Kidney Care Services of Humboldt

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, too many of the kidney's filters become damaged and certain blood levels become critically elevated.  At this point, most people do not feel well.  When less than 10-15% of your kidney's filters are functioning, this is called kidney failure.  Without dialysis or kidney transplant, a person will die.  

 

Dialysis replaces the function of some of the kidney's damaged filters.  It can be done at home or it can be performed in a dialysis clinic.  Sometimes dialysis (hemodialysis) is performed by directly filtering the blood while peritoneal dialysis indirectly filters the blood.  Both methods can be done at home.  Most patients are surprised at how easy it is to learn home dialysis therapies.

 

Kidney transplant is another option for kidney failure.  Often, patients require some form of dialysis while completing their necessary testing for transplant surgery.  For patients waiting on an anonymous donor, the wait time may exceed 3-5 years.  However, those with a willing friend or family member have shorter wait times.

 

If a patient decides against dialysis, hospice or palliative care may be an appropriate option to discuss with their family and care team.