Does that include 4 Stage Kidney Failure also?.
May 2
Stage 5 kidney disease, also known as end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) or kidney failure, is the most advanced stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD). At this point, your kidneys are functioning at very low capacity or have stopped working altogether.
Your kidney function is measured using an eGFR (estimated glomerular Show Full Answer
Stage 5 kidney disease, also known as end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) or kidney failure, is the most advanced stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD). At this point, your kidneys are functioning at very low capacity or have stopped working altogether.
Your kidney function is measured using an eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) score. A stage 5 diagnosis means your eGFR is below 15, meaning your kidneys are filtering very little waste from your blood. Some common symptoms at this stage can include:
- Extreme tiredness or weakness
- Nausea and loss of appetite
- Swelling in hands, legs, and feet
- Itchy or dry skin
- Trouble concentrating (brain fog)
- Muscle cramps
- Shortness of breath
- Changes in urination
These symptoms happen because waste and fluid are building up in your blood. The two main treatment options at stage 5 are:
1. Dialysis – A treatment that takes over your kidneys' job of filtering waste and excess fluid from your blood.
2. Kidney transplant – A surgical procedure where a healthy donor kidney replaces your failing kidneys.
It's really important to work closely with your nephrologist (kidney specialist) to decide which treatment path is right for you. They can also guide you on diet and lifestyle changes to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
May 2
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