top of page

You have chronic kidney disease. Now what?



Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, is a very common disease amongst Americans today. According to the Center for Disease Control, it's the number one cause of death, and about 37 million adults are living with this disease. It can affect anyone at any age, and most people living with chronic kidney disease are not aware that they have it. Signs and symptoms may not show up until the disease has advanced, where the kidneys are actively shutting down, or failing. Many factors can contribute to the development of chronic kidney disease, and are usually in a combination of lifestyle, physical, economic, and genetic influences. But what is it, exactly? And what does it mean for those of us living with the disease? Let’s take a dive in and look at causes, symptoms, and what you can do when you’re faced with symptoms and a diagnosis.


Chronic kidney disease develops slowly in the body over time, usually in both kidneys. Kidneys function as a filtration system, helping to rid the body of waste, extra fluids, and drugs, all while keeping fluids, electrolytes, and minerals stabilized in your bloodstream. Kidneys are also vital to blood pressure control, bone strength, and red blood cell production. When kidneys are diseased, illness can result since they aren’t able to filter the blood adequately.  People may notice high blood pressure, body swelling, numbness, bloody urine and/or more frequent or painful urination, low appetite and weight loss without trying, nausea, vomiting, low energy, dry skin, itching, cramping muscles, breathing issues, foul-smelling breath, sleeping problems, and trouble thinking.  


To get a diagnosis of CKD, two labs are required: A blood test called estimated glomerular filtration rate, or eGFR, and a urine test called urine albumin-creatinine ration, or uACR. Your healthcare provider can inform you of whether or not you have chronic kidney disease after your results are in. The eGFR gives a picture of how your kidneys are doing at filtering your blood. The uACR shows whether there is protein in your urine, which means your kidneys are damaged. The eGFR result has to show a result 90 or higher, and a uACR result that is 30 or higher over the span of 3 or more months. When you get a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease, the level of disease is staged by how much your kidneys are damaged. There are 5 stages, with stage 1 as the least severe and stage 5 as the most severe. In stage 1, symptoms of CKD are not noticed unless they’re present from a kidney issue that’s caused by it. Healthy lifestyle changes are very important to help reduce the risk of further kidney damage and reduce the risk of heart disease. The higher the stage, the higher the prevalence of complications.


Positive diet and lifestyle changes are very important in managing CKD to help keep the disease from getting worse. Developing healthy diet and lifestyle habits, including a kidney-friendly diet and exercise, managing stress, keeping your blood pressure under control, getting enough sleep, and taking medications as prescribed are recommended. If you have diabetes, keeping your blood sugar under control is also essential. Managing all other health conditions that you have can be beneficial to managing CKD. Speaking or meeting with a registered dietitian can help you learn more about a kidney-friendly diet recommended for you and how to live with one. You can ask your healthcare provider about getting set up with a registered dietician. Close follow up with your healthcare team is required in managing CKD. Your healthcare team may consist of your primary care provider, specialists, nurses, pharmacist, social worker, and home care agency staff. Maintaining close communication with your healthcare provider and healthcare team about any new or worsening symptoms, questions, concerns, and needs is essential. In advanced stages of kidney disease, dialysis may be required. Kidney transplant may also be an option, as well as palliative care. Your healthcare provider is key to communicating the level of disease you have and how to treat and manage it appropriately. Bringing a healthcare advocate with you to appointments, such as a reliable family member or friend involved in your healthcare, is beneficial since information may be overwhelming during an appointment. Your advocate can help you by providing you support, asking questions, and taking notes during the appointment. Getting educated about CKD, applying healthy lifestyle changes, and communication with your healthcare team can empower you to take charge of your health and live your life to the fullest with chronic kidney disease.

 

Sources

 

Comments

bottom of page