News & Events
Discover new information and educational offerings that we provide. Explore our newsletters, blogs and upcoming webinars/conference calls.
Contents:
Managing Stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease
As you are being treated for your chronic kidney disease (CKD) Stage 5, there are 2 areas of concern that you and your renal (kidney) care team should discuss. Diet Following a renal-friendly diet can help limit the amount of waste in your body, which will aid in your treatment. You and your renal dietitian can work together to monitor the foods you eat and the fluids you drink. Some things you may discuss include Limiting fluids Avoiding salt Being aware of hidden phosphorus Sticking to the diet you and your dietitian create may not only help you feel better, it may help make your treatments more comfortable, as limiting sodium, and therefore fluids, can [...]
Keeping a Food Diary and Tips for Eating Out
Food Diary A food diary is an easy way to monitor the foods and liquids in your diet. The diary can help you identify trouble spots and make quick fixes. Your renal dietitian can help you get a food diary or you can check for one online. Food labels can help you with your food diary and help you choose healthier, kidney-friendly foods. Talk to your renal dietitian about what to look for before you shop. Since imbalances of minerals such as phosphorus and potassium are a concern for patients on dialysis, ask your renal dietitian how many milligrams (mg) of these minerals you should have each day. Remember that “percent daily values” on products [...]
Be a Part of Your Kidney Care Team
Communicating Effectively with Your Kidney Care Team You go to dialysis and stay for the entire session. You take your medication as directed by your doctor. You follow your kidney care team’s instructions. Is there anything else you can do to manage your condition? There is. Learn to talk and work with your kidney care team so you understand their expectations and they understand yours. Communicating with your kidney care team is more than just listening to them. It’s asking questions, letting them know your thoughts, and taking action. Be specific when talking with your kidney care team and Write down your most important questions or concerns, and ask them at the beginning of your [...]
Care for Your Overall Health
Preventive Screenings Part of managing chronic kidney disease (CKD) is keeping up with medical screenings. Talk with your doctor every January about “preventive maintenance” screenings you’ll need for the coming year, and mark them on a calendar. The tests you need depend on your age, your health, and whether you are male or female, so work with your nephrologist to ensure that your tests are done as necessary. Below are some examples of tests recommended by the US Department of Health & Human Services for the average person: General Tests Cholesterol test Blood pressure test Diabetes screening Fecal blood test Mental health screening (depression) Men Prostate exam Testicular exam Women Pap smear Thyroid test Bone [...]
Managing Your Time Wisely Around Treatment
Scheduling Activities and Tasks Your time at your dialysis treatment or doctor appointments is a great opportunity to take care of all the things that are a part of your daily life. Use this time to your advantage. Talk to others with kidney disease. They can be a source of strength and support, and they may also be able to give you tips on how to stick with your treatment plan Learn about something interesting like a new language or photography Bring a sketchbook and practice drawing Bring your kidney-friendly cookbook and plan meals for the week Strengthen your mind with brainteasers and puzzles Bring an audio book and a comfy pillow, and use the [...]
Transportation Tips for People with Chronic Kidney Disease
With chronic kidney disease (CKD) and any additional conditions you have, it may be a challenge getting to doctor appointments, the grocery store, and other places. However, there are some helpful options to consider: Ask a friend or family member to drive you to your doctor appointments Take a city bus, taxi, or other public transportation to get around Talk to your social worker for information about government-sponsored transportation for senior citizens or those who cannot get around easily While you’re at dialysis or with your support group, if you belong to one, talk to others with CKD about how they handle transportation challenges.
Traveling Tips for Individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease
The thought of travel may seem intimidating because of your dialysis schedule, but a little planning can make it easier. Ask your local dialysis center or your doctor’s office for help finding a dialysis center away from home. You or a loved one can also visit www.dialysisfinder.com or call 1-866-889-6019 toll free to speak with a dialysis placement specialist. If your dialysis is done at home, either with hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, you may also want to consider contacting one of the services listed above, as traveling with the necessary supplies or finding space to do your dialysis may be difficult. Be sure to make your appointments ahead of time and check with your insurance company to [...]
Know Your Kidney Care Team
Kidney Care Team Responsibilities Your doctor, renal dietitian, nurses, and technicians are all part of your kidney care team with you. Each team member has a unique set of responsibilities that can help care for your total health. In the chart below, match the team member with the appropriate description. TEAM MEMBER DESCRIPTION 1. Dialysis technician A. Helps find community resources (support, financial, etc.) to help you manage your chronic kidney disease 2. General practitioner B. The most valuable member of your kidney care team; responsible for following the treatment plan 3. Nephrologist C. Monitors your dialysis treatment and handles any other dialysis issues you may have 4. Pharmacist D. Checks your health and how [...]
Tips for Communicating with Your Kidney Care Team
It’s easy to get confused when you’re trying to talk with your kidney care team. Sometimes they use complicated, unfamiliar terms. But being able to communicate effectively with your kidney care team can help you have some control over your health care. One way to help you communicate effectively is to take P.A.R.T.: Prepare. Make a list of important questions or concerns, and bring these up at the beginning of your visit. Ask. Ask questions regarding tests, treatments, and any follow-up steps that are necessary. Make sure you understand the doctor’s answers. If you don’t, ask until you do. Repeat. Once you have gotten the information from your doctor, repeat some of the key points. This will help [...]
Health Information Trackers
Lab Values You should have your lab work done on a regular basis to help keep track of your progress. You may be tested for the following at different times: Kidney function Phosphorus Potassium Blood pressure Diabetes control Anemia Bone health Nutrition Depending on what your doctor wants to do and any other conditions you may have, he or she may request other labs. Consider making a chart for all your lab values, including phosphorus, or ask your nurse or renal dietitian if he or she has a chart you can use. It can help you follow your progress. Medication Schedule You’re not alone in taking several kinds of medicine. Sometimes, it can be tough [...]
Getting Assistance from Others
Do you find it hard to ask for help when you need it? Try these ideas the next time you need a hand: Even though you don’t want to bother anyone, it’s not a good idea to begin your request with an apology. “I’m sorry to put you to so much trouble” sounds as if an awful chore lies ahead! Try being more specific: “I need help taking some clothes to a charity. Do you have about an hour to help me next Saturday?” When people ask what they can do to help you, give them a job: “Can you help me move this plant outside?” If you’re offered help that you don’t need — [...]
Things to Think About When Evaluating Dialysis Treatment Options
There are pros and cons with each dialysis option. Each person is different and they need to work with their family and healthcare team to decide which will work best for them. For many, dialysis at home is more flexible than at a center, but there are also more responsibilities. This chart compares each of the choices: In Center Home Conventional or Nocturnal Conventional, Short Daily, or Nocturnal* CAPD/CCPD (peritoneal dialysis) Portable No Depends on machine Yes Travel possible With advance planning With portable machine Yes Needles used Yes Yes No Training time None 4-6 weeks (depending on system) 1-2 weeks Amount of storage space Not applicable Depends on machine from 10 to 80 boxes [...]
History and Overview of Home Hemodialysis
History In the 1960's during the early days of home hemodialysis, most treatments were done in the home, primarily because of the lack of hospital or clinic-based facilities. By 1973, 40% of dialysis patients were doing their treatments at home. Decline of Home Hemodialysis The percentage of home hemodialysis patients began to drop after 1973. Today the situation has almost reversed and most people on dialysis (90%) get their treatments at a dialysis center. The drop in home hemodialysis was caused by the following: In 1972, Congress passed legislation that created a Medicare program to pay for dialysis treatment. This program made in-center hemodialysis financially more attractive to providers so dialysis centers started being built. [...]
