Managing your Life with Kidney Failure
APPENDIX C. Words You Need to Know
To learn more about chronic kidney disease and its treatments, you’ll need to learn the special words associated with these subjects. Here are some definitions of words used in this book that may be new to you.
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
A
ACCESS: In hemodialysis, an entrance that is made surgically, usually in an arm, to allow an entry or connection to your bloodstream. In peritoneal dialysis, the access is a plastic tube that is surgically placed in the peritoneal cavity.
ADJUSTING: Getting used to kidney failure and its treatment and to the changes that occur in your lifestyle as a result. Feelings of anger, depression, anxiety and other emotions you may have are normal when faced with a chronic illness.
ALBUMIN: A protein found in your blood. It gives an indication of how much protein you are eating. A low level may mean you are at risk for malnutrition.
ANEMIA: A condition caused by a decrease in the number of red blood cells in your body. Symptoms include paleness, weakness, fatigue and shortness of breath.
ANTI-REJECTION MEDICATIONS: Medications that lower the activity of your body’s immune system to prevent rejection of a transplanted kidney. They are also called immunosuppressive medications.
ARTIFICIAL KIDNEY: In hemodialysis, a filtering device that removes excess fluid and waste products from the blood. It is also called a dialyzer.
B
BIRTH CONTROL: A method used to prevent pregnancy. Some common methods of birth control include condoms, diaphragms and “the pill.”
C
CALCIUM: A mineral in the blood that contributes to bone formation and body function.
CALORIES: A measure of energy from food. Most people eat between 1,500 and 3,500 calories per day.
CAPD (Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis): A form of peritoneal dialysis in which a catheter (tube) is surgically placed in the lower abdomen so dialysate fluid can be drained in and out of the peritoneal cavity. Dialysate exchanges are made every four to six hours. CAPD can be done at work or at home or anywhere a clean, private space is available. (See also peritoneal dialysis.)
CHOLESTEROL: A fat-like substance found in all meats, poultry, butter, egg yolks and most dairy products. High levels of blood cholesterol are thought to increase the risks of heart disease and strokes. Lower levels may indicate inadequate nutrition and may also increase health risks.
CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE: Progressive loss of kidney function caused by diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, glomerulonephritis, polycystic kidney disease, etc. It may lead to complete kidney failure, which requires treatment with dialysis or a kidney transplant to maintain life. (See also kidney failure.)
COBRA (CONSOLIDATED OMNIBUS BUDGET RECONCILIATION ACT): A law passed in 1986 requiring employers of more than 20 employees to continue your group health coverage benefits for a period of time after you leave the job, if you meet certain criteria.
COUNSELING: Assistance provided to you, usually by the social worker at your treatment center, involving talking about your concerns about the changes in your life. A process aimed at helping you adjust to these changes and providing you with information and resources that can help.
D
DELIVERED DOSE: The actual amount of dialysis you receive in a dialysis treatment. Your dialysis care team calculates the delivered dose by measuring the amount of the waste product, urea, that is removed from your body by a dialysis treatment. You may also hear your delivered dose called your Kt/V (pronounced kay tee over vee).
DENIAL: Ignoring something you don’t want to accept. This is a normal response when faced with a chronic illness. Most people are able to accept chronic kidney disease and its treatment in time, with the help of their health care team and the support of their loved ones.
DEPRESSION: Feeling “blue” or “down” or as though nothing is worthwhile any longer. Anyone faced with a chronic illness such as kidney failure may feel depressed for a time. Your social worker is trained to help you deal with these feelings and realize that you can still lead an active life and enjoy family and friends.
DIABETES: A disease that occurs when your body is unable to use sugar for energy. This can happen when the body no longer makes enough insulin or is unable to use insulin properly.
DIALYSATE: The cleansing solution used in dialysis to remove excess fluid and waste products from your blood when your kidneys have failed. It is also known as dialysis solution or bath.
DIALYSIS: The process of removing waste products and excess fluid from your blood when your kidneys have failed.
DIALYZER: (See artificial kidney.)
DWELL TIME: The third stage in the peritoneal dialysis cycle. Dwell time refers to the amount of time the dialysate, or cleansing solution, is left to “dwell” inside your abdominal cavity.
E
ERYTHROPOIETIN (EPO): A hormone in the body produced by healthy kidneys to stimulate production of red blood cells. Kidney patients often have low levels of this hormone, which results in anemia. EPO is available in a man-made form used to treat anemia. (See also anemia.)
EXCHANGE: In peritoneal dialysis, the process of draining used dialysate from the peritoneal cavity and replacing it with fresh solution.
F
FERTILITY: The ability to have children, which may sometimes be decreased in kidney failure
FLUID: Anything that is liquid at room temperature. This includes ice, gelatin and ice cream.
H
HEMATOCRIT: A measure of your red blood cell level. A low hematocrit is associated with anemia, causing fatigue and a low energy level. (See also anemia.)
HEMODIALYSIS: A type of dialysis that involves the use of an artificial kidney machine to filter waste products and excess fluid from your blood. Treatments typically last for three to four hours, three times a week, and take place at home or in a dialysis center. (See also dialysis.)
HEMOGLOBIN: The part of red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body. A low level of hemoglobin may mean you have anemia, which makes you feel tired.
