How long you live after being diagnosed with chronic kidney disease depends on many factors such as your age, other health issues and how involved you are in your health care. Some 50 years ago the life expectancy of an ESRD patient would've been very short. However, with the major advances in today's healthcare, there's now better drugs, updated dialysis machines, and doctors with the knowledge of how to slow down the progression of CKD. Most importantly though, is the role patients play in their own health. Learn as much as you can about your illness and what you can do to prolong your life. Currently there are patients in Trinidad & Tobago on dialysis for well over 10 years.

Your quality of life with CKD depends on you. In the later stages of CKD, symptoms like loss of appetite, fatigue and nausea can reduce your quality of life, but the bright side is that all those symptoms can be treated. It's important that you work along with your nephrologist and care team and follow your treatment plan.. Take your medicine on schedule, don't miss your treatments and have a positive outlook on life. Accept your health changes and take control of your health.

When the kidneys fail, treatment is needed to filter out waste and extra fluid from the bloodstream.

Knowing what a normal kidney does will help you understand what happens in the body when kidneys fail,You'll be more aware of how kidney failure affects you or your loved one and you'll be able to speak to your health care team in an informed and confident way.

You may notice one or more of the following symptoms if your kidneys start to fail

Itching

Muscle cramps

Nausea and vomiting

Loss of appetite

Swollen feet and ankles

Too much or not enough urine

Shortness of breath

Insomnia