Treatment Options for End Stage Renal Disease

2026-01-09T13:37:42-05:00January 5th, 2026|Categories: Dialysis, Hemodialysis, Home Hemodialysis, In-Center Hemodialysis, Kidney Transplant, Peritoneal Dialysis, Quality of Life, The Kidney Citizen, Treatment|

Nancy Scott, DPC Education Center Project Manager Many patients crash into dialysis and are placed into in-center dialysis centers. Hopefully, more providers are educating patients about treatment options. When patients are engaged and educated about their respective conditions, they tend to have a better quality of life both physically and mentally. The world of kidney disease is forever changing and making a significant impact on the journey of renal patients. Explore Potential Treatment Options for Kidney Failure[1] A kidney transplant is often the best possible treatment option for patients with kidney failure. If you aren’t eligible for a [...]

Nocturnal Home Hemodialysis (HHD): Kidney Replacement Therapy with Less Impact on Daily Life

2026-01-09T13:23:02-05:00January 5th, 2026|Categories: Diagnosis of Kidney Disease, Dialysis, In-Center Hemodialysis, Kidney Transplant, Mental Health, Peritoneal Dialysis, Quality of Life, Support, The Kidney Citizen, Treatment, What Causes Kidney Disease|

Brigitte Schiller, MD, FACP, FASN, SVP, Medical Officer: Home Therapies, Global Medical Office, Medical Affairs, Fresenius Medical Care Important progress has been made in the delivery of dialysis. The “one size fits all” approach with standard thrice-weekly in-center hemodialysis shifts toward personalized care, emphasizing quality of life, independence, and symptom management tailored to each person’s clinical and personal needs. Kidney replacement therapy at home is a critical ingredient in this effort. While kidney transplantation remains the gold standard of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), most people require dialysis before receiving a transplant. As patients await transplantation, selecting the appropriate [...]

Staying Hopeful Through the Wait

2026-01-09T13:12:47-05:00January 5th, 2026|Categories: Diagnosis of Kidney Disease, Dialysis, In-Center Hemodialysis, Kidney Transplant, Mental Health, Peritoneal Dialysis, Quality of Life, Support, The Kidney Citizen, Treatment, What Causes Kidney Disease|

Hasan Artharee, DPC Board Member Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) runs in my family. I watched my grandmother go through dialysis when I was young, and later my mother during my college years. So, when I was diagnosed with PKD at 22, I understood what the future might hold. The diagnosis came after my blood pressure kept rising and I needed medication. My doctors checked my kidneys and found that PKD was affecting my blood pressure and other systems. They told me that based on my family history, I'd probably need dialysis or a transplant by my 40s. For [...]

Finding My Path Through Treatment Options

2026-01-09T13:00:21-05:00January 5th, 2026|Categories: Dialysis, Home Hemodialysis, In-Center Hemodialysis, Kidney Transplant, Peritoneal Dialysis, Quality of Life, Support, The Kidney Citizen, Treatment|

Cheri Rodriguez Jones, DPC Board Secretary I was seven years old when doctors diagnosed me with a rare kidney disease. The 1980s and 90s didn't offer much in terms of treatment – just managing symptoms and preserving kidney function as long as possible. Hospital visits became routine. At 19, after some tests, my doctor called with surprising news: "You need to start dialysis." While unexpected, I'd always known dialysis was coming eventually. By then I was already a mother to my infant son. Discovering What Worked for Me The medical team recommended peritoneal dialysis so I could do [...]

Kidney Failure and Fighting for Our Cause

2025-10-10T15:01:20-04:00October 1st, 2025|Categories: Dialysis, Kidney Transplant, Support, The Kidney Citizen, Treatment|

Adam Goldstein, DPC Board Member When I was 19, I had my whole life planned out, but cancer had other plans. I survived, but not unscathed. The chemotherapy that saved my life also damaged my kidneys. I was diagnosed with kidney failure and began dialysis soon after. For years, I was determined to push forward and live “normally.” I got a transplant. It gave me back a sense of independence, a sense that maybe life would stop orbiting around hospitals and lab results. But as many of you know, a transplant isn’t always a cure. Mine eventually failed. And [...]

