education

Questions to Ask Your Kidney Care Team

Education - , -

Finding out you have kidney disease can be overwhelming. Kidney disease is often called a “silent disease” because it can have very few noticeable symptoms, and early warning signs can easily be mistaken for other health issues. As a result, many people don’t discover they have kidney problems until the disease has progressed.

While a kidney disease diagnosis can feel scary, there are lifestyle changes and treatment options that can help you preserve kidney function, feel better, and potentially slow the progression of the disease.

One of the best ways to take an active role in your kidney health is to understand your treatment options and know what questions to ask your care team. In this guide, we’ll share important questions to ask your kidney care team so you can feel more informed and confident about your care.

1. What stage of kidney disease do I have?

The stage of kidney disease you have will determine how your doctor recommends treating it. Stage one indicates a small amount of kidney damage, and stage five occurs when your kidneys have failed. Your stage of kidney disease depends on your GFR number, which you can learn more about here. Talk to your kidney care team to learn what stage you’re at now and ask what you can do to try to prevent your kidney disease from progressing further.

Kidney disease stage GFR About your kidney function
1 >90 Normal GFR. Other signs of kidney injury, such as blood or protein in the urine, may still exist and indicate a slight loss of kidney function.
2 60-89 Mild GFR decrease from the normal rate. This could be normal for your age or indicate early kidney disease.
3 30-59 Kidney function is low. See a nephrologist to learn about treatments you can do now and lifestyle changes you can make to prevent further damage.
4 15-29 Severe kidney disease. See a nephrologist – a kidney doctor – regularly to learn how to protect your remaining kidney function, prepare for dialysis or find out more about a kidney transplant.
5 0-14 End-stage renal disease. Dialysis or kidney transplant is necessary to prolong life.

 2. What can I do to slow the progression of kidney disease?

Lifestyle changes can play a big role in slowing the progression of kidney disease. Quit smoking, manage your blood pressure and your blood sugar, and work with a dietitian to help you follow a kidney-friendly diet. Limiting sodium, for example, can help manage blood pressure and reduce the risk of complications. Regular exercise can also help preserve kidney function and help with potential complications like heart disease or diabetes. Make sure to take recommended medications but avoid those that can damage the kidneys, like NSAID pain relievers such as ibuprofen, unless your doctor tells you they are safe for you. You can also ask your doctor to help you put together a nutrition and exercise plan to try to slow the progression of your kidney disease.

3. What treatment options are available to me?

The treatment options available to you depend on the stage of kidney disease that you have. Changing your lifestyle, following a low-sodium diet, managing your blood pressure and blood sugar, and exercising regularly can help in the early stages of kidney disease. If your kidney disease reaches stage 5, you will need dialysis or a kidney transplant to stay alive. Many clinics offer dialysis treatments in a center, which are usually for about four to five hours at a time, three times a week. Some clinics also offer home dialysis, training you to do dialysis in the comfort of your own home. A kidney transplant, although not a cure, is another treatment option that can offer the best quality of life for people with kidney failure. Ask your doctor which treatment options are available so you can decide what’s best for you.

4. Who is part of my kidney care team, and what does each person do?

Your care team will likely be made up of a nephrologist (kidney doctor), a nurse, dialysis technician, dietitian, social worker, and a member of our benefits and billing team. Each person on your care team has a special role. Your nephrologist will oversee your health and care, while a nurse and dialysis technician will be looking after you in the dialysis clinic. Our dietitians are experts in kidney disease and are there to support you with the kidney diet, helping you understand the foods that are best for you as well as the ones you should avoid. The entire team is there to support you throughout your journey with kidney disease.

5. What should I know about eating well with kidney disease?

The kidney diet can seem overwhelming at first, which is why we have specialized renal dietitians as part of our team. These dietitians understand the kidney diet inside and out and are an incredible resource to you. They will meet with you regularly, and you are encouraged to reach out if you want to talk about the kidney diet at any stage. What you eat specifically will depend on the type of treatment and the stage of kidney disease you are in. People who are in stage 3, for example, will follow a different diet from those in stage 5 and on dialysis. Rest assured, you don’t need to have all the answers now. Your dietitian will meet with you to go over the specific foods that are OK for you.

Your kidney care team is there to support you, so don’t hesitate to reach out to them with any questions you have.

5 Myths About Kidney Disease—Busted!

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Kidney disease affects millions of people across the U.S.—and yet, many misconceptions still persist. These myths can prevent people from understanding their risks, getting diagnosed early or seeking treatment when it matters most. At Puget Sound Kidney Centers, we believe knowledge is power. Let’s set the record straight and bust some of the most common myths about kidney disease.

