplantation. Whenever you have health problems, your health care team will work with you to create a treatment plan. Steps you can take to maintain your quality of life and level of activity will be part of your treatment plan.

It is important to follow a healthy eating plan. You may be able to maintain a healthy balance of sodium, minerals, and fluids in your body when you have kidney failure.

Can I be active with kidney failure?

Sure. Staying healthy when you are suffering from kidney failure requires physical activity. Physical activity strengthens your muscles, bones, and heart. By exercising, your blood travels through your body faster, which means your body gets more oxygen. Food provides energy to the body when oxygen is present.

You may also discover that physical activity improves your mood and makes you feel better.

Before you begin a new exercise routine, consult your doctor. Begin with easy activities such as walking at a normal pace or gardening. Gradually work up to harder activities such as walking briskly. Try to be active every day.

Will kidney failure affect my sleep?

Kidney failure patients may have difficulty sleeping. Sleep deprivation can affect your health, energy level, and mood. Restless leg syndrome NIH external link, sleep apnea NIH external link, pain, itching, or other factors can prevent you from sleeping well.

A number of steps can be taken to improve your sleep habits NIH external link. You may sleep better at night if you do physical activity during the day and take a warm bath before bed. Avoid caffeine after lunch. Avoid alcohol before bed. Do not smoke.

If you are tired during the day or have difficulty sleeping at night, consult with your health care provider. Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome can be treated by health care providers.

Will kidney failure affect my sex life?

You may experience changes in your sexual relationships due to kidney failure, which can affect your emotions, nerves, hormones, and energy levels. Manage your kidney disease and control your blood pressure and blood glucose levels to prevent some sexual problems, like erectile dysfunction. It may be beneficial to get counseling if you are experiencing anxiety or depression, which can make it difficult for you to have satisfying sex.

Even though you may be shy about asking questions about your sex life, your health care team has heard similar questions before. Concerns about your sex life can be addressed by your provider.

Can I keep working with kidney failure?

Despite kidney failure, many people continue to work. The KidneyWorks program helps people with kidney disease keep working. Americans with CKD who have not yet failed their kidneys or who have a transplant are targeted by the program. You may also be able to keep your job if you are on dialysis, according to the KidneyWorks article.

You cannot be fired just because you're on dialysis or have had a kidney transplant under the Americans with Disabilities Act. An employer must make reasonable adjustments to the workplace for a person with a disability. It may be possible for your employer to give you less physical work or to schedule your work hours around your dialysis sessions. You'll need space and time to change your dialysis solution in the middle of the workday if you're on peritoneal dialysis. Usually, your employer is able to accommodate your needs.

Your dialysis clinic's renal social worker may be able to assist you if your employer is not willing to accommodate your needs.

Is kidney failure going to affect how I feel about my life?

It can be stressful to live with kidney failure. In addition to managing your kidney disease, you also take steps to cope with stress. Both activity and sleep help reduce stress. To learn more about healthy ways to cope with stress, visit the National Institutes of Health website.

NIH external link People with a chronic or long-term illness are more likely to experience depression. Depression makes it more difficult to manage kidney disease. If you are feeling depressed, seek help. Speak with your health care provider. It may be helpful to talk to a support group, clergy member, friend, or family member who will listen to your feelings.

Treatment for depression is available.

Who will be on my health care team?

With kidney failure, you will have access to a team of trained health care providers. Your health care team may include:

The nephrologist. Doctors who specialize in kidney health and oversee your treatment.

Nurses who provide dialysis. You'll see a dialysis nurse monthly if you're doing peritoneal dialysis or home dialysis. You will be monitored by the nurse to make sure you are taking your medicines correctly and to reduce the side effects of dialysis.ysis. In the case of home hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, your dialysis nurse will show you how to set up your treatment, take care of your equipment, and watch for infection or other problems.

Coordinator of transplants. There will be a specially trained nurse who will be your point of contact, arrange your appointments, and explain what you should do before and after the transplant.

Dietitian for the renal system. A renal dietitian is a specialist in helping people with kidney failure. To help your treatment work better, your dietitian will help you choose foods and drinks that will improve your health.

Worker in social services. Social workers work in dialysis clinics and transplant centers with people withocial worker can help you find answers to problems such as

• keeping a job or changing jobs
• getting help paying for treatments
• You can find services to help you with transportation or household chores
• Counseling services for dealing with family problems

Friends and family. Your friends and family can play an important role in helping you cope with kidney disease and sharing news about it. Having connections with others can improve your overall health.

It is easier for people to cope with health issues and life changes when they have a strong support system of family and friends. Keep in touch with your friends by phone or email. Take part in activities you enjoy.

Thee. You can feel more in control of your life if you are in charge of your own medical care. Remember all your appointments and take your medicines as prescribed. Find out more about kidney failure treatments with your health care team, and let them know what you're looking for. When you don't understand something your health care provider says, ask questions. Tell your dialysis nurse if you have any problems with equipment or supplies if you choose home hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. If you experience side effects from your medications, check with your transplant coordinator. The best person to advocate for you is you.