In 2008, a routine trip to donate blood changed my life forever. Over the years my husband, James, and I have donated blood on a regular basis. We know how important blood donation is to saving lives, and it was a great way for us to give back to our community in Seneca, Illinois.

Many kidney patients across the United States are not made aware that there are options for them when it comes to dialysis treatments. Most of them think that “in-center” dialysis is their only option. This is not true. In today’s world of technology, it is now possible for kidney patients to do their dialysis at home.

What is renal bone disease? Chronic kidney disease (CKD) associated mineral bone disease (MBD) happens when there are flaws in calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, and vitamin D metabolism. This leads to unusual bone turnover, mineralization, and promotes calcification of blood vessels and soft-tissue.

Have you ever heard your doctor or nurse talk about home hemodialysis, or HHD? If you need to start or are currently on dialysis but would like to be doing it at home, this could be a possibility for you. HHD offers possibly the best quality dialysis a person can get, along with many other benefits.

When I joined the Army, I never imagined my kidneys would end my military career. I was just 19 years old when a routine doctor’s appointment revealed that I had high blood pressure. By 1995 – just three years later – my blood work revealed that my kidneys were shutting down, and I was forced to leave the Army.

A vascular access is required to perform any type of hemodialysis treatment, and it provides an entryway into your bloodstream. It is frequently referred to as your “lifeline”, because a functioning access is required for your survival. It is essential for you to properly care for your access, so it lasts and works properly.

The Helen Jones Story My name is Helen Jones. I am a 62 year old, African American female who lives in Desoto, Mo. I am a dialysis patient and cancer survivor. I have a strong support system which consists of my husband, two adult children, my brother and sister-in-law, one granddaughter and four grandsons.

I’m my husband’s caretaker while he’s on a kidney transplant waiting list. I’m also a psychotherapist by profession and always have lots of ideas for my clients who are caretakers of people with chronic illnesses. I now have a new appreciation for caretakers and how hard it is to take my own advice.

Why is residual renal function important? The importance of residual renal function (RRF) and its care has gained increased attention recently. A patient who has 2 mL/min of residual urea clearance, a starting point proposed by the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI)

In January of 2011, my husband was diagnosed with failed kidneys, and doctors placed him on dialysis right away. As we got use to our new lives, he immediately commented that our travelling would end. We knew nothing about the kidneys, kidney function, dialysis, home dialysis – nothing.