Myth #1. Only older people get kidney disease.
While age can be a risk factor, kidney disease can affect people of all ages. In fact, diabetes and high blood pressure—the two leading causes of kidney disease—are increasingly common in younger adults. Even children can develop certain types of kidney disease, especially if there’s a family history or underlying condition. The bottom line: no matter your age, it’s important to know your risk factors.

Myth #2. You’ll feel symptoms right away if your kidneys are in trouble.
Kidney disease is often called a “silent disease” because symptoms may not appear until the kidneys are already severely damaged. Many people don’t realize they have kidney disease until it’s advanced. This is why routine lab tests that check kidney function—especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of the disease—are so important. Early detection can slow or even prevent disease progression.

Myth #3. If you had kidney disease, you’d stop urinating.
Many people associate kidney failure with the complete loss of urine output but that’s not always the case. You can still urinate even if your kidneys are not working well. In fact, the volume of urine doesn’t always reflect how well the kidneys are functioning. That’s why lab tests like estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine albumin are more reliable indicators of kidney health.

Myth #4. Only people with unhealthy lifestyles get kidney disease.
While lifestyle choices like diet and exercise play a role, kidney disease can also result from genetic conditions, autoimmune diseases (like lupus), infections and certain medications. Even people who live healthy lifestyles can be at risk, especially if there’s a family history or other existing medical conditions. Living a healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk but it’s not a guarantee.

Myth #5. There’s nothing you can do once you have kidney disease.
This is one of the most harmful myths out there. While kidney disease is a serious condition, early diagnosis and proper management can make a big difference. With the right care—including lifestyle changes, medication and regular monitoring—you can slow the progression of kidney disease and protect your kidney function, which can help delay the need for dialysis or transplant. When chronic kidney disease progresses to Stage 5, dialysis or a kidney transplant can support your health and help you continue living a full, active life.

The bottom line is, don’t let myths keep you from protecting your health. Kidney disease can affect anyone, at any age, and symptoms often don’t show until the disease is quite progressed. At Puget Sound Kidney Centers, we’re here to support you with the education, resources, and care you need. If you have risk factors, talk to your healthcare provider about getting tested. Early detection saves kidneys—and lives.

CKD education program adapts to reach more people with kidney disease

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Sara Prato and Michelle Rowlett, members of our CKD team, and Bob Crabtree from The Road Back to Life hold virtual classes to educate members of the community about chronic kidney disease.

Our very popular Chronic Kidney Disease Survive and Thrive program—which reaches people at many stages of CKD as well as those at risk for it—had planned a major expansion to new communities in 2020. But as we began to roll out the program, plans were halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the next few months, we transitioned Survive and Thrive to an all-virtual format, ensuring that CKD education would be available to those who need it.

Our web-based virtual program went live in June 2020 and became an immediate success. From June to December 2020, we offered 23 classes (two six-week sessions, five check-in classes and six community classes), attended by 214 people from throughout the Puget Sound region. In the classes, we provided extra learning materials—handouts, recipes and giveaways—to foster a sense of connection between instructors, the virtual classroom and participants at home. Class surveys show that attendees are increasing their knowledge of CKD, learning new lifestyle behaviors to protect their kidneys and working to stay as healthy as possible. An incredible 100% of those attending said they would recommend the program to others!

In 2020, our education team also created a series of videos to support online learning. As we move further into 2021, we plan to continue to expand our virtual program. Our hope is to provide in-person classes again when it is safe to do so but also continue with our virtual format, for those who prefer to learn in the comfort of their homes.

It’s easier than ever to learn more about kidney care through one of our online classes. Register for one of our upcoming classes at www.pskc.net/classes. Wondering which one to sign up for? Survive and Thrive is a six-week program for people with chronic kidney disease stages 2 to 4. By focusing on healthy lifestyle behaviors to protect and stabilize kidney function, the goal of this program is to help people learn lifestyle changes they can make now to help protect their kidneys. For people with chronic kidney disease stages 4 to 5, who will soon start treatment, we offer our Healthy Options classes. In this two-week program, you will learn more about treatment options and to feel better prepared when treatment starts. Family and friends are welcome to join you in either of these programs.

Our Community Classes are for anyone who wants to learn more about how kidneys work, healthy eating and other ways to protect your kidney function.

Learn more and register online at www.pskc.net/classes!

March is National Kidney Month!

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One of our free, virtual ‘Survive and Thrive’ classes about chronic kidney disease. Sign up for ​classes at www.pskc.net/classes.

March is National Kidney Month, a time to raise awareness of kidney disease. Learn more about chronic kidney disease — commonly called CKD — and just how vital your kidneys are in making your body function.

What kidneys do

Kidneys filter blood and remove waste. They also control blood pressure, produce red blood cells, balance electrolytes, and help you maintain healthy bones and a normal pH level.

