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Choosing Treatment For Kidney Failure: The Ultimate Guide

Colt Simmons

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Published in Choosing A Treatment For Kidney Failure: Understand Your Enemy: Kidney Transplant Requirements

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If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with kidney failure, you may be wondering what treatment options are available. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the different types of kidney failure treatments, including dialysis, kidney transplant, and conservative care.

Choosing A Treatment For Kidney Failure: Understand Your Enemy: Kidney Transplant Requirements

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Dialysis

Dialysis is a type of treatment that removes waste products and excess fluid from the blood. It is used to treat people with kidney failure who are not yet eligible for a kidney transplant.

There are two main types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

Hemodialysis is performed in a dialysis center. During hemodialysis, blood is removed from the body and passed through a dialyzer, which is a machine that filters the blood and removes waste products and excess fluid. The filtered blood is then returned to the body.
Peritoneal dialysis is performed at home. During peritoneal dialysis, a sterile solution is placed in the abdomen. The solution absorbs waste products and excess fluid from the blood. The solution is then drained from the abdomen.

Dialysis can be a life-saving treatment, but it can also be a challenging experience. People who undergo dialysis may experience side effects such as fatigue, nausea, and muscle cramps.

Kidney Transplant

A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure in which a healthy kidney from a donor is transplanted into the body of a person with kidney failure.

Kidney transplants are the best treatment option for people with kidney failure. However, not everyone is eligible for a kidney transplant. To be eligible for a kidney transplant, you must be in good overall health and have no other major medical conditions.

Kidney transplants can be a life-changing experience. People who receive a kidney transplant can enjoy a better quality of life and live longer lives.

Conservative Care

Conservative care is a type of treatment that focuses on managing the symptoms of kidney failure without using dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Conservative care may include:

Managing fluid intake
Controlling blood pressure
Taking medications to reduce waste products in the blood
Following a special diet

Conservative care can be a good option for people with kidney failure who are not yet eligible for dialysis or a kidney transplant. However, conservative care is not a cure for kidney failure. Eventually, people with kidney failure will need to undergo dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Choosing the Right Treatment

The best treatment for kidney failure depends on a number of factors, including your age, overall health, and lifestyle.

Your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is right for you. It is important to be an active participant in your care and to ask questions about your treatment options.

If you have kidney failure, it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are many people who have successfully managed kidney failure and lived full and meaningful lives.

With the right treatment and support, you can too.