Living With Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a serious health condition that causes the slow loss of kidney function over time. The primary function of the kidneys is filtering waste products and removing the excess fluid from body. In addition, kidneys help to regulate and control levels of sodium, potassium, calcium, and phosphorous. While it is incredibly difficult to first accept and then cope with the illness, in the end, everything will be okay if you love, cherish and live your life to the fullest. Don’t lose sight of who you are because you must not let CKD define you.

How to manage Chronic Kidney disease better

CKD causes relentless progression of decline in kidney function. As physicians, we try to retard the progression through medical, dietary, and lifestyle modifications.

Following are the important measures to be taken:

1. Keep diabetes under control: Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney dysfunction. All diabetics should meticulously control their blood sugar levels and keep HbA1c levels between 6-7%.

2. Keep blood pressure under control:  you should aim to keep you BP in the range of 130/80 mmHg.

3. Keep a watch on your diet: add less salt, avoid excessive protein, and in certain situations take a low potassium diet.

4. Stop smoking: smoking is harmful for your kidneys.

5. Avoid unnecessary medications: medicines such as pain killers should be restricted as these are toxic for the kidneys and rapidly deteriorate kidney function.

Management for End-Stage Kidney Disease

Nowadays there are various modalities for patients who reach End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) and include:

1. Renal Transplant: This mode of treatment is becoming increasingly successful, thanks to new immunosuppressive drugs.

2. Maintenance Hemodialysis: 2-3 sessions of four hours each are required in a week to achieve quality of life almost close to normal.

3. CAPD: Peritoneal dialysis is a modality where the patient can carry out his dialysis himself at home.