This form of treatment involves drugs and a special diet. There comes a time, however, when this is not enough and renal replacement treatment has to be started. This can be by dialysis, or for some people a kidney transplant is also a possibility. With advances in treatment and drugs you can look forward to a fairly good lifestyle, working and enjoying family life and most leisure activities as before. While the Renal Team will do all they can to help you cope with your condition, you have a major part to play.
Treatment occurs at special kidney centres, or renal units.
These have teams of specially trained staff knowledgeable in kidney disease, transplantation and dialysis. They are made up of doctors, nurses, dietitians, social workers, pharmacists, technicians and others. Your treatment before dialysis Usually kidney failure develops slowly, and at first you may not have noticed anything. Gradually most people begin to feel tired, lose their appetite and may start to itch. Some get swollen ankles or develop high blood pressure.