Dialysis
When the kidneys fail, there are three main treatment options: hospice, dialysis or kidney transplantation. Dialysis is a medical treatment that replaces kidney function.
There are two types of dialysis – peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis. Peritoneal dialysis is performed by the patient at home. Hemodialysis can be performed at a clinic or by the patient at home. Both types of dialysis help keep a patient with kidney failure alive by removing excess fluid and harmful waste products from the body.
Our practice offers services for both types of dialysis, and our practitioners have specialized training to provide the best dialysis care.
For a list of dialysis units we visit, click here.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is when the blood pressure is higher than needed for optimal health. Blood pressures higher than 140/90 often lead to long term health problems such as heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.
It is a common problem. Many men begin to develop high blood pressure when they are 40 years old, and many women begin to develop it in their 50’s. However, some who have inherited causes of hypertension have high blood pressure diagnosed much younger. As people age, more people develop high blood pressure until by the age of 70 years old, almost 70% of seniors have hypertension!
Uncontrolled high blood pressure leads to long term health issues including heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. The kidneys are supplied with a dense network of blood vessels, and have a high blood flow rate. Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause the arteries of the kidney to narrow, weaken or harden. These damaged arteries are not able to deliver enough blood to the kidney, leading to kidney disease. High blood pressure can also damage the arteries supplying the heart and brain, leading to heart attack or stroke.
Treatment of high blood pressure consists of three principles: lifestyle, diet and medications. Exercise and regular physical activity can lower blood pressure by 7-10 mmHg. Following a low salt diet (<2000 mg sodium) will lower blood pressure by 7-10 mmHg as well. Medications can further lower blood pressure until goal is reached. Our practitioners are experts in hypertension and are trained to help you control high blood pressure.
Kidney Disease
Kidney disease affects 1 in 7 Americans, that’s 15% of the population or over 37 million people every year. Most people do not know they have kidney disease until they are informed by a medical provider. Kidney disease may not cause symptoms or physical illness until very advanced in stage.
Chronic kidney disease – or renal failure- simply means that your kidneys are not working properly. The kidneys serve very important roles in your health, including removing waste from your blood. If the kidneys do not function, then waste products build up in the blood, causing illness and eventual death.
Controlling high blood pressure, treating high blood sugar (if you have diabetes), or treating the root cause of the kidney disease has been shown to slow the progression of kidney failure. Treatment is possible – we are here to help.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones (renal lithiasis, nephrolithiasis) are small, hard mineral deposits that form inside your kidneys. When they pass from the kidney into the urinary tract and bladder, they can cause severe pain located in the mid back traveling through to the groin. Some people say the pain of kidney stones is worse than giving birth!
The stones are made of mineral and acid salts. People form kidney stones due to a variety of factors. These factors include genetics, fluid intake, and diet, among other factors.
The most common stones are formed from calcium oxalate. Following a low sodium diet, limiting sodium to about 2000 mg of sodium daily, will help lower the amount of calcium excreted in the urine. Drinking enough water to produce 2 ½ liters of urine daily (84 ounces) also will help prevent kidney stone formation.
Our doctors can recommend other treatment and preventive ways to reduce your risk of repeated kidney stones.
Kidney Transplant
When the kidneys fail, there are three main treatment choices: hospice, dialysis or kidney transplantation. A kidney transplant is an operation (surgery) where a person with kidney failure receives a new kidney from a donor.
Our practice refers patients to the Ohio State University Transplant Center, or to the Transplant Center of your choice, when the kidneys have reached a marginal level of function, and appear to be failing or have failed.
Many people feel that a kidney transplant provides a better quality of life because it may mean greater freedom, more energy, and a less strict diet.
Our practice also follows patients after kidney transplantation to monitor transplant kidney function and immunosuppression in conjunction with their transplant nephrologist.