Renovo Care Education

The Basics

Your kidneys are master filters.

Most people have two kidneys, each about the size of a fist, located near the middle of the back. They are vital organs that keep your body functioning in balance.

Remove waste and excess fluid from your blood
Control blood pressure and balance essential minerals
Produce hormones that make red blood cells
Keep your bones healthy and strong

Primary Risk Factors

Diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of kidney disease. Family history, heart disease, and obesity also increase your risk.

The "Silent" Disease

CKD is often silent. You can lose up to 90% of kidney function before experiencing severe symptoms.

Warning Signs

Fatigue, swollen ankles, changes in urination frequency, foamy urine, and persistent puffiness around the eyes.

Disease Progression

The 5 Stages of CKD

Chronic Kidney Disease is measured by your eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate). As the stages progress, kidney filter capacity declines.

Stage

01

Normal

eGFR Level90+

Filter Capacity95%

Kidney damage with normal function. Often no symptoms.

Stage

02

Mild

eGFR Level60-89

Filter Capacity75%

Kidney damage with mild loss of function. Early intervention is key.

Stage

03

Moderate

eGFR Level30-59

Filter Capacity45%

Mild to severe loss of function. Symptoms may begin to appear.

Stage

04

Severe

eGFR Level15-29

Filter Capacity22%

Severe loss of kidney function. Preparation for dialysis or transplant.

Stage

05

Failure

eGFR Level< 15

Filter Capacity8%

Kidney failure (ESRD). Dialysis or transplant is required to live.

The Pillars of a Renal Diet

What you eat and drink directly affects your health, especially when kidney function declines. Managing these four elements is critical.

Sodium

Limits fluid buildup and helps control blood pressure.

Potassium

Keeps your heart beating regularly. Kidneys struggle to clear excess.

Phosphorus

Prevents bone disease and calcium buildup in blood vessels.

Protein

Requirements change depending on if you are on dialysis or not.

Understanding Dialysis Options

If your kidneys fail, dialysis does their job. There are two main types, and our team will help you choose the best fit for your lifestyle.

Hemodialysis (HD)

Blood is pumped out of your body to an artificial kidney machine, and returned cleansed.

Where it happensUsually in a hospital or dialysis center, though home HD is possible.

Time commitmentTypically 3 times a week, 3 to 4 hours per session.

Access TypeRequires minor surgery for an AV fistula, graft, or catheter in your arm or chest.

Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)

The inside lining of your own belly acts as a natural filter. Fluid is washed in and out of your abdomen.

Where it happensCan be done at home, at work, or while traveling after training.

Time commitmentDone daily. Can be performed manually during the day or by a machine at night.

Access TypeRequires a soft tube (catheter) surgically placed into your abdomen.