Treatment

Although there is no cure for kidney disease, learn what you can do if you have Stage 5, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). You have a number of treatment options to consider as you determine with your health care team which one works best for your life style.

Contents:

1. Treatment
2. Early Intervention
3. Medication
4. Immunizations
5. Kidney Transplant
6. Dialysis
7. Costs for Treatment

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Once you reach kidney failure, the diagnosis can be overwhelming. It is important to remember that kidney failure is not the end of your life, only the end of your kidney function. The choices for treatment for End- Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) include:

Some people may start with one form of treatment and then later choose another treatment method. For example, someone might start on dialysis in-center and later choose to do dialysis at home. Or a person may do dialysis and then choose to receive a transplant. Or someone may start treatment with a transplant and if the transplant fails, the person goes on dialysis.

There is no cure for kidney failure and no one right treatment for everyone.  Each treatment choice has advantages and disadvantages. It is important to participate with your health care team in your treatment choice based upon your lifestyle and what works best for you. If your nephrologist (kidney doctor) doesn’t offer the treatment choice that you want, you can be referred to another doctor that does offer the treatment to discuss your choice further.

Know Your Treatment Options

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Learn More About Treatment

Treatment

Chronic kidney disease may progress to End-Stage Renal Disease, which has a number of treatment options.

Early Intervention

There are proactive actions you can take to decrease your chances of developing kidney disease in the future.

Medication

It is important to take all of your medicines as prescribed for your kidney disease, even if you don’t notice an immediate difference.

Immunizations

Kidney disease is one of several conditions that can put a person at higher risk for infection.

Kidney Transplant

Although not a cure, it provides the most freedom for people.

Dialysis

The primary treatment for ESRD, you can do dialysis at home or at a dialysis center.

Costs for Treatment

Most people with ESRD qualify for Medicare and dialysis social workers can help you know your options.