Description
Book SynopsisA revolutionary program that can indefinitely postpone the need for dialysis If you've been diagnosed with kidney failure, this book could save your life. If you suffer from diabetes, hypertension, obesity, or any of a host of conditions that put you at risk for kidney disease, you owe it to yourself to read what is in this book.
Trade ReviewDrawing on his work treating hundreds of adult kidney disease patients at his institution's Clinical Research Center, Walser (pharmacology & medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine) aims to assist readers in understanding kidney failure, a condition that can be caused by diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Many of his points--e.g., how to recognize the early warning signs, get a correct diagnosis, and evaluate treatment options-are illustrated by the stories of real patients. Walser also presents a low protein diet as the center of his J 2-step treatment to help kidney disease patients avoid dialysis. Despite the use of patient stories and sample menus for the low protein diet, this book
will not suit consumers owing to the prevalent medical jargon. The National Kidney Foundation offers more accessible and useful information on its web site, www.kidney.org. Not recommended. —
Marge Kars Bronson. Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo, MI (
Library Journal , May 1, 2004)
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments ix
Introduction 1
Terms, Measures, and Abbreviations 5
Part I: Looking at the Disease of Kidney Failure
1 What Do Kidneys Do and What Happens When They Fail? 9
2 Are You at Risk for Kidney Failure? 17
3 Symptoms of Kidney Failure 27
Part II: How to Treat Kidney Failure
4 Treating Kidney Failure 35
5 Step 1: Assess Your Current Treatment Plan 44
6 Step 2: Make Lifestyle Changes 52
7 Step 3: Follow a Low-Protein Diet 55
8 Step 4: Treat Salt and Water Problems 88
9 Step 5: Regulate Your Blood Pressure 96
10 Step 6: Treat Acidosis 106
11 Step 7: Treat Anemia and Iron Deficiency 109
12 Step 8: Treat Potassium Problems 112
13 Step 9: Treat Calcium and Phosphate Problems 117
14 Step 10: Treat Gout and Uric Acid Problems 122
15 Step 11: Treat Your High Cholesterol 126
16 Step 12: Know the Medications That Slow the Progression of Renal Failure 130
Part III: Tracking Kidney Failure, Dialysis, Transplants, and More
17 Keeping Close Watch on Your Kidney Failure 139
18 Dietary Treatment of the Nephrotic Syndrome 158
19 Safe and Unsafe Medications for Patients with Kidney Failure 163
20 Transplantation as an Alternative to Dialysis 167
21 When to Opt for Dialysis 172
22 Patients Who Have Avoided Dialysis 180
Appendix 1: Resources for Kidney Patients 197
Appendix 2: Government Support of Low-Protein Diets 201
Notes 205
Glossary 213
Index 223
