10 The ELEVATOR CONSTRUCTOR For Your Benefit continued Signs and Symptoms of CKD Early kidney disease usually does not have symptoms. Testing is the only way to know how well your kidneys are working. People should take the time to get evaluated for kidney disease, as early detection can help prevent the onset of more serious complications. It is important to seek medical attention for any symptoms of CKD. Early treatment can help slow the progression of the disease and prevent severe complications. Signs and symptoms, which can vary depending on the stage of the disease, include: • Fatigue • Swelling of the hands and feet • Increased urination • Changes in urine color • Loss of appetite Getting tested for kidney disease is absolutely necessary if you have: • Diabetes • High blood pressure • Heart disease • Family history of kidney failure and/or Polycystic Kidney Disease (and any other kidney diseases or diseases that are known to negatively affect the kidneys) Renal Failure Treatments Some people live with kidney disease for years and can maintain sufficient kidney function to survive without needing further interventions. Others progress to full kidney failure and require renal replacement therapy. Complete renal failure is called end-stage renal disease and for an individual to remain alive it does require life-long treatment such as: • Hemodialysis • Peritoneal dialysis • Transplantation PREVENTION AND TREATMENT FOR CKD You can protect your kidneys by preventing or managing health conditions that cause kidney damage and taking steps to keep your whole body healthy, including your kidneys. Known preventative measures include: • Knowing your numbers. Take the time to get your kidney function tested. • Managing chronic illnesses like hypertension and diabetes and underlying medical conditions and reducing damage to the kidneys. This includes: o Managing your hypertension by taking all medications as prescribed, routinely checking your blood pressure to ensure it is within normal range and taking all prescribed medications for heart disease o Controlling your sugar levels if you are diabetic—taking all prescribed diabetes medications, routinely testing blood sugar levels, and following the diet prescribed by your physician o Following up on all doctor appointments and treatments if you have been diagnosed with a disease or condition that can damage the kidneys such as Polycystic Kidney Disease, or genetic diseases such as Goodpasture’s Disease o Avoiding medications and drugs that are toxic to the kidneys such as illegal street drugs, high doses of Ibuprofen (Ibuprofen is metabolized in the kidneys), over-the-counter medications and herbal and homeopathic compounds (not evaluated or approved by the FDA) o Implementing and adhering to prescribed dietary changes and lifestyle modifications aimed at preserving kidney function o Aiming for a healthy weight o Stopping smoking o Limiting alcohol intake o Avoiding illegal drugs o Avoiding large doses of herbal and homeopathic supplements without first discussing them with your physician o Watching your intake of medications that are metabolized by the kidneys such as Ibuprofen
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