100 Q&A About Kidney Dialysis » (1E)

Whether You Are A Newly Diagnosed Patient With Chronic Kidney Disease, Or Have A Friend Or Relative Undergoing Kidney Dialysis, This Book Offers Help. 100 Questions & Answers About Kidney Dialysis Gives Authoritative, Practical Answers To Your Questions About Kidney Dialysis, Including Preparation, Nutrition, Complications, And Maintaining A Healthy Lifestyle. Insider Tips And Advice Are Given From Both Physicians And Actual Patients Making This Book Is An Invaluable Resource For The 20 Million Americans Coping With The Physical And Emotional Turmoil Of This Disease.

Preface vii

Acknowledgments ix

Part 1 The Basics 1

Questions 1-11 cover basic information regarding the kidneys and their functions, including:

What do the kidneys do?

Where are the kidneys located?

Can kidney disease be inherited?

Part 2 Dialysis 19

Questions 12-28 review general notes on dialysis, such as:

What is dialysis?

Can children be treated with dialysis?

What will happen if I skip a dialysis treatment?

Part 3 Preparing to Begin Dialysis 53

Questions 29-43 provide an introduction to the dialysis procedure and the medical personnel involved:

What is a nephrologist?

How does my doctor know I need dialysis?

What is a shunt or access for dialysis?

Part 4 Living Well on Dialysis 89

Questions 44-56 focus on continuing your lifestyle, with topics such as:

Since beginning dialysis, I feel tired all the time. Will this improve with time?

Can dialysis patients be sexually active?

Can I travel as a dialysis patient?

Part 5 Nutrition on Dialysis 113

Questions 57-66 offer information regarding your diet and nutritional needs while you are on dialysis:

Why do I have to watch what I eat?

What is a renal diet?

Why are potassium and phosphorus so important?

Part 6 Complications on Dialysis 137

Questions 67-77 present methods of coping with day-to-day problems associated with dialysis, such as:

What should I do if I develop bleeding from my access?

Why does my blood pressure fall to low during my hemodialysis treatment?

Why do I feel weak after my hemodialysis treatments?

Part 7 Dialysis: A Healthy Lifestyle 163

Questions 78-89 address ways by which you can maintain a healthy lifestyle while receivingtreatments:

How can I lose weight as a dialysis patient?

Can dialysis patients participate in sports?

How will being a kidney dialysis patient affect my teeth?

Part 8 Getting Off Dialysis 195

Questions 90-100 provide information on ending dialysis as well as facts on kidney transplants, including:

Can I recover my kidney function?

What will happen if I decide to stop my dialysis treatments?

How can I get a kidney transplant?

Appendix 215

Glossary 219

Index 233