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HOW DO YOU TREAT CKD?
There are four ways to treat CKD: peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis, transplant, or medical management.
What is a kidney transplant?
A kidney transplant is when a healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor is placed inside your body. The healthy kidney takes over the work of your failed kidneys and resumes normal kidney function. This is a treatment option for kidney failure, but does not cure the original kidney disease.
Who can have a kidney transplant?
You will need a thorough evaluation from a transplant center. Age and certain medical-condition restrictions exist and qualifications differ between centers. Your GFR must be 20 or lower.
Who is on the transplant team?
Typically, your transplant team will have the following:
Surgeon and kidney doctor
Transplant coodinator
Social workers
Financial counselor
Pharmacist
Nursing staff
Dietician
What does the transplant process look like?
You speak with your physicians and family
You receive a referral
You have an initial consult with a transplant center
You receive medical and surgical evaluations
A transplant team will evaluate your results
You become active on a waiting list
If you have a potential living kidney donor, they will be evaluated
TRANSPLANT PROCEDURE takes place
Post care managed by transplant center
Image from https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=kidney-transplantation-85-P01495
What affects waiting time for a transplant?
The factors that affect waiting time:
Blood type
Tissue type
Height and weight of the transplant candidate
Size of the donated organ
Medical urgency
Distance between the donor’s hospital and the candidate’s transplant hospital
The number of donors in the local area
The transplant program’s criteria for accepting organ offers
What are the pros and cons of a transplant?
Pros:
Longer life and improved quality of life
Better control of problems associated with chronic kidney disease
Only potential way to replace complete kidney function
Easier to have an active lifestyle
Fewer dietary/fluid restrictions
Freedom from dialysis
Cons:
Out-of-pocket costs can be high
Surgery has risks
Rejection of the kidney is possible at any time
Anti-rejection medication must be taken for as long as you have the transplant
Medications have side effects
You may eventually need another transplant or dialysis
Common concerns about using a living donor
We understand that asking a loved one to consider donating a kidney is difficult. You may feel concerned or worried about the donor’s health, finances, and the magnitude of the gift. Additional concerns include":
Your relationship with the donor may change
The donor loses time from work and family
The donor may feel ignored or forgotten, especially if attention is focused on the recipient
The donor may have pain, anxiety, and depression especially if you (the recipient) or they do not do well
What transplant centers are in Minnesota?
There are four transplant centers in Minnesota: Hennepin, Mayo Clinic, University of Minnesota, and Abbott Northwestern.
HOW CAN INTERMED CONSULTANTS HELP YOU THROUGH YOUR KIDNEY CARE?
InterMed Consultants has been providing renowned kidney care in the Minneapolis area, as well as greater Minnesota, since 1979. From diagnosis to treatment, we provide extensive care for all of your CKD needs, including slowing down the progression of CKD, addressing additional problems associated with CKD, and educating patients and preparing them for all treatment options.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact us (952) 920-2070.