Understanding More about Kidney Disease

Instead of thinking of Hospice as a way to give up the world, Hospice should be viewed as a means to confront the end of your life with dignity.

Today, we will talk about the condition of renal failure, often known as kidney disease. Everyone knows that kidneys aid with the process of removing waste (urine) and blood pressure maintenance blood cell regulation acid management, and water balance. But what isn’t everyone realizes is that our kidneys produce a variety of vital hormones which help to regulate our moods, appetite, as well as our sleeping habits.

The first signs of kidney or renal disease include;

• Tiredness
• The most common cause of pain is back or side pain. It is usually back or side
• Brain Fog
• Shortness of breath
• Coldness
• Anemia
• Slow healing
• Itchiness
• Change in the taste
• Bad breath
• Weight loss
• Swelling and puffiness
• Urination frequency is often high (sometimes changing color or appearance, such as foaming)

Of course there are other illnesses that could be causing symptoms listed on this list. It is the only method to determine the root of your symptoms is to consult your doctor as quickly as you can.

As it progresses There exist five phases of kidney failure. The treatment options are based on the condition and health of the person. If you’re being treated for kidney issues, you physician will try to slow down progression of the disease or address the root of the problem. But, damage to the kidneys can persist to get worse even if an underlying issue like the condition known as diabetes mellitus, or hypertension is controlled. The problem is that chronic kidney disease is not a cure.

If kidney disease has progressed into the final stages Consider speaking with your physician about hospice services are available. Hospice services for kidney disease help patients achieve the highest quality of life in the final weeks, months and even days. Hospice patients have a lower chance of experiencing hospitalizations or emergency room visits and having the support of hospice staff can ease the psychological and emotional strain of caregivers.

Patients suffering from chronic kidney disease could qualify for Hospice If they

• Do not want to undergo dialysis. They can choose to discontinue dialysis or if their doctor believes they would not be an appropriate candidate for dialysis.
• Have a clearance for creatinine that is 8.0 mg/dl or greater in the absence of diabetes. 6.0 mg/dl or more with co-occurring diabetes
• Other illnesses (called co-morbids) which could be impacted by kidney diseases for example, congestive heart failure.

If you’ve been diagnosed with kidney disease or Renal and are unsure regarding Hospice contact us and schedule appointments with your doctor or contact an area Hospice that you would like to visit.

“May the choices you make reflect your hopes and rather than your anxieties.” -Nelson Mandela. Nelson Mandela

-” Vickie Wacaster works as a Patient Advocate at Aveanna Hospice (formerly Comfort Care Hospice).

The article Understanding the kidney disease was first published at The Andalusia Star-News.