Today we would like to take you through the different options available for treating kidney failure. You’ll see that each type of treatment can serve to almost replace the function of the healthy kidneys. We want you to be able to compare the various options so that you can talk to your doctor about your preferences.

By learning about treatment options, you can work with your doctor and healthcare team to choose the treatment that is most suitable for you current condition and lifestyle. It is not always easy to decide which treatment will be the best.

The decision depends on your medical condition, lifestyle and personal likes and dislikes. If you start on one form of treatment and then decide that you would like to try another, you can discuss this with your doctor and healthcare team. The key for you is to learn as much about your treatment options as possible.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) simply means that your kidneys no longer work well enough to keep you healthy. Your doctor will work closely with you to slow down the progression of the disease.

This period may last for weeks or years. Over time your kidneys will lose their function completely to maintain a healthy body. This is called End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).

This can sound scary, but it doesn’t mean that it’s the end of your life! There are many treatments available to replace the functions of your kidneys.