Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic Kidney Disease...

Static In the Air Waves

CKD is best described as abnormal functioning or structure of the kidneys – somewhat like the ‘sour note’ in a song.
Stages of the disease are used to indicate severity.
Abnormal function could be mild - a ‘note off key’ (Stage 1). It could be severe - failure to ‘make a sound’ (Stage 5).
The ‘off key’ folks (usually Stages 1 & 2) can often be brought back ‘on track’ by following appropriate medical advice especially regarding diet, medication, blood pressure control and diabetes management.
The folks no longer able to ‘make music’ have arrived at Stage 5. They require aggressive support such as dialysis or transplantation.
The in between Stages (3 & 4) may require special intervention to stabilize their disease process. It may be best during these stages to have a kidney doctor (nephrologist) to monitor your care.
Unfortunately, others in these stages may continue toward failure, despite active treatment.

Disappointed Fans

Crowds of people are affected by kidney disease.
A current study from 2013 suggests as many as 6 out of 10 will be ‘singing off key’ (develop CKD), at some point in their life.
Presently, there are approximately 1 in 8 people in the U.S.A. with some stage of the disease. 25-26 million people are currently identified in this group.
65% of these people, aged 20 years or older, already have stage 3-4 disease, but only 3-5% of them are aware that they are affected. The rest don’t even realize they are missing the ‘concert’!
Almost 600,000 ‘fans’ are disappointed to realize ‘the show’ has been cancelled. They have Stage 5 disease.
Fortunately two ‘rain dates’ have been offered – with 350k attending dialysis and the rest getting a ‘ticket’ for transplant.