100 Q&A About Kidney Dialysis Book

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