As kidneys start to fail, the important functions decrease. Excess body water and waste products, that used to be removed in the urine, start to build up in your blood and tissue. You may start to feel sick. The medical name for this build up of waste products is “uraemia”. Salt and water build-up may cause swelling or oedema and may cause a rise in your blood pressure.

Another function of your kidneys is to produce hormones that help your body to produce red blood cells and control bone health. With kidney failure your body may not produce enough red blood cells any more. This can cause a lack of red blood cells, which is then called “anaemia”. Your bones may also weaken.