One fifth of the blood pumped by your heart goes to the kidneys, where it is processed and filtered. Excess water, salt, minerals and waste are sent to the bladder as urine and ‘clean’ blood is returned to circulation. It takes just five minutes for all of your blood to be filtered by the kidney which means in 24 hours, your kidneys will filter all of your blood 288 times!

Watch the video below to learn more about these incredible organs.

About chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease happens when your kidneys lose function over time. Although chronic kidney disease is irreversible, it can be slowed. If your kidney function drops to a certain level, dialysis or a kidney transplant is necessary.

The two main causes of chronic kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure. Other causes of CKD include inherited diseases, inflammatory diseases and infections.

How to keep your kidneys healthy

1. Keep your salt intake to a minimum. Foods high in salt can put a strain on your kidneys. Try to keep your sodium intake to less than 2,000 milligrams per day. Avoid high-sodium restaurant meals and processed foods. Instead, make meals at home, with healthy ingredients.

2. Watch your blood pressure. Controlling your blood pressure is the single most important thing you can do to help prolong the life of your kidneys.

3. Stop smoking. Smoking substantially increases your risk for all kidney-related problems, including heart disease.

4. If you have diabetes, control your blood sugars. For more than 40 percent of people with kidney failure, diabetes is the cause. Work with your doctor to help control your blood sugar.

5. Exercise regularly. Exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight and controls your blood pressure. Walking, light weights, yoga, gardening — all of these are great ways to get exercise.

6. Avoid over-the-counter anti-inflammatories. If you have chronic kidney disease, avoid anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, Advil and Motrin. If you do not have chronic kidney disease, use these medications only as needed.

7. Have your kidneys checked on a regular basis. Kidney disease is often silent, showing no symptoms until you approach the need for dialysis or transplantation. Having your kidneys checked on a regular basis can help identify problems earlier.

Learn more ways to keep your kidneys healthy

Interested in learning more about kidney health? Consider taking one of our free classes! Our virtual classes include one-hour free webinars on kidney health eating, exercising and more. Visit www.pskc.net/classes to sign up for one of our upcoming sessions!

April is National Donate Life Month: help spread the word about organ donation

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All month, we’re helping raise awareness of organ donation and the power it has to literally change a life. National Donate Life Month is a great time to register as an organ, eye and tissue donor and to celebrate the power that donation has on so many families in need. This year’s theme is centered around a springtime garden and how its ecosystem of plants, insects and other components work together – similar to how we can all work together to register as organ donors and raise awareness of the importance of organ donation.

Register as an organ donor

Registering to be a donor is simple – just visit RegisterMe.org, fill out the form provided and let your friends and family know about your wishes to donate your organs when you pass away.

Consider becoming a living donor

More than 100,000 people in the United States alone are on the transplant list, waiting for an organ transplant from a deceased donor. Most of the people on the list are waiting for a kidney. The good news is, most of us were born with two! If people waiting for either a kidney and or liver transplant find a living kidney donor, they usually get a better quality organ much sooner. If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a living donor, visit www.donatelifenw.org.

Help advocate for organ donation

What can you do now to support organ donation? Help us spread the word about it during National Donate Life Month! Check out Donate Life America’s infographic below and share these facts with your friends and family to raise awareness about the need for organ donation. And you can take part in the conversation about organ donation this month – join us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Top ten tips for people starting dialysis

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Dialysis can be daunting – learning more about it and understanding your options might help you feel calmer and better prepared. Here are ten ways to get ready for dialysis.

1. Find a kidney doctor if you don’t already have one. A nephrologist — a kidney doctor — is an expert on kidney care. If you’re in the Pacific Northwest, use our search tool to find a nephrologist near you.

2. Learn about your treatment options. If you need dialysis, there are different options that might work for you. Learn about home dialysis and in-center dialysis, then talk to your kidney doctor about what could work best for you.

3. Meet with a nutritionist at your dialysis center to discuss the kidney diet. If you need dialysis, you’ll likely benefit from changing your diet. Eating the right foods while on dialysis will help you feel better.

4. Take a class about kidney health. There are many resources out there to help you learn how to feel good while on dialysis. Sign up for our free classes to understand your treatment options, how diet and exercise can make you feel better, and other ways to help slow the progression of your kidney disease.

5. Try to create a dialysis schedule around work and regularly scheduled activities. Dialysis is time-consuming but it doesn’t have to mean you’ll miss out on all your usual activities. Work with your dialysis care team to find a treatment schedule that helps you stay involved with work and your community.

6. Talk to the care team at your dialysis clinic about insurance. Speak with members of your dialysis clinic’s financial team to learn about Medicare and what kidney care it covers. 

