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Stage 5 CKD

Also called: stage 5 kidney disease, stage 5 chronic kidney disease

A person with Stage 5 CKD has end stage renal disease (ESRD) with a GFR of 15 ml/min or less. At this advanced stage of kidney disease the kidneys have lost nearly all their ability to do their job effectively, and eventually dialysis or a kidney transplant is needed to live. Symptoms that can occur in Stage 5 CKD include loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, headaches, being tired, being unable to concentrate, itching, making little or no urine, swelling, especially around the eyes and ankles, muscle cramps, tingling in hands or feet, changes in skin color and increased skin pigmentation.

If you are diagnosed with stage 5 CKD, you will need to see a nephrologist immediately. This is a doctor who is trained in kidney disease, kidney dialysis and transplant. The doctor will help you decide which treatment is best for you— hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis or kidney transplant—and will recommend an access for dialysis. Your nephrologist will develop your overall care plan and manage your health care team.

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