Chronic Kidney Disease...
...reception starts to fade...
Static In the Air Waves
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CKD is best described as abnormal functioning or structure of the kidneys – somewhat like the ‘sour note’ in a song.
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Stages of the disease are used to indicate severity.
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Abnormal function could be mild - a ‘note off key’ (Stage 1). It could be severe - failure to ‘make a sound’ (Stage 5).
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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.
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The folks no longer able to ‘make music’ have arrived at Stage 5. They require aggressive support such as dialysis or transplantation.
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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.
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Unfortunately, others in these stages may continue toward failure, despite active treatment.
Disappointed Fans
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Crowds of people are affected by kidney disease.
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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.
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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.
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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’!
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Almost 600,000 ‘fans’ are disappointed to realize ‘the show’ has been cancelled. They have Stage 5 disease.
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Fortunately two ‘rain dates’ have been offered – with 350k attending dialysis and the rest getting a ‘ticket’ for transplant.