Dealing with Kidney Failure
What to do when your kidneys fail

Your kidney performs the function of filtering wastes from your blood and regulating other functions of your body. You need treatment to replace the work your kidneys normally perform when your kidneys fail. Developing kidney failure means you have to make some decisions about your treatment.
If you choose to receive treatment, your choices include peritoneal dialysis, which uses the lining of your belly to filter your blood inside the body; hemodialysis, which requires a machine used to filter your blood outside your body; and kidney transplantation, in which a new kidney is placed in your body. These options each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Another option you can take is to forgo treatment altogether. By researching these different choices, you can work with your doctor to decide what’s best for you. You will need to make adjustments in lifestyle no matter what choice you make.
What happens when your kidneys fail
Kidneys remove excess salts and other substances from your body along with producing hormones to maintain your body’s health. When your kidneys fail, harmful wastes build up in your body, your blood pressure may rise, and your body may retain excess fluid and not make enough red blood cells. You may need treatment to replace the work of your failing kidneys.
Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis filters and cleans your blood using a machine to temporarily rid your body of extra water, salt, and harmful wastes. Hemodialysis helps keep the proper balance of important chemicals in your body such as sodium, calcium, and bicarbonate, and potassium.
Possible Complications: The most common reason for hospitalization among people on hemodialysis are vascular access problems. Other common problems include infection, blockage from clotting, and poor blood flow.
Peritoneal Dialysis
Peritoneal dialysis also removes extra water, wastes, and chemicals from your body. However, this particular type of dialysis uses the lining of your abdomen, or belly, to filter your blood. This lining acts as the artificial kidney.
Possible Complications: Peritonitis, a serious abdominal infection, is the most common complication of peritoneal dialysis. If the opening where the catheter enters your body becomes infected or if contamination occurs as the catheter is connected or disconnected from the bags, infection can occur. Peritonitis requires antibiotic treatments.
Kidney Transplantation
Kidney transplantation places a healthy kidney from another person into your body. The donated kidney then does the work of your failed kidneys.
Possible Complications: Your body may reject your new kidney—it is essential to take prescribed immunosupressants to help prevent your body from attacking the new organ.
Refusing or Withdrawing From Treatment
For some people, dialysis may seem like a burden that prolongs suffering. You can withdraw from dialysis if you feel it impedes you from living a dignified life. You can live for a few days or for several weeks if you withdraw from dialysis treatments. You may start treatments at any time if you should change your mind about refusing dialysis treatments.