End-stage renal disease is just what it sounds like. It is when your kidneys no longer work as they should to meet your body’s needs. It occurs when chronic kidney disease–a disease in which there is a gradual loss of kidney function – reaches an advanced state.
Dialysis is one of the most common options to manage end-stage renal disease. In addition to dialysis, end-stage renal disease treatments also include kidney transplants and supportive care.
Here are some tips you should keep in mind while navigating the treatment options for end-stage renal disease.
Treatment Options Available for End-Stage Renal Disease
Treatment options available for end-stage renal disease are as follows.
Dialysisis an artificial process of removing waste products and excess fluid from the body through something other than your kidneys. It has two types: peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis.
Peritoneal dialysis uses a thin lining over your abdominal organs to filter the blood in place of your kidneys. On the other hand, hemodialysis uses a machine to filter toxins and excess fluid from the blood.
This is a surgical process in which a nephrologist removes the failed kidney and replaces it with a healthy kidney from a matching donor. A kidney transplant is considered when dialysis is insufficient, and both kidneys cannot function properly.
Since a person can live with only one kidney, a kidney transplant often involves removing one failed kidney and replacing it with a healthy one.
People who choose not to have dialysis or kidney transplantscan have palliative or supportive care to manage their symptoms and feel better. Palliative care can also be combined with dialysis or kidney transplants. Without dialysis or kidney transplant, kidney failure progresses and leads to death.
Palliative care involves taking measures to keep the person comfortable.
Things To Keep in Mind When Navigating Treatment Options for End-Stage Renal Disease
Navigating your treatment options for end-stage renal disease can be overwhelming. Therefore, it is important to consult a kidney specialist for a comprehensive medical evaluation to choose the right treatment options for you.
The following are some important considerations for end-stage renal disease treatment.
The patient’s health status is a critical factor that influences the choice of treatment for end-stage renal disease. The patient’s overall health, including their medical history, general physical well-being, and other medical conditions, plays a significant role in determining the most suitable treatment options.
For example, patients with certain medical conditions, such as heart problems or severe infections, may face challenges with dialysis. On the other hand, candidates for kidney transplants need to be in reasonably good health to undergo surgery and tolerate immunosuppressive medications afterward.
Long Term Outlook
Long-term outlook refers to the expected course and outcome of the medical condition over an extended period. While navigating the right treatment option for ESRD, understanding the long-term outcome is crucial as it can impact the choice between different treatment options, such as kidney transplantation and dialysis.
Compared to long-term dialysis, kidney transplants offer the potential for longer and better quality of life. However, the success of the transplant and the patient’s overall health play a significant role in assessing whether the benefits of the kidney transplant outweigh the risks.
The lifestyle of a patient also plays a significant role in making the choice of treatment for ESRD. For example, some treatments like hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis require strict adherence to the treatment schedule, and lifestyle factors such as travel plans, commitments, and daily routine can influence a person’s ability to stick to their dialysis schedule. A kidney transplant is recommended in such a situation, given that the patient is in good health.
Some patients who value independence in managing their health also choose peritoneal dialysis as it offers more independence than hemodialysis.
Kidney Specialist in SE Massachusetts
If you or your loved one is having a kidney disease, it is best to seek timely care from a kidney specialist. At Associates in Nephrology, our kidney specialist Drs. Lauer, Bohl, and Wu are board-certified in nephrology and internal medicine and have extensive experience and knowledge in treating kidney disorders. Wealso offer end-stage renal disease treatments like dialysis and kidney transplants and recommend treatments based on individuals’ unique needs.