kidney care

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.

Managing Stress When You Have Kidney Disease

Education - , -

Stress can arise at any point in your journey with kidney disease. Receiving an initial diagnosis can be overwhelming, especially when it comes with changes like adjusting your diet or preparing to start treatment. Stress can also build over time. Dialysis treatments multiple times a week can be physically and emotionally demanding, and managing a chronic condition year after year can take a toll.

Recognizing that stress may be part of your kidney disease journey is an important first step. Finding strategies that work for you to manage that stress can help support your overall well-being and quality of life. Below are four approaches you can try.

1. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment. Research shows it can reduce stress, improve your mood and even help with sleep and pain management.

Simple ways to practice mindfulness include:

Deep breathing: Try slow, steady breaths — inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth — for a few minutes each day.

Guided meditation: Apps, videos or audio recordings can guide you through meditation and help you relax, even if you’re new to the practice.

Body awareness: Noticing physical sensations, such as your feet on the floor or your hands resting in your lap, can help ground you when stress feels intense.

Even a few minutes a day can make a meaningful difference.

2. The Power of Support Groups

Kidney disease can feel isolating but you are absolutely not alone. In fact, one in seven adult Americans has kidney disease. Support groups — both in person and online — offer a space to connect with others who truly understand what you’re experiencing. Sharing your story and hearing from others can reduce feelings of loneliness and provide encouragement, practical tips and hope.

Talk to your care team at Puget Sound Kidney Centers about finding a support group that works for you.

3. Counseling and Professional Mental Health Support

Sometimes stress, anxiety or depression can feel too heavy to manage on your own — and that’s okay. Speaking with a mental health professional, such as a counselor, psychologist, or social worker, can be incredibly helpful.

Counseling can provide coping strategies for anxiety or depression and help you adjust to the emotional challenges that often come with kidney disease. If you’re interested in counseling or mental health services, talk to your social worker about available options.

4. Make Time for Self-Care

Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Small, consistent habits can help lower stress and improve overall well-being. This might include maintaining routines that give your day structure and a sense of normalcy, staying connected with friends and family, or making time for activities you enjoy.

Whether it’s reading, listening to music, gentle exercise, gardening, or spending time outdoors, doing things that bring you comfort and enjoyment matters. Self-care also includes getting enough rest, which can sometimes be challenging. If sleep is difficult, talk with your care team for support and guidance.

The bottom line: self-care is not selfish — it’s an essential part of managing a chronic condition.

Being diagnosed with kidney disease can come as a shock. Symptoms are often silent or easy to miss, so many people learn they have kidney disease only after it has progressed. Having to make dietary changes to slow the disease or begin thinking about treatment soon after diagnosis can be stressful.

Acknowledging these challenges and trying one or more of the strategies above can help you manage stress, support your mental health and feel more empowered as you move forward.

Why Your Kidneys Matter: Understanding Their Vital Role in Your Health

Uncategorized - , , -

March is National Kidney Month, a time to remind ourselves just how important our kidneys are, and what simple lifestyle changes we can make to ensure they function for a long time.

What kidneys do

Your kidneys play a crucial role in keeping your body healthy. Their key functions include:

  • Filtering waste and toxins
  • Balancing electrolytes
  • Regulating pH levels
  • Controlling blood pressure
  • Producing red blood cells
  • Supporting bone health

Since your kidneys are essential to many vital processes, it’s important to keep them in good condition.

How kidneys work

One-fifth of the blood your heart pumps goes to the kidneys, where it is then filtered and processed. Excess water, salt, minerals, and waste are sent to the bladder as urine, while clean blood is returned to circulation. In just five minutes, your kidneys filter all of your blood—meaning they complete this process 288 times in a single day!

Your kidneys work hard to keep you healthy, so it’s essential to keep them in the best shape possible. Whether you have kidney disease, suspect you might be at risk, or feel perfectly well, taking care of these vital organs ensures they can continue doing their job effectively.

How to keep your kidneys healthy

1. Limit your salt intake. High-sodium foods can put extra strain on your kidneys. Aim for less than 2,000 milligrams of sodium per day. Be mindful that restaurant and pre-packaged meals are often loaded with salt—one restaurant meal alone can meet your daily limit. Cooking at home with fresh ingredients is a great way to keep your salt intake in check.

