Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease can make it difficult to enjoy normal daily routines, and finding an effective treatment plan isn’t always easy. At Folsom Internal Medicine Associates in Folsom, California, Tet Toe, MD, offers highly personalized care plans for people living with chronic kidney disease. When you’re ready to take action, booking a visit is fast and easy whether you choose to connect online or by phone.  

What is chronic kidney disease?

Your kidneys are critical in filtering waste products and excess fluids from your blood. When your kidneys fail, excess fluid and waste begin to build up in your bloodstream, causing widespread harm. 

Chronic kidney disease develops over time as your kidneys slowly lose function. Many people have no idea they are in the early stages of chronic kidney disease until a severe health issue develops.  

When symptoms are present, they might include:

• Fatigue or persistent weakness
• Sleep disruption
• Shortness of breath
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle cramps
• Swelling in your hands and feet
• Changes in your urinary patterns
• Nausea or vomiting

Early detection is key in getting started on an effective treatment plan. In many cases, early intervention prevents kidney disease from progressing into kidney failure. 

What are some potential complications of chronic kidney disease?

When your kidneys are not working properly, several negative effects develop. Some of the health risks you might encounter as a result of chronic kidney disease include:

• Anemia
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Nerve damage 
• Decreased immune response
• Heart disease
• Weakened bones
• Poor nutritional health

If kidney disease progresses into end-stage kidney failure, the only way to survive is through a kidney transplant or artificial kidney filtering — a process known as dialysis. 
 

What are some treatment options for chronic kidney disease?

There are a number of ways to determine if you have chronic kidney disease. Blood and urine testing and imaging tests are a great place to begin. Another diagnostic option involves removing a small piece of your kidney for specialized testing. 

Treatment options focus on addressing the root cause of your kidney failure. That might mean getting your blood pressure under control, treating anemia with iron supplementation, or taking medication to reduce inflammation. 

Many people improve their kidney disease by embracing a special diet that limits the volume of waste products in their body. That approach centers on a low-protein diet. Ongoing testing helps determine how well various treatments are working. 

If you’d like more information about chronic kidney disease, the first step is to book a visit at Folsom Internal Medicine Associates. Online scheduling is available, or you are always welcome to call and speak with a friendly member of the administrative team to book your visit with Dr. Toe.