DPC’s 2025 State Advocacy Wins

2025-10-10T14:51:48-04:00October 1st, 2025|Categories: Costs for Treatment, Dialysis, Kidney Transplant, Resources, The Kidney Citizen|

Elizabeth Lively, DPC Eastern Region Advocacy Director Pamela Zielske, DPC Western Region Advocacy Director DPC achieved key state wins for ESRD patients as several states passed Medigap premium protections during the 2025 session, with legislation in additional states still in play. In addition, several states passed “birthday rule” bills, which aim to allow more flexibility and patient choice for individuals with Medicare Supplement plans by providing a window for Medigap enrollees to change their plans without medical underwriting. As insurers price their plans differently, enrollees may find a more affordable premium for the same plan from a [...]

One Day at a Time: Life Beyond Kidney Failure

2025-10-10T14:09:18-04:00October 1st, 2025|Categories: Dialysis, Kidney Transplant, Lifestyle, Mental Health, Physical Health, Quality of Life, Staying Healthy, The Kidney Citizen, Treatment|

Adrian Miller, DPC Board Member Thirteen years ago, I thought my story was over before it really began. I was walking with my brother on Super Bowl Sunday in February 2012, following our tradition of visiting neighborhood bars before heading to our parents' house. But that day, I couldn't even make it a block without stopping to catch my breath. I was gasping for air like I'd just run a marathon. Deep down, I knew something was seriously wrong. The next morning, I asked my sister to take me to the emergency room. When they checked my blood pressure [...]

You Are What You Eat!

2025-07-09T12:44:01-04:00July 8th, 2025|Categories: Dialysis, eNews, Kidney Transplant, News & Events, Nutrition, Physical Health, Quality of Life, Staying Healthy|

Hypertension and diabetes are two known risk factors for chronic kidney disease. It is vital that all patients follow a renal diet whether on dialysis or transplanted. Sodium and potassium must always be monitored by obtaining the appropriate labs. It is also extremely important to consult with a nutritionist or dietitian to ensure that the proper diet is followed, especially if one is experiencing problems with hypertension and/or diabetes. Proper nutrition is a key factor in living your best life!  Of course, your nephrologist and/or general practitioner should always monitor your overall health concerns. We urge you to read this [...]

Why Medicare’s Payment System Keeps New Dialysis Drugs from Reaching Patients

2025-05-07T13:39:04-04:00May 7th, 2025|Categories: Costs for Treatment, Dialysis, Kidney Transplant, Medication, Quality of Life, Staying Healthy, The Kidney Citizen|

Jackson Williams, DPC Vice President of Public Policy Payment bundling is a technique Medicare uses to increase efficiency and reduce low-value care during a treatment episode. Congress adopted a payment bundle for dialysis a decade ago and for several years it worked well. But trade-offs are inherent in bundles and there is always potential for a negative impact on consumers. This negative experience has arrived for dialysis patients in the form of non—prescribing of new drugs. Patients are missing out on improvements to their health and quality of life. A bundled payment sets a maximum price for all [...]

A Faithful Kidney Patient Caregiver’s Journey

2025-05-07T13:34:15-04:00May 7th, 2025|Categories: Dialysis, Kidney Transplant, Quality of Life, Staying Healthy, The Kidney Citizen|

Sheree Stephens, DPC Patient Ambassador I would describe being a kidney patient caregiver to my husband as inspiring, beautiful, and life changing. Ken has fought kidney failure for years, and I’ve stood beside him every step of the way. The journey can be, at times, stressful and tiring but with strong communication and a strong relationship with God, the journey is not nearly as overwhelming. When we met in 2010, he told me upfront his kidneys were failing. I heard him, but love doesn’t calculate risks. We built a life together, knowing challenges would come. In 2016, they [...]

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