Kidney Failure (cont.)
Medical Author:
Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM
Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEMDr. Ben Wedro practices emergency medicine at Gundersen Clinic, a regional trauma center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. His background includes undergraduate and medical studies at the University of Alberta, a Family Practice internship at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario and residency training in Emergency Medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Medical Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MDMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology. In this Article
 What is the prognosis for someone with kidney failure?The outlook for kidney failure depends upon the underlying condition that caused it. Kidney function may return to normal, especially if it is due to an acute obstruction and that obstruction is relieved. Other causes of decreased kidney function leading to kidney failure are due to underlying disease and occur slowly over time. Prevention is the best chance to maintain kidney function, and controlling high blood pressure and diabetes over a lifetime can decrease the potential for progressive kidney damage. Chronic kidney failure may be managed by a primary health care practitioner or a nephrologist to help monitor electrolyte and waste product levels in the bloodstream. Major abnormalities can be life-threatening, and treatment options may be limited to dialysis or transplant. REFERENCE: eMedicine.com. Renal Failure, Acute. Reviewed by Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD on 2/4/2013 Patient CommentsViewers share their comments
Kidney Failure - Diagnosis
Question: Describe how you were diagnosed with kidney failure.
Kidney Failure - Dialysis
Question: Discuss your experience with receiving dialysis for kidney failure.
Kidney Failure - Treatments
Question: What was your treatment for kidney failure?
Kidney Failure - Diet
Question: What changes have you made to your diet since you were diagnosed with kidney failure?
Kidney Failure - Symptoms
Question: The symptoms of kidney failure can vary greatly from patient to patient. What were your symptoms at the onset of your disease?
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