Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects more than 20 million people in the United States. CKD can progress to end-stage renal disease or kidney failure. There are more than 600,000 Americans, and an estimated 25,000 Floridians being treated for kidney failure with in-center hemodialysis.

To help patients discover the best kidney failure treatment option for them, AAKP is pleased to host a patient seminar to help those with CKD and their family members to understand all kidney disease treatment options on Saturday, February 28, 2015, from 9:00am – 12:00pm at the Embassy Suites in Orlando, Florida.

Patients needing a kidney disease replacement therapy are not always provided with all their treatment options, leading to a lack of knowledge in making informed decisions as to what type of care is best for the patient. Furthermore, patients interested in changing their current treatment option are at times unsure how to begin this discussion with their healthcare team. This seminar aims to fill the information gap and provide an overview of all treatments: In-center Dialysis, Home Hemodialysis, Peritoneal Dialysis and Kidney Transplantation as well as build patient confidence in transitioning therapies if one isn’t working out as best as they thought.

“AAKP was involved in a study of 1,000 patients which showed more than 30 percent of the patients felt that the different options for treatment- in-center hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, home hemodialysis, and kidney transplantation-were not fairly presented to them”, stated AAKP Executive Director Gary Green. “There is anecdotal evidence that this has changed a bit, but we still hear from patients who tell us not all of their therapy options were explained. By working with organizations like NxStage, we hope to give patients the information they need to make an informed therapy option decision.”

Here is more information about the upcoming program:

• Understanding Your Kidney Disease Treatment Options
• Saturday, February 28, 2015
• 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Embassy Suites, 8250 Jamaican Ct, Orlando, FL 32819
• RSVP: Diana Clynes at dclynes@aakp.org

A FREE kidney-friendly continental breakfast will be provided and parking is complimentary. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early or stay post program to visit the various exhibit tables. This program is support by NxStage Medical, Inc.

AAKP is a voluntary non-profit organization founded by kidney patients, which for 45 years, has been dedicated to improving the quality of life of kidney patients through education, advocacy and the fostering of patient communities. The programs offered by AAKP inform and inspire patients and their families to better understand their condition, adjust more readily to their circumstances, and assume more normal, productive lives in their communities.