How to Take Care of Stage 4 CKD Patients

A person with Stage 4 CKD has advanced kidney damage with a severe decrease in GFR to 15-30 ml/min. It is likely someone with Stage 4 CKD will need dialysis or a kidney transplant in the near future.
As kidney function declines, waste products and toxins build up in the blood causing a condition known as "uremia." At Stage 4, complications such as high blood pressure, anemia (a shortage of red blood cells), bone disease, heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases become more likely so it is important that people at Stage 4 CKD pay careful attention to their health.
How can you take care of yourself when you have Stage 4 CKD?
See a nephrologist. MD physicians specialize in kidney disease (Nephrologists) and can use their expertise to help preserve your kidney function for as long as possible as well as keeping you healthy.
Consult a dietitian. What you eat when you have kidney disease can have an impact on how well you can maintain kidney function. A dietitian who is familiar with kidney disease patients can recommend a meal plan individualized for your needs. See our nutritional tips for more ideas on how to plan your daily diet.
Keeping your glucose level under control and maintain a healthy blood pressure. Many people who develop chronic kidney disease have diabetes or high blood pressure. To help preserve your kidney function, keep your glucose levels under control and maintain a healthy blood pressure. If you are prescribed medication, take it exactly as directed by your doctor.
Make healthy choices. It's important to eat well, exercise regularly, and quit smoking to keep yourself as healthy as possible. Just as important, managing stress and taking the time to relax will help you live life to the fullest.
What kind of healthcare do you need?
People in Stage 4 CKD will usually need to visit their doctor every three months or more frequently if required. At your appointments, you will probably have blood tests to check your creatinine, haemoglobin, calcium and phosphorus levels to see how well your kidneys are functioning. The doctor will also monitor your blood pressure and glucose levels and make sure you're in good overall health.
At this stage, the nephrologist will also help prepare you for dialysis or a kidney transplant. The National Kidney Foundation guidelines recommend starting dialysis when kidney function drops to 15% or less.

For more information about life span for renal failure patients, you can leave us a message and give a brief introduction of your current illness and physical conditions so that we can give you more detailed help and suggestions. You can also email to kidneytherapychina@hotmail.com.