Treatment
How to talk to your doctor
September 20, 2006
You would think that talking to your doctor would be the easy part of a doctor’s visit, however, for many it can be frustrating. We’ve put together some tips to hopefully make it easier for you to communicate with your doctor.
Most common questions kidney patients ask doctors
September 20, 2006
Dr. Kristensen is an accomplished DaVita nephrologist. She has written a special guest article for DaVita.com. Dr. Kristensen answers some of the more common questions she is asked when meeting with a kidney patient for the first time.
What kidneys do and how they fail
October 10, 2006
Kidneys perform many functions. Kidney failure usually occurs due to a handful of reasons. Find out about the different jobs performed by the kidneys and discover the top causes of kidney failure.
Kidney transplant the alternative to dialysis
January 26, 2007
For people who have lost nearly 90% of their kidney function, the only treatment options are dialysis or a kidney transplant. While dialysis replaces failed renal function, a transplant replaces a diseased kidney. Learn about the benefits and risks involved with a kidney transplant.
What is a nephrologist?
July 03, 2008
Nephrologists are medical doctors who specialize in kidney care. Sometimes referred to as kidney doctors, they commonly treat chronic kidney disease (CKD), polycystic kidney disease (PKD), acute renal failure, cancer of the kidneys and kidney stones. People on dialysis will have their treatment managed by a nephrologist. Learn more about what a nephrologist is, what a nephrologist does and when to visit a nephrologist.
What is residual kidney function?
June 23, 2008
Residual kidney function is the term used to describe how much of your kidney function remains once you have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. Even after you start dialysis, it is critical to try to preserve residual kidney function for as long as possible because it improves your overall health and well-being. Learn more about what residual kidney function is and how you can preserve it.
High blood pressure medicines and kidney disease
June 29, 2008
Blood pressure is a measurement of the force and amount of blood your heart pumps. High blood pressure is the second leading cause of chronic kidney disease. The strong force of blood can be harmful to the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys. High blood pressure medicine helps lower the force of blood and is sometimes even prescribed to those without high blood pressure to help preserve kidney function. Learn about blood pressure medicines and how they may help protect your kidneys.
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