2. Avoid high-protein diets. Too much protein can overwork your kidneys. A good guideline is to keep portions to about the size of a deck of cards per meal. Moderation is key to maintaining kidney health.

3. Choose heart-healthy foods. Heart disease can lead to kidney disease, and vice versa, so it’s important to keep your heart healthy. Opt for foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol, such as fish, lean meats, egg substitutes, and healthier spreads instead of butter or margarine.

4. Quit smoking. Smoking significantly increases the risk of kidney disease and heart problems. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about strategies and resources to support you.

5. Stay active. Regular exercise boosts your mood, helps manage weight, and keeps blood pressure in check. The more you move, the better you’ll feel!

6. Get regular kidney checkups. Kidney disease often develops silently, with no noticeable symptoms until advanced stages. Routine checkups can detect issues early, helping to prevent further kidney damage.

7. Manage your blood sugar if you have diabetes. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, and can also lead to heart disease, blood vessel damage, limb loss and blindness. Keeping your blood sugar in check protects not just your kidneys but your overall health.

8. Limit over-the-counter anti-inflammatories. If you have chronic kidney disease, avoid medications like ibuprofen, Advil and Motrin, as they can further harm kidney function. Even if you don’t have kidney disease, use these medications only as needed and consult your doctor if you take them regularly.

9. Monitor and control your blood pressure. Keeping your blood pressure in a healthy range is one of the most effective ways to protect your kidneys. Work with your doctor to manage it properly.

10. Join a supportive community. Whether you’re managing kidney disease, making lifestyle changes, or seeking encouragement, connecting with others can be a powerful motivator. A supportive community helps you stay informed, inspired and in control of your health. Surround yourself with people who prioritize wellness, and you’ll feel more motivated to do the same.

Your kidneys play a crucial role in keeping your body healthy, yet they’re often overlooked until problems arise. Following the guidelines above will not only help protect your kidney function, but help you feel better too. Prioritizing kidney health isn’t just about preventing disease; it’s about ensuring your overall well-being. Take care of your kidneys, and they’ll take care of you!

You’re invited! Open house at our new Richmond Beach center is June 20

Uncategorized - , -

Please join us on June 20 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. for an open house celebrating the opening of our new kidney center in Richmond Beach! We are thrilled to be serving this community in such a beautiful, state-of-the-art space.

About the center

We are delighted to open the doors of this facility that will allow us to better serve the people of Richmond Beach and surrounding areas. We completed the final construction phase of the new dialysis center this spring and our first patient was treated on April 1.

When operating at full capacity, this 15,730-square-foot center will be able to serve up to 132 patients. This beautiful, modern dialysis center offers patients a welcoming, safe and comfortable environment for their care, and is very much in line with our mission to enhance the quality of life of those with kidney disease through outstanding dialysis care, education and community support.

New Puget Sound Kidney Centers campus

This new dialysis center is the heart of our new Richmond Beach campus. In addition to the center, the building is also the new home of the Puget Sound Kidney Centers Foundation, our Human Resources department and a contemporary community education space.

Open house details

All are invited to join us at the open house June 20. Come along to take a tour, enjoy some light refreshments and meet our incredible staff.

Location
355 Richmond Beach Road NW
Shoreline, WA 98177

Date and Time
Thursday, June 20, 2024
12 to 2 p.m.

Ribbon cutting and program beings at 12:30 p.m. so make sure to arrive before then!

Dialysis treatment time—every minute counts! A message from our CMO.

Education - , -

For most in-center patients, hemodialysis means three treatments per week, each four hours in duration. The weekly total of 12 hours represents a small fraction (less than 10%) of the round-the-clock work normally performed by healthy kidneys to continuously clean the blood. Removing the toxins and excess fluid that accumulate in-between treatments requires maximizing every minute of your treatment time.

It is not uncommon that patients may wish to come off dialysis early for a variety of reasons—fatigue, muscle cramping, even boredom, to name a few. While they may not feel any immediate symptoms, shortening treatment time can have a negative long-term impact on overall health. Coming off early once can easily become a recurring pattern of behavior.

