Without functioning kidneys, we can develop severe complications. These small, bean-shaped organs play a vital role in the body by filtering out waste products in the blood. When the kidneys stop working completely, these waste products can build up and serious conditions can occur.
Complete kidney failure occurs at stage 5 of chronic kidney disease. If you are diagnosed with or develop stage 5 kidney failure, you may feel nervous and overwhelmed. In these situations, it is important to speak with a doctor as soon as possible and ensure that you have a treatment plan that works for you.
What Is Stage 5 Kidney Failure?
Medical professionals classify kidney failure into five stages based on disease severity. While stage 1 kidney disease is the mildest form of this condition, stage 5 is the most severe and the most likely to result in dangerous complications. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, an estimated 786,000 Americans live with stage 5 kidney failure.
Patients with stage 5 kidney failure have an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of less than 15. The eGFR is determined by measuring levels of creatinine in the blood, which is a waste product that your kidneys normally filter out. In stage 5, you likely have a very high concentration of creatinine.
When you are in stage 5 kidney failure, you have sustained severe damage to your kidneys. In this stage, your kidneys are very close to failing or have already failed. Due to waste build-up in the blood, you can develop very serious health problems and will require intensive treatment to survive.
Symptoms of Stage 5 Kidney Failure
If you have stage 5 kidney failure, you are more likely to experience symptoms and complications than patients in earlier stages. Common symptoms of this condition include the following.
- Chest and back pain
- Urinating more or less than usual
- Severe weakness and fatigue
- Little to no appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Difficulty sleeping
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in the hands and feet
- Decreased mental clarity
- Persistent itching
Kidney Failure Complications
Kidney failure can lead to serious complications. Many patients develop the following conditions due to waste build-up in the blood as well as comorbidities.
- Anemia: This condition occurs when you have a low red blood cell count. When the kidneys are not working properly, your body may struggle to create red blood cells, leading to anemia.
- Metabolic Acidosis: This condition occurs when your bodily fluids contain high levels of acid, leading to complications like bone disease or kidney stones. When kidney function is disrupted, you may develop metabolic acidosis due to limited filtration.
- Heart Disease: Cardiovascular disease can lead to kidney failure and vice versa. According to a 2018 study of dialysis patients, researchers found that heart disease is the leading cause of death among participants.
- Bone Weakness: When the kidneys are in decline, the balance of minerals in your body shifts and becomes disrupted. As a result, you can lack key minerals like phosphorus or calcium. As a result, your bones become weaker and more susceptible to breaks or fractures.
Many patients in stage 5 kidney failure experience depression, liver failure, nerve damage, skin infections, and other secondary complications. The aggravation of pre-existing conditions that contributed to the disease, such as high blood pressure, is also common.
Treatment Options for Stage 5 Kidney Failure Patients
If you have stage 5 kidney failure, it is important to speak with a medical professional as soon as possible. At this stage, patients usually have a treatment team to help them manage their condition. If you do not already have a doctor monitoring your condition, contact one as quickly as you can.
For advanced kidney disease, the only treatment options are dialysis or kidney transplant. When you experience kidney failure, these interventions are necessary to prolong your life.
Dialysis for Kidney Disease
Dialysis is a process where waste products are manually filtered from your blood. You may need to attend regular appointments to receive this treatment, which is necessary to keep your body functioning. In some cases, you could perform the procedure yourself using specialized equipment.
There are two types of dialysis treatments: hemodialysis, and peritoneal dialysis.
- Hemodialysis: This process involves filtering your blood using a dialysis machine, removing toxins, waste, and excess fluid. The machine itself filters these substances and returns your blood back to your body.
- Peritoneal Dialysis: The blood vessels in the abdomen’s lining are a natural filter for the body. During this procedure, a cleansing solution flows through a catheter which is inserted into your abdomen. These blood vessels then filter and remove waste products from your blood.
Kidney Transplants
A kidney transplant is one of the most effective treatments for stage 5 kidney failure. During this surgical procedure, your damaged kidneys are removed and replaced with a new, healthy kidney from a donor. The donor may be living or deceased, but his or her organ must be compatible with your body.
If you receive a kidney transplant, you will no longer need to receive dialysis treatment. However, you must be in good overall health and connect with the right donor in order to receive this surgery. It can take a long time for a patient to be matched with an appropriate donor.
Speak to an Attorney About Stage 5 Kidney Disease
Stage 5 kidney failure can be an overwhelming and difficult experience. If you are diagnosed with this disease, you may wonder how to pay for treatments, or what caused the condition to happen.
In some cases, patients develop kidney cancer, disease, and other issues due to dangerous and defective products, such as medications. In fact, drugs like Truvada and Zantac have a history of causing kidney problems in patients.
If you were diagnosed with kidney failure after taking a certain medication, you may be eligible for a lawsuit against the drug’s manufacturers. In these cases, it is important to speak with an attorney about your legal options as soon as possible.
Contact a defective drug lawsuit attorney following your diagnosis to discuss your case. Your lawyer will evaluate your evidence and help you take your first steps toward securing the compensation that you deserve.