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE: A leading cause of chronic kidney disease, heart attacks and strokes. It occurs when the force of the blood against the walls of your arteries becomes too high. It is also called hypertension.
HORMONE: A chemical substance produced in the body that controls the activity of certain cells.
I
IMPOTENCE: Inability in a man to have an erection. In kidney failure, it may be due to hormonal imbalance.
INPATIENT: Describes a treatment that involves a stay in the hospital.
IRON: A mineral that is important in building red blood cells. Your body needs enough iron to prevent anemia. Kidney patients who take the hormone EPPO for anemia may also need to take extra iron to help the EPO work effectively.
INTRAVENOUS (IV): A way of giving medication by injecting it directly into a vein.
K
KIDNEY DONOR: An individual who donates a healthy kidney for transplantation. This donor may be a living person who is a relative or friend of the patient, or someone whose kidney is donated at the time of death.
KIDNEY FAILURE: The stage of chronic kidney disease where 85 to 90 percent or more of kidney function has been lost, and treatment with dialysis or a kidney transplant is required to maintain life. It is also called end stage renal disease, or ESRD.
KIDNEYS: The two vital organs, located behind the abdominal cavity, which maintain the balance of fluids and chemicals in the blood, remove waste products from the blood, release important hormones and help to regulate blood pressure.
KIDNEY TRANSPLANT: An operation in which someone whose own kidneys have failed receives a donated kidney to take over the work of cleaning the blood.
M
MEDICAID: A state-run program, partly, funded by the federal government, which helps pay for the health care of low-income (or no-income) patients (adult and children).
MEDICARE: A type of federal medical insurance provided by the Social Security Administration that pays for many of the medical costs associated with dialysis and transplantation as well as other medical expenses.
P
PERITONEAL CAVITY: The part of the body that contains the digestive organs. It is also called the abdominal cavity.
PERITONEAL DIALYSIS: A type of dialysis that uses the lining of your abdominal cavity, called the peritoneum, as a natural filter to remove waste products and excess fluid from your blood.
PERITONEAL MEMBRANE: A thin membrane that stretches around the organs in the peritoneal cavity and holds them in place. It is also called the peritoneum.
PERITONITIS: An infection of the peritoneal cavity. In peritoneal dialysis, it occurs when germs get in through the access site. This can be prevented by making exchanges carefully, as taught by the dialysis care team.
PHOSPHATE BINDER: Medications that prevent the body from absorbing phosphorus in food. They help to prevent bone disease in kidney patients.
PHOSPHORUS: A mineral found mainly in teeth and bones, which plays a role in how cells grow and use energy. Blood levels can increase in kidney failure and cause bone disease. A low-phosphorus diet and phosphorus binders help keep levels safe.
POTASSIUM: A mineral needed for normal heart and muscle function. Too high or too low levels of potassium can be harmful. Potassium needs to be controlled in diets of people with kidney failure.
PROTEIN: A nutrient obtained from meat, fish, eggs, milk products, beans, pasta and rice. It is needed for growth, strength, healing and fighting infection or illness.
Q
QMB (QUALIFIED MEDICARE BENEFICIARY) PROGRAM: A program available to help Medicare beneficiaries with low incomes who do not qualify for Medicaid. If you qualify for the QMB Program, your state may pay your Medicare premiums, deductibles and co-insurance.
R
RED BLOOD CELLS: The cells in your blood that carry oxygen and nutrients to all your cells. If your level is too low, you have a disorder called anemia, which makes you feel tired. (See also anemia and hematocrit.)
REJECTION: The body’s natural response to a foreign object, in this case a transplanted kidney. Most of the time, this can be prevented or treated by giving special medications that lower the activity of your body’s immune system.
REUSE: A process that allows a dialyzer to be used more than once for the same patient. The dialyzer must be carefully cleaned and disinfected before being reused. Dialyzers that are reused should be tested to make sure they are still working well.
S
SEX THERAPIST: A health professional who may have a degree in social work or psychology and has additional training in helping people with sexual problems.
SLMB (SPECIFIED LOW-INCOME MEDICARE BENEFICIARY) PROGRAM: A program available to help Medicare beneficiaries with low incomes who do not qualify for Medicaid. If you qualify for the SLMB Program, your state may pay your Medicare Part B premiums.
SODIUM: A mineral found in table salt and many foods, especially processed foods. It causes the body to hold onto extra fluid, which may lead to swelling and increased blood pressure.
T
TIE-IN PLAN: An insurance policy that “ties in” with Medicare and covers the deductibles and 20 percent that Medicare does not cover.
TRANSPLANTATION: An operation done to place a new organ, such as a heart, kidney, liver, or pancreas from one person to another whose own organ has failed.
TRICARE: Health benefits for eligible military personnel who are on active duty or retired and their spouses and children. It pays for hospital and medical care similar to Medicare. This program was formerly known as CHAMPUS.
TRIGLYCERIDE: A type of blood fat produced by the liver, which can also come from food.
U
UREMIA: A buildup of wastes in the body caused by kidney failure. It is characterized by fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, itching, swelling and muscle weakness.
V
VITAMIN D: A substance that is important to healthy bones. The kidneys make an active form of vitamin D, which is decreased in chronic kidney disease. A form of vitamin D is available as a medication to help treat bone disease. (See also calcitriol.)
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