Raghu Durvasula, MD, MHA
Chief Medical Officer

Finishing dialysis even five minutes earlier than prescribed would result in 13 hours of missed dialysis time over the course of the year, the equivalent of more than three skipped treatments!

As a result, wastes inevitably begin to accumulate leading to patients feeling unwell, with reduced energy, poor appetite, chronic nausea, shortness of breath, and worsening blood pressure control.

Furthermore, a reduction in treatment time is known to be associated with increased risk of emergency department visits and hospital admissions, while ultimately reducing long-term survival.

If you are having difficulty completing your full treatment, be sure to discuss it with your care team. It is important to figure out why, then find solutions that could help you get through the entire treatment as prescribed.

Every minute counts, so don’t cut yourself short. Staying well-dialyzed will keep you healthy and energetic, so that you are better able to enjoy those activities and life pursuits that matter most to you!

The incredible impact nutritional supplements can have on people with kidney disease

Health - , , -

Each year, donations and financial support received at our Gift of Life helps us provide nutritional supplements for patients who can’t afford them and will truly benefit from them. These patients may be struggling with food insecurities, are recovering from surgeries or illnesses, or need extra calories to maintain their nutrition health.

Our dietitians have several options for patients that qualify: Nepro, Boost, LPS (liquid protein supplement), protein bars, and protein powders. Each of these nutritional supplements help patients get the calories, protein and nutrients they need to heal and survive. Our patients have expressed great gratitude for having these available. Here are words of appreciation from just a few of them:

• A 90-year-old veteran of the three military branches had been underweight and was not able to make a meal before coming to dialysis. Jennifer, his dietitian, started him on Nepro every day to increase calories. She says: “He has gained three kilograms and is now having an English muffin with peanut butter, with his morning coffee. It has stimulated his appetite and his energy levels. He is still able to walk himself to and from his dialysis chair, which has been an encouragement to younger patients.”

• Kathryn, one of our dietitians, recalls how grateful one of her patients that lives in a nursing facility was to get protein bars. “I had tried getting the facility to provide the bars for her, but that wasn’t an option. She is appreciative of all we do to help her.”

• Lilly, another one of our dietitians, remembers how some Nepro and Boost supplements provided by PSKC helped a patient get through these hard times. “I have a patient who recently had hip surgery and has been dealing with the pain, which affects her appetite a lot. She has so many medical bills in the past few months, and she is not able to afford any protein supplements.”

A big thank you to all donors who have helped fund our nutrition supplement program! Your support has a major impact on the patients we serve.

Kidney care comes full circle

Patient stories, Staff - , , , -

Jacee Numbrado, dialysis tech at the Cogen Center in Bremerton.

At the young age of 18, while living in the Philippines, Jacee Numbrado was diagnosed with glomerular nephritis, resulting in end-stage kidney disease. He had been experiencing gouty arthritis symptoms for a week when he awoke one night with such intense pain, he was taken to the hospital where lab studies revealed a high creatinine level. He was given the choice of treating his condition with medication or starting dialysis. Jacee opted for medication which sadly did not help— he ended up going on dialysis two times a week while living in the Philippines.

Jacee and his family moved to the United States in 2019; he started dialysis at Olympic Peninsula Kidney Center (now Puget Sound Kidney Centers-Cogen Bremerton) that June. Soon after, with the support of clinic staff—who Jacee says “were always positive, made him feel comfortable and hopeful”—Jacee decided to pursue a kidney transplant.

In August 2021, Jacee received a kidney transplant at Virginia Mason. He did well during his weeklong stay in the hospital and was then released for observation at home for a month.

In July 2022, Jacee was hired as a dialysis technician at Puget Sound Kidney Centers-Cogen Bremerton. He is now helping provide care where he himself received care—a true full circle. Jacee wants to bring back what he received as a patient—hope and positivity.

“Every day is a new day and the staff at PSKC made this possible for me,” he says, “so I hope to do the same for patients I care for.”

