Living With Kidney Disease
Kidney disease can bring decisions about treatment, dialysis, transplant, and planning ahead. You do not need to learn everything at once. Start with the questions that matter now.
What to focus on now
Open the topics that are most useful to you. You do not need to read everything at once.
Understand your kidney functionFollow trends, not just one number.
Your kidney team may discuss eGFR, urine protein or albumin, blood pressure, medicines, symptoms, and how these change over time. Ask what your results mean for you and what your team is watching next.
Explore treatment optionsKnow the major pathways.
Kidney-failure treatment may include hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, kidney transplant, or conservative management for some people. The right discussion depends on your health, goals, and circumstances.
When transplant enters the conversationStart the discussion early.
Transplant evaluation can begin before dialysis for some people. Ask your nephrologist when referral to a transplant program would make sense in your situation.
Prepare questionsUse your visits well.
Write down the few questions that matter most before an appointment. Bring an updated medication list and ask what changes in your kidney function should prompt new planning.
Questions you may want to bring to your team
- What is my kidney function now, and how has it changed over time?
- When should we begin discussing dialysis or transplant referral?
- Are there steps I can take now to protect kidney function or prepare for future treatment?
- Who should I call if symptoms or my situation changes?
Useful starting points
These links are for general education and planning. Review important decisions with your own team.