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Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023
Additional names
This group contains additional names: - Chronic Kidney Failure - End Stage Renal Disease - Chronic Kidney Disease, Stage II (Mild) - Secondary Hyperparathyroidism of Renal Origin - Chronic Kidney Disease, Stage V - Renal Osteodystrophy - Chronic Kidney Disease Stage I - Chronic Kidney Disease, Stage IV (Severe) - Chronic Kidney Disease, Stage III (Moderate) - Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus
General
Chronic renal failure is a long-term damage to the kidneys, which impairs their ability to perform their main job- get rid of waist, toxins and excess water in the body and excrete them into the urine. Because of this, excess fluid and waste from the blood remain in the body and may cause other health problems, such as heart disease and stroke. Other complications of chronic renal failure can include anemia, increased occurrence of infections, unbalanced calcium and potassium blood levels, depression or lower quality of life. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or family history of kidney failure, you are at increased risk of developing kidney failure. Chronic kidney disease has varying levels of seriousness. It usually gets worse over time though treatment has been shown to slow progression.
756 people with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Learn from others who are experiencing Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
Signs & symptoms
In most cases, kidney failure appears without any symptoms. In other cases, you might notice your feet and ankles are getting puffy, your urine volume decreases, and you feel more tired than before. Kidney failure can cause your blood pressure to rise as well.
Diagnosis
chronic kidney failure is diagnosed based on blood and urine tests: - *Urine test*- to check for red blood cells, protein, and other unwanted substances in your urine - *Blood test*- to check your kidney function
Treatment
The first line of treatment is to keep your kidneys from getting worst by using *medication* such as "ACE inhibitors" or "angiotensin receptor blockers". If your kidneys have stopped working completely, you may need *dialysis* on a regular basis. A dialysis or hemodialysis is a renal replacement therapy, in which you will be connected to a machine that will filter all your blood from toxins and excess fluid and return it to your body.
Note
☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike
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I'm pretty sure I just shut down at some point. Anytime someone says **end stage** anything it kinda feels like a super serious claim. I've had to change my eating habits... which I've resisted😅...I have to do things I don't want to do for my kidney disease.... like the choice is out of my hands. And the chronic no energy.... that's super tough. Admittedly I didn't take change so well. My life is like it's our of my hands. But recently I've been better .... guess the darkness stopped and these things aren't so apparent.
A special diet is only necessary in certain cases e.g advanced **CKD** where you need to go easy on protein.Every patient is different and accordingly the diet must be customized.However, being a Lifestyle Medicine physician myself, I find great benefits with a whole food plant based diet, ensuring adequate supplements for B12 and Vitamin D.Minimizing on oil, sugar and salt.These will keep us healthy overall. Do remember to discuss with your doc if a special diet can help you.
One person expressed nervousness about the nephrologist mentioning dialysis due to their eGFR steadily going down. Another individual shared their experience of having a temporary port for 7 months and being diagnosed with **End Stage Renal Disease**, expressing calmness but also nervousness about upcoming surgeries. They emphasized the importance of asking questions and being one's own advocate in this situation.
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