Over time, chronic kidney disease gradually reduces your body’s ability to function. End stage renal disease is the final stage of this condition, and it essentially indicates that your kidney is no longer able to perform its vital functions. To put it more simply, end stage renal disease patients need to find a form of treatment – either a kidney transplant or a dialysis schedule – in order to survive for an extended period of time.
In this article, you’ll learn a bit more about end stage renal disease: both why it’s so dangerous, and what your options are for mitigating the effects.
Please note: You should always speak with a doctor before making medical decisions. This article is intended for informative purposes but should in no way be considered medical advice.
When Should You See a Chronic Kidney Disease Specialist?
Hopefully, you’ve visited a doctor long before you have end stage renal disease. Symptoms such as nausea, sleep problems, loss of appetite, vomiting, high blood pressure, shortness of breath, and more can indicate that you’re having kidney issues. If you visit a general doctor with these problems, they should refer you to the appropriate specialist.
What Are Your Options for End Stage Renal Disease?
If you have end stage renal disease, there are usually three different options you can look at. As previously stated, please note that we’re not providing medical advice. Different patients will find themselves in different situations; these are simply the most common solutions.
The first is to get a kidney transplant. Assuming you can find a donor, this is usually the best option for increasing your lifespan. The biggest concern some patients have with this procedure is the body rejection the organ transplant. However, this is an uncommon occurrence.
The second way to treat end stage renal disease is to get dialysis treatment. Instead of replacing your kidney, dialysis replaces its function. When you have end stage renal disease, your kidney cannot remove waste from your body the way it used to. A dialysis treatment will do this for you.
Finally, you may choose to forgo a kidney transplant or dialysis treatment. This would mean forgoing an increased lifespan in order to improve your quality of life in the short term. Before making this decision, you will probably want to consult with loved ones and possibly a religious counselor, as well as your doctor.
Are You Looking for an End Stage Renal Disease Specialist in New Jersey?
The right specialist can work with a patient to determine the best options for increasing length and quality of life. Vascular Management Associates provides this service to patients throughout the New Jersey area.
If you need help, please don’t hesitate to call us at (732) 853-0305.