What is chronic kidney disease?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a term used to describe kidney damage or reduced kidney function (regardless of the cause) that persists for more than 3 months. Sometimes, CKD leads to kidney failure or end stage renal disease (ESRD), which requires dialysis or a kidney transplant to keep you alive.

What is end stage renal disease?

End stage renal disease (ESRD) is total and permanent kidney failure. When the kidneys fail, the body retains fluid and harmful waste builds up. If you have ESRD, you will need dialysis or a kidney transplant to stay alive.

Is there a cure for CKD or ESRD?

There is no cure for CKD or ESRD. However, there are ways to manage CKD and ESRD that can help those who have these diseases live a full, productive life. If you have CKD, it’s important to have regular checkups. With early diagnosis and treatment, you may be able to slow the progression of your disease.

Put simply, dialysis is a way of cleaning your blood. It is a medical treatment for people with ESRD that does some of the work healthy kidneys would do, including: Removing waste, salt and extra water from your body Regulating your body’s fluid balance Helping to control your blood pressure

What are the different types of dialysis treatments for kidney disease?

There are 2 main types of dialysis—hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD)—and each has different advantages, requirements and scheduling options. Depending on your health, lifestyle and other factors, you and your doctor should decide which type of dialysis is right for you. Hemodialysis: The word hemo means 'blood' and dialysis means 'filter.' Simply put, hemodialysis is a process where blood is filtered outside the body by a machine called a dialyzer or 'artificial kidney,' and then returned to your body. Peritoneal dialysis: Peritoneal dialysis gets its name from the lining of your abdomen, which is called the peritoneum. This lining is a membrane that surrounds the space in your abdomen called the peritoneal cavity. This natural lining can be used to filter your blood.

Is there a special diet for CKD and ESRD?

What you should eat—and how much—depends on the stage of CKD you are in and how well your kidneys are working. Check with your doctor or renal dietitian, to find out the specific dietary requirements for your kidney condition. However, in general, you’ll need to: Lighten up on protein, especially if you have stage 3 or 4 CKD. Shake off the salt—sodium can have a negative effect on your kidneys and raise your blood pressure. Watch out for too much phosphorus—it’s a mineral found in many foods, which helps control your heartbeat. When you have CKD, too much phosphorus can build up in your kidneys.

Now that I’ve been diagnosed with ESRD, I’m having trouble with my feelings. What can I do?

Getting the word that you have ESRD can open up a floodgate of emotions. It’s a serious disease, but thanks to kidney dialysis treatments and other forms of support, you can still live your life and even thrive. If you’re finding it hard to stay optimistic, talking to a trusted friend or loved one can help. If you need a professional counselor, speak with a social worker who can help you sort out your feelings and also connect you to other counselors or resources.

How will dialysis affect my sex life?

You will probably feel very tired and may have feelings of depression that ebb and flow. But it’s important to know that while dialysis may affect your sex life, it doesn’t put an end to it.

How can I reach out to others for support?

Reaching out to others is no small thing—especially if you pride yourself on being independent. While there are still many things you can do on your own, you will still need to manage the physical and emotional realities of being on dialysis. For starters, you can: Speak with your social worker—he or she can educate you on all the ways you can build support Get the word out to friends and family—have a conversation with those closest to you and consider the power of social media for getting the word out to larger groups of friends and acquaintances Build and join support groups—ask your social worker for tips on finding or starting a support group

What resources and helpful tools are available through Fresenius Kidney Care?

Fresenius Kidney Care has a variety of resources and tools to help you manage your life and your treatment with CKD. Find helpful tools below and contact Fresenius Kidney Care for more helpful information.

Fresenius Kidney Care St. Louis

Also known as ST. LOUIS

Dialysis Center

10951 Saint Charles Rock Rd
Saint Ann, Missouri 63074

Get Directions

1-800-881-5101 (Help Line)

1-314-739-4691 (Center Phone)

1-314-739-4723 (Center Fax)

Hours of operation

Mon 6:00 AM - 4:30 PM Tue 6:00 AM - 4:30 PM Wed 6:00 AM - 4:30 PM Thu 6:00 AM - 4:30 PM Fri 6:00 AM - 4:30 PM Sat 6:00 AM - 4:30 PM Sun Closed

Services offered in the dialysis center

Amenities available

TV
Wi-Fi

National Provider Identifier:

Use this 10-digit identification number for insurance purposes.

NPI: 1922110808

Nearby locations

Fresenius Kidney Care Bridgeton

12380 Natural Bridge Rd
Bridgeton, Missouri 63044

1-800-881-5101

Get Directions