Pre-Dialysis Guide | Understanding Kidney Failure | NephroPlus

1. Kidney Failure 101: What You Need to Know Before Dialysis Hearing the words like “kidney failure” for the first time can feel like getting hit by a truck. Yes, it’s overwhelming and scary, and it probably brings up a million questions, especially if your doctor has mentioned the word dialysis. As per stats, around 2 million people worldwide suffer from kidney failure, and if you are one of them, before you jump into treatments or worst-case scenarios, let’s take a breath and break it down together. If you or someone has been diagnosed with kidney failure, knowing what to expect before you start searching for a "dialysis hospital near me" can help you feel more informed and in control of the road ahead. (Source: https://pharm.ucsf.edu/kidney/need/statistics)

2. What is Kidney Failure? Your kidneys have one main job: to filter waste, fluids, and toxins from your blood. When they stop working properly, that waste builds up, and your body starts to feel it. Common signs of kidney failure include: Swelling in your legs or face Fatigue or weakness Changes in urination Nausea or a metallic taste in your mouth Shortness of breath Know Your Numbers Kidney function is measured by something called eGFR (Estimated glomerular filtration rate). A normal eGFR is around 90 or higher. Kidney failure, also called end-stage renal disease (ESRD), usually occurs when your eGFR drops below 15. Doctors also monitor creatinine, potassium, haemoglobin, and fluid balance. Staying on top of these numbers can help delay the need for dialysis, or at least help you prepare for it wisely. (Source: https://www.kidneyresearchuk.org/) What Triggers Dialysis? Dialysis doesn’t start just because your lab results change, it usually starts when some symptoms become hard to manage. These symptoms may include: Uncontrollable nausea or vomiting Severe swelling Dangerous potassium levels Extreme fatigue Trouble breathing In fact, some people start dialysis even before they feel really sick, proactively rather than reactively. It all depends on your overall health and what your care team recommends. Types of Dialysis Before you start treatment, it’s crucial to understand your options: Hemodialysis: This is one of the most common types of dialysis, and it is usually done at the dialysis centre using a machine that filters your blood. Peritoneal Dialysis: This type of dialysis uses the lining of your belly to clean your blood through a catheter.

3. Home Dialysis: If you are unable to visit a dialysis centre or don’t want to, you can also have home dialysis done in your own home. Each method has its pros and cons, and you can also ask questions or even change plans later. Take Care of You: Physically and Mentally Kidney failure doesn’t just affect your body, it also affects your mindset. Yes, you might feel overwhelmed, anxious, or even angry, but you are not alone. You can reach out to professionals, and they will guide you throughout the procedure. Being told you are heading toward dialysis is scary, but it’s not the end. It’s the beginning of a new way to take care of your health. The more you know, the more empowered you will feel. So if you are facing kidney failure, remember this: you have time, you have options, and you have support. Looking for dialysis near me? Schedule a consultation with our team at NephroPlustoday! Source: https://nephroplus.com/kidney-failure-101-what-you-need-to-know- before-dialysis