Evolution of Life-Saving Dialysis

History - , , -
Kathy Harvey

Kathy Harvey
Director, Renal Nutritional Services

In 1980, I was working as a new dietitian in Seattle at one of the very few dialysis centers in the Northwest. My patients traveled from all over the Puget Sound to get their dialysis treatments, coming from Snohomish, Skagit and Island counties. I remember one patient who drove down Whidbey Island, took the ferry and then drove into Seattle for dialysis. The journey took all day, she did it three days each week, and it was totally exhausting for her and her husband!

When the people of Snohomish County suggested building a dialysis clinic nearby, the Seattle provider offered to open one in that area. But the locals said “no thank you, we want our own.” They worked together to gather community support and funding from local businesses, the State of Washington and the federal government. In April 1981, Puget Sound Kidney Centers was open for business.

From the beginning, PSKC had a reputation for being innovative and independent. Because it was community based, small and locally managed, its staff could quickly research, discuss and make decisions about dialysis treatments, therapies and medications. When I toured the clinic in those early days, I was impressed by the newer, more efficient dialysis machines and water treatment system. The clinical practices and policies were also cutting edge. PSKC seemed to go above and beyond to provide the best patient care. They didn’t wait to follow the leader—they became the leader.

Naturally, when I was offered the opportunity to join PSKC in 2001, I was thrilled since I had always admired the organization. One of the first things I recognized was how smoothly things got done, especially when it came to bringing in a new therapy. It was researched and discussed by many, with medical staff, clinic staff and patients giving their opinions, but the final decision always focused on “patients first.”

After my 20 years here, PSKC continues to provide cutting-edge dialysis services and treatments. Due to generous donations and grants, it is one of the only providers to offer free nutrition supplements to patients in need. PSKC’s education program ‘Survive and Thrive’ uniquely targets people with early-stage kidney disease, teaching them how to stay healthy and keep their kidneys working. After all these years at PSKC, I can still say I am proud to be part of this great team and privileged to work with the brave dialysis patients who choose to live every day.

March is National Kidney Month!

Education - , , , -

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!

Our Lakewood center opens its doors, a beautiful new facility to serve Pierce County patients

Community - , , -

About the state-of-the-art center

On Oct. 3, 2019, over 100 people came out to celebrate the opening of our new dialysis center in Lakewood, WA. Guests enjoyed tours and refreshments at this beautiful facility. At full capacity, this new 29-station dialysis center will accommodate up to 174 in-center dialysis patients. The center, designed by Botesch, Nash & Hall, was created to be a warm, welcoming and comfortable environment for patients and visitors.

“This new facility reflects our ongoing desire to provide a high quality and beautiful care environment for our patients, all in an effort to enhance their quality of life,” says Harold Kelly, PSKC president and CEO.

The 18,150 square foot facility includes three isolation rooms and a permanent bed for patients who need to lie down during dialysis. The facility will house a specialized training area for home dialysis patients, and the center will host free kidney health education classes for patients and the broader community.

. 

Left: Harold Kelly, president and CEO at PSKC, addresses the crowd at the opening ceremony. Right: Our Lakewood staff are ready to serve our new patients in the area.

Introducing our Lakewood medical director

Dr. Ramon Anel has practiced for over 24 years, specializing in critical care medicine and nephrology. He graduated from the University of the Philippines Manila College of Medicine and completed his residency at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago. Dr. Anel currently practices with the Providence Medical Group in Olympia.

Medical directors are an important part of the Puget Sound Kidney Centers team as they are responsible for assuring the safety and quality of care patients receive at each unit. They are also responsible for implementing the quality advancement projects that assure PSKC continues to identify areas for improvement and innovation. In this capacity, Dr. Anel serves along with a team of professionals that include nurses, technicians, renal dietitians and social workers.

“Dr. Anel has been instrumental in introducing PSKC to the Lakewood community,” says Jenni Tyner, director of nursing at PSKC. “We are delighted to partner with him as we serve the dialysis community of Lakewood.”

Welcome, Dr. Anel, and thank you for your leadership.

Puget Sound Kidney Centers has seven dialysis centers in Washington state. See where we’re located and learn more about us. You can even follow us on social media – we’re on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.

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.