Kidney disease
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Treatment
How to talk to your doctor
April 15, 2010
You would think that talking to your doctor would be the easy part of a doctor’s visit, however, for many it can be frustrating. We’ve put together some tips to hopefully make it easier for you to communicate with your doctor.
What kidneys do and how they fail
October 10, 2006
Kidneys perform many functions. Kidney failure usually occurs due to a handful of reasons. Find out about the different jobs performed by the kidneys and discover the top causes of kidney failure.
Kidney transplant the alternative to dialysis
January 26, 2007
For people who have lost nearly 90% of their kidney function, the only treatment options are dialysis or a kidney transplant. While dialysis replaces failed renal function, a transplant replaces a diseased kidney. Learn about the benefits and risks involved with a kidney transplant.
What is a nephrologist?
July 03, 2008
Nephrologists are medical doctors who specialize in kidney care. Sometimes referred to as kidney doctors, they commonly treat chronic kidney disease (CKD), polycystic kidney disease (PKD), acute renal failure, cancer of the kidneys and kidney stones. People on dialysis will have their treatment managed by a nephrologist. Learn more about what a nephrologist is, what a nephrologist does and when to visit a nephrologist.
What is a nephrologist (kidney doctor)?
August 13, 2009Nephrologists are medical doctors who specialize in kidney care. Sometimes referred to as kidney doctors, they commonly treat chronic kidney disease (CKD), polycystic kidney disease (PKD), acute renal failure, cancer of the kidneys and kidney stones. People on dialysis will have their treatment managed by a nephrologist. Learn more about what a nephrologist is, what a nephrologist does and when to visit a nephrologist.
What is residual kidney function?
June 23, 2008
Residual kidney function is the term used to describe how much of your kidney function remains once you have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. Even after you start dialysis, it is critical to try to preserve residual kidney function for as long as possible because it improves your overall health and well-being. Learn more about what residual kidney function is and how you can preserve it.
High blood pressure medicines and kidney disease
April 28, 2010
Blood pressure is a measurement of the force and amount of blood your heart pumps. High blood pressure is the second leading cause of chronic kidney disease. The strong force of blood can be harmful to the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys. High blood pressure medicine helps lower the force of blood and is sometimes even prescribed to those without high blood pressure to help preserve kidney function. Learn about blood pressure medicines and how they may help protect your kidneys.
Most common questions kidney patients ask doctors
August 24, 2009
Dr. Kristensen is an accomplished DaVita nephrologist. She has written a special guest article for DaVita.com. Dr. Kristensen answers some of the more common questions she is asked when meeting with a kidney patient for the first time.
Immunizations- Which shots you need and why
August 28, 2009
Immunizations are necessary for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and who are on dialysis. Along with taking your prescribed medicine, receiving dialysis treatments if you have end stage renal disease (ESRD) and following a kidney diet, immunizations are a fundamental part of your kidney care. Learn about which immunizations may be necessary when you have chronic kidney disease.
Routine medical screenings for people with chronic kidney disease
May 24, 2010
When you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), it may seem as though you visit your nephrologist a lot to make sure your kidney health is taken care of. It is also important to make sure that your overall health is in order. That’s why it is suggested to schedule a routine medical screening once a year with your primary care physician (PCP). Listed are the types of screenings you should schedule with your primary care doctor, recommended ages for certain medical screenings and tips on how to keep your entire health in check.
What's it like to donate a kidney?
March 10, 2010When a person has end stage renal disease (ESRD) – the last stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD) – they either need dialysis or a kidney transplant to live. Donating a kidney is a great gift to a person with ESRD. It’s also an intensely personal decision that can be a different experience for everyone. Learn what it can be like for a live kidney donor to go through the physical and emotional aspects of a kidney donation.
Managing medicines when you have chronic kidney disease
June 08, 2010
Managing medicines is an important part of keeping people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) healthier. Many medications are prescribed for people with kidney disease, so getting help to determine what to take and when to take it is a good practice. Discover ways to manage kidney disease medicines once and for all.
Learn about the stages of kidney disease with our easy-to-use GFR calculator, store results and track a GFR over time.
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