Your doctor will decide when your kidneys no longer work well enough to keep you healthy. This stage is called chronic renal failure (CRF) or end-stage renal disease(ESRD). You now need additional medical treatment. The treatment options for patients whose kidneys no longer function enough for them to live without renal therapy intervention are kidney transplantation and dialysis. Diet and medication are also important treatments for kidney failure.

Dialysis and transplantation are treatments used to replace lost kidney function. A successful transplant can help you return to a state of good health. A successful transplant can help you return to a state of good health. There are two kinds of dialysis: Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis. Dialysis does some of the things the normal kidney does, such as remove the waste products and the extra water from the body that have built up in the blood.

Take the time to learn about transplantation and the different types of dialysis. You have options. The kidney (treatment) option that’s right for you and your family depends on your personality, lifestyle, age, attitude, medical needs and your nephrologist’s recommendation.

Attend a free kidney options patient education seminar in your local area and you will learn about treatment options.

Bring family members and loved ones to the seminar with you. Your nephrologist and team will work with you and your family to select a treatment that’s best for you. There is a free patient education Treatment Options for End Stage Renal Disease Booklet which will give you more information about your treatment options. Go back to the Kidney Options Home Page and click on the “OFFER” box at the bottom of the page. You may also call toll free 1-866-kidney1 or 1-866-543-6391 to receive your free booklet.

Kidney Options Patient Education Seminar

This seminar is a free educational offering to anyone who is affected by kidney disease. The seminar provides information on kidney options, diet, and nutrition, living with dialysis, support systems, financing your care, and other resources that are available to you.

The seminar is held monthly and is presented by a group of health care professionals who work with kidney patients in your local area. Nurses who work with peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis and transplant patients talk to the group about these treatment options. A dietitian talks on diet and nutrition; a social worker talks on living with dialysis, support systems, and financing your care. A panel of patients talk about their dialysis experience. At the end of the presentation, there is a question and answer period. You and your family may ask any question you like. The seminar runs for about one and a half hours. You will receive written information to take home with you. To find you local seminar, call toll free 1-866-543-6391 or 1-866-kidney1.

If you and your family can not attend a seminar, the nurse will meet with you and your family individually. She will talk to you giving you the information that is discussed in the Kidney Options patient education class. You will also receive the same written information to take home with you.

The free seminar schedule is listed on this site under Seminar Schedule. If you can not find a seminar near you, call toll free 1-866-kidney1 or 1-866-543-6391. There is a seminar in your area.

The Kidney Healthcare Team

Kidney disease affects many different aspects of your life. The kidney healthcare team is made up of the nephrologist, the nurse, the dietitian, and the social worker. You are also a vital member of your team. This team will work with you to coordinate your care and to help you make the best treatment option decision possible for long term treatment. You may speak to your nurse or social worker for more information about how teams work. No matter what kidney option you choose, you will have a strong team of highly skilled and knowledgeable healthcare professionals who are committed to providing the highest quality of medical care to you so that you may continue to live a healthy and satisfying life.

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