Treatment Modalities for Kidney Failure

In the early stages of chronic kidney disease, lifestyle changes (such as getting more exercise, stopping smoking and cutting down on sodium), managing other medical conditions and taking a few medications may be all the treatment needed to slow the damage to the kidneys. People often go for many years, or all their life, without needing other forms of treatment. If their kidney function does continue to decline, they may start developing symptoms of kidney disease. Each person is different, but most people will start to develop symptoms when their kidney disease becomes severe. At that time, people will need to discuss additional treatment options with their healthcare team.

There is a lot to learn and a lot to understand for people living with kidney disease. If their kidneys fail, there are several different treatment options including non-dialysis supportive care (conservative care), transplantation, or different forms of dialysis to consider.

This webinar topic is intended to help inform people who are facing these treatment options to discuss them with their healthcare team early on. That way, they will have time to prepare, plan and ensure that they’re making the treatment choice that’s best for their lifestyle, health and personal circumstances.

Presenters 

Peggy Gillespie

My name is Peggy Gillespie. I am 57 years old. I have been a daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, student, wife, mother, aunt, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, friend, employee and, oh yes, a nephrology patient. On October 6, 1979, I was diagnosed with Glomerulonephritis, likely due to a viral infection and started on hemodialysis. Over the past 40 years I have had experience living with Home Hemodialysis, In-Centre Hemodialysis, Self-Care Hemodialysis, Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis, Automated Peritoneal Dialysis, and have had 2 successful Kidney Transplants. I have been back doing Hemodialysis for 17 years now and, for the past 4 years I have chosen to do my dialysis treatment at home.

Joanne Kappel

Dr. Joanne Kappel completed undergraduate and postgraduate medical training in Saskatoon. Nephrology fellowship was undertaken at the University of Toronto. She returned to Saskatoon in July 1989 to begin private practice Nephrology associated with the College of Medicine University of Saskatchewan. She is currently Clinical Professor of Medicine, Head Division of Nephrology for the College of Medicine, Provincial Medical Lead for Kidney Health and Medical Director of Chronic Kidney Disease Program, Saskatoon with the Health Saskatchewan Health Authority. She also holds the Chair of the National Programs and Public Policy Committee and is the Saskatchewan Branch Medical Advisor for the Kidney Foundation of Canada. Dr Kappel is also the Co-chair of the Knowledge Translation Committee for the Can-SOLVE CKD Network.

 

 

Watch the webinar on Youtube
 

The Kidney Foundation of Canada, would like to thank our sponsors for providing unrestricted educational grants to make this webinar possible: