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Suggest Treatment For Kidney Problems

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Posted on Fri, 17 Oct 2014
Question: My dr wants me to have a kidney transplant. I'm not on dialysis. I have no heart or liver disease. I am not a diabetic. I'm 49 and my kidneys are functioning about 30%. Is there any other options to increase my kidney function and heal them?
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Detailed below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome to HealthcareMagic!

I read carefully your query and understand your concerns.
I am sorry to tell that the reduction of your kidney function is irreversible.This means that the damage in your kidneys is done and there is no way to reverse this process.

This is called Chronic kidney disease (CKD),which is the permanent loss of kidney function.
Disease which damages the kidneys such as diabetes, polycystic kidney disease or high blood pressure can cause CKD.
Despite the cause of your chronic kidney disease ,since you have lost 70 % of your kidneys function ,there is no way to recuperate this function because the major part of the kidney is irreversibly damaged.

The only thing that doctors can do is to keep the kidney function in observation and to prescribe drugs and a strict diet to help preserve your kidney function for as long as possible as well as keeping you healthy.
So the aim of the treatment is to slow down the progression of function loss of the kidneys and preserve the actual function as long as possible but not to increase your kidney function or to heal them.This is impossible.

Since your kidney function is near 30 % means that you are Stage 3-4 kidney disease and in this stage your doctor should help you plan for the most appropriate form of renal replacement for you.
The options are Dialysis or Kidney transplant.Kidney transplantation is considered the treatment of choice for many people with severe chronic kidney disease because quality of life and survival are often better than in people who use dialysis.

There are a number of factors that should be taken in consideration before choosing dialysis or transplant including kidney function, other conditions that you might have ,the overall health and your preference.

You should discuss with your nephrologist the most appropriate option for you.
The National Kidney Foundation guidelines recommend starting dialysis when kidney function drops to 15% or less.


Hope this helps.
Let me know if you have other questions or doubts to clarify.I will be happy to assist you further.
Kind Regards,

Dr.Rovena Murati
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems and comprehensive renal care, talk to a Nephrologist. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Rovena

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2013

Answered : 1243 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Kidney Problems

Brief Answer: Detailed below. Detailed Answer: Hello! Welcome to HealthcareMagic! I read carefully your query and understand your concerns. I am sorry to tell that the reduction of your kidney function is irreversible.This means that the damage in your kidneys is done and there is no way to reverse this process. This is called Chronic kidney disease (CKD),which is the permanent loss of kidney function. Disease which damages the kidneys such as diabetes, polycystic kidney disease or high blood pressure can cause CKD. Despite the cause of your chronic kidney disease ,since you have lost 70 % of your kidneys function ,there is no way to recuperate this function because the major part of the kidney is irreversibly damaged. The only thing that doctors can do is to keep the kidney function in observation and to prescribe drugs and a strict diet to help preserve your kidney function for as long as possible as well as keeping you healthy. So the aim of the treatment is to slow down the progression of function loss of the kidneys and preserve the actual function as long as possible but not to increase your kidney function or to heal them.This is impossible. Since your kidney function is near 30 % means that you are Stage 3-4 kidney disease and in this stage your doctor should help you plan for the most appropriate form of renal replacement for you. The options are Dialysis or Kidney transplant.Kidney transplantation is considered the treatment of choice for many people with severe chronic kidney disease because quality of life and survival are often better than in people who use dialysis. There are a number of factors that should be taken in consideration before choosing dialysis or transplant including kidney function, other conditions that you might have ,the overall health and your preference. You should discuss with your nephrologist the most appropriate option for you. The National Kidney Foundation guidelines recommend starting dialysis when kidney function drops to 15% or less. Hope this helps. Let me know if you have other questions or doubts to clarify.I will be happy to assist you further. Kind Regards, Dr.Rovena Murati