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Diagnostic tests such as MRIs, CT scans and angiograms are routinely used because they provide important information about many diseases or injuries and can help in diagnosis and treatment. In many cases, the use of a contrast dye is necessary to enhance these tests, but sometimes these dyes can...
Many people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or kidney failure work full time or part time. Some go to school or take care of their homes and families. Others do volunteer work, have hobbies, or have regular exercise routines. If you have kidney disease or kidney failure, you may have questions...
For many patients who are on dialysis or have had a kidney transplant, the ability to travel is important to their self-esteem and lifestyle. Working patients may need to attend business meetings or conferences. Older patients may have dreamed of traveling during their retirement. A family event...
It’s important to stay up-to-date with your vaccinations, especially if you have kidney disease, kidney failure, or a transplant. There are several vaccines that you need. One important vaccine that you may not know about is the vaccine for pneumococcal disease. What...
It is believed that as many as 20 million men in the United States suffer from impotence, a condition that leaves them unable to have sexual intercourse (sex) because their penis does not become hard and, therefore, they are not able to have or keep an erection. What causes impotence? It can happen...
The National Kidney Foundation has not issued specific recommendations regarding fluoride intake and kidney disease due to the limited available research on the topic. The benefits of water and dental products containing fluoride is the prevention of tooth decay and dental cavities in people of all...
Although many medical advances have been made in the treatment of kidney and urinary tract disease, the emotional effects of kidney failure on patients and their families remain great because many areas of everyday living have to be changed. Receiving Treatment for Kidney Failure Returning to...
Working is very important to many people who have kidney failure, also known as end stage renal disease (ESRD). It can help them to have a feeling of value to their families, to society and to themselves. As an employer, you probably have many questions about how hiring or continuing to employ...
Good health care is always a team effort - especially for people with chronic kidney failure. Since each member of the health care staff contributes to your care, it is important for you and your family to build a good working relationship with them. The health care team will probably include:...
Today, the average American consumes almost 152 pounds of sugar each year, which breaks down to almost 3 pounds (or 6 cups!) of sugar each week. That’s a lot of sugar – so it shouldn’t come as a surprise to that sugar may be a key factor contributing to our national obesity epidemic. Obesity...
Introduction What is an Advance Directive? Advance Directives and Dialysis Other Important Points Discussion Topics Other Resources Checklist of Things to Consider Introduction Today, medical advances have made it possible for people with chronic illness to have successful treatment, improving...
For many people with kidney failure, dialysis helps them live longer and improves their quality of life. But for some people, the improvement they feel may be a lot more limited— often because of their serious health problems. It is important to know that in such a situation, you have the right to...