7. Talk to someone who has been on dialysis. One of the best ways to understand what dialysis is like is to chat with people who are also on it. While undergoing treatment, talk to others who are dialyzing to get tips from them. Or, meet up with someone from The Road Back to Life, a group of people with kidney disease who have been on dialysis or received a kidney transplant.

8. Find recipes that follow your kidney diet and stock up on those foods. There are some absolutely delicious foods that align with the kidney diet. Check out our kidney-friendly recipes for some to try.

9. Make an exercise plan with your doctor. Fitness is important for everyone, including people on dialysis. Regular exercise — even short walks or stretching — will help you feel better and could help slow your kidney disease down. Work with your doctor to create a fitness plan that works for you.

10. Be your own advocate. No one knows you better than you. If something isn’t going well for you, speak up. Talk to your nephrologist or the kidney care team at your dialysis center to see how your care plan could change to make you feel better.

 

Although adjusting to being on dialysis can be difficult, there’s a community of people here to help. You’re not alone with your disease — talking with others and sharing your own experiences can help. Search, and share your own story, with #MyKidneyStory on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Survive and thrive with Tena!

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Happy World Kidney Day! Whether you’ve just been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, have been on dialysis for some time or are waiting for a transplant, there are a number of ways to prolong the life of your kidneys and improve your overall health.

Two years ago, Tena saw a brochure at her nephrologist’s office for PSKC’s Survive and Thrive with Chronic Kidney Disease program, a free community class hosted by PSKC year round. The goal of the program is to teach people with early kidney problems about making successful lifestyle changes. Subjects covered include healthy eating, exercise, blood pressure management, coping with kidney disease and treatment options. In class, participants meet with a doctor, physician assistant, social worker, dietitians and patient mentors.

Tena H. learned more about dialysis through our Survive and Thrive program.

Tena was newly diagnosed with stage three CKD and had a lot of questions and concerns about living a healthy, happy life. After attending the first class, Tena started to feel that “this disease is not a death sentence and there’s a lot of hope.” Specifically, Tena found hope and support hearing from members of the patient organization, The Road Back to Life. “They really make you listen and know you’re not alone.”

After completing the classes, Tena said she learned many new skills to promote her health or, as she calls it, develop a “new normal.” She learned that the nutrition piece and social work piece are just as important as the nephrology visits. She also learned how to appropriately read food labels, cook with different herbs and spices, and plan ahead to carry out a fulfilled life. Tena’s support network expanded as well. She said she walked away from the class feeling that “when you share, you can connect.”

Now Tena is taking what she learned in class and bringing it to her community. Most recently she connected with PSKC social workers to talk with her peers about advance care planning. Thank you, Tena, for sharing your story and helping us ignite new conversations about health and wellness!

Learn more about our free classes at www.pskc.net/classes.

Puget Sound Kidney Centers’ Annual Dialysis Conference a big success

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We held this year’s Annual Dialysis Update conference on May 18, 2017 in Lynnwood, WA and were very pleased with our top-notch presenters and the discussions that ensued from their presentations. Designed to address key issues affecting the rapidly changing field of dialysis and the impact of such changes on patient health outcomes, the conference aims to inform professionals in dialysis care about recent developments in the field and allows attendees to exchange ideas and practical solutions with one another.

Presenters discussed dialysis access, the appropriate dialysis prescription and managing mineral metabolism in dialysis patients. They also covered poverty, something many dialysis patients face, and the benefits of home hemodialysis.

Surgeon Dr. John Crabtree presented on peritoneal dialysis access at this year’s conference.

We were thrilled with the feedback we received from attendees.

“Extremely varied program kept conference interesting. Top-notch speakers.”
“Great conference! Kudos to organizers and speakers.”
“Excellent caliber of speakers! Love the combination of high quality clinical care and science with the tops of compassion and humanizing dialysis.”
“Great in every way!”

The conference, co-chaired by renowned nephrologist Dr. Suhail Ahmad and Dr. Pamila Keech, Puget Sound Kidney Centers’ chief medical officer, welcomed healthcare professionals from near and far.

ADU conference attendees listened to presentations.

Dr. Pamila Keech, Puget Sound Kidney Centers’ chief medical officer, with Dr. Donna Beegle. Dr. Beegle presented on poverty to this year’s conference attendees.

 

We’re already looking forward to next year’s event! Check back on our website next Spring for information on the 2018 conference.

And make sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay up-to-date with other Puget Sound Kidney Centers events.

 

test

Nutrition Facts

12 servings

Serving size

1/4 cup

Amount per serving
Calories120
% Daily Value *
Sodium 122mg6%
Total Carbohydrate 6g3%
Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Protein 2g
Potassium 138mg3%
Phosphorus .2mg1%

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.