What are kidneys?
The kidneys are bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine, at the small of the back. Most people have two working kidneys. Your kidneys are two of the most important, yet often overlooked, organs in your body. They perform vital functions, which include:
- Filtering the blood, keeping some compounds and removing others
- Removing waste and excess fluid
- Regulating blood pressure, blood cells and the amount of certain nutrients in the body
What is Chronic Kidney Disease?
Chronic kidney disease includes conditions that damage kidneys and decrease their function. As kidney disease progresses, wastes build to high levels in the blood. Complications like high blood pressure, anemia (low blood count), weak bones, poor nutritional health and nerve damage may develop. Kidney disease also increases the risk of heart and blood vessel diseases. Early detection and treatment can keep chronic kidney disease from progressing. As kidney disease progresses, it may eventually lead to kidney failure. Available treatments are dialysis and kidney transplant.
HOW WILL KIDNEY DISEASE CHANGE MY LIFE?
You will need to make adjustments based on the type of treatment your doctor prescribes. The Foundation staff is available to assist you during this time of transition. Please call us if you need to talk to someone about your questions or concerns.
HOW CAN THE TENNESSEE KIDNEY FOUNDATION HELP ME?
See our Patient Program and Services page for information on the types of services offered by the Tennessee Kidney Foundation. If you live in one of the counties we serve, you may contact your social worker for the necessary applications. If you do not yet have a social worker (pre-dialysis patients), call the Foundation or email info@tnkidney.org.
Stage 1 & 2
Stages 1 and 2 usually have no symptoms to indicate that the kidneys are damaged. People are usually diagnosed through being tested for other conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, which are the two leading causes of kidney disease.
Stage 3
Symptoms may develop in Stage 3, such as puffy eyes or swollen hands and feet. Changes in urination (more frequent urination, burning during urination, or bloody urination) may also be a sign of Stage 3, along with pain in the small of back and fatigue. It is recommended that you see a kidney specialist (nephrologist) at Stage 3.
Stage 4
Stage 4 patients have advanced kidney damage. Additional symptoms from Stage 3 may include nausea, difficulty in concentrating, loss of appetite or metallic taste in mouth.
Stage 5
Stage 5 patients are in kidney failure. Treatment includes dialysis or transplantation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the warning signs of kidney disease?
– Changes in urination
– Uncontrolled high blood pressure or untreated diabetes or anemia
– Swelling of the feet, ankles, hands or face
– Fatigue or weakness
– Back pain
– Itching
– Shortness of breath
– Loss of appetite
– Ammonia breath or an ammonia or metal taste in the mouth
– Nausea and vomiting
Who is at risk for kidney disease?
Anyone can develop chronic kidney disease at any age. However, some people are more likely than others to develop kidney disease. You may have an increased risk for kidney disease if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of chronic kidney disease, older, belong to a population group that has a high rate of diabetes or high blood pressure.
Can I donate one of my kidneys?
If you would like to become a donor, you may do a blood work-up to determine if you are a match for him or her. Physicians consider anyone other than family, friends or other living donors, as well as cadavers for organ donors. Become a registered organ donor by signing the back of your driver’s license or go to www.tndonorregistry.org to register online.