I just found out that my grandma has stage 4 kidney failure. My aunt which has power of attorney denied the option for dialysis. The doctor just told her that meant stage 5 would occur. She also has dimensia and has been taken off those meds because they were not working. Any idea how long one can/will usually live with stage 4 kidney failure? thanks!
RetroBlader
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Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is classified into five stages based on the "efficiency" of the kidneys in filtering blood:
http://www.nephronline.org/management/ckd.html
If you are not familiar with the normal functions of the kidney, there are lots of information available:
http://kidneysource.com/ckd_3/about/index.aspx
Stage 4 CKD is compatible with life, meaning that one can live for a long time (theoretically, decades) if the following are met:
1. One takes the steps to preserve what kidney function that is left, so the CKD does not progress to Stage 5 (End-Stage Renal Disease, or ESRD).
2. One follows the dietary restrictions to avoid overburdening the failing kidneys. For example, eating lots of fruits will lead to high potassium levels, and if left untreated, high potassium can cause the heart to stop.
Many treatment options exist for some of the effects of Stage 4 CKD. For example, anemia can be treated with synthetic EPO (a hormone normally produced by the kidneys, telling the bone marrow to make new blood). High potassium can be treated with Kayexalate. High phosphate can be treated with calcium pills. Acidosis can be partially treated with bicarbonate or citrate pills. None of these treatments involve dialysis.
For more information about CKD:
http://www.kidney.org/kidneydisease/ckd/index.cfm
Best wishes for your grandma.
Erwin
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Stage 4 Kidney Disease
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Natural Kidney Health Restoration Program : http://HealKidney.neatprim.com