Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

What is Chronic Kidney Disease?
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) means your kidneys are slowly losing their ability to filter waste and extra fluid from your blood. This usually happens over months to years and often has no symptoms at first. Catching CKD early is key to protecting your long‑term kidney health.

Common causes and risk factors
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Family history of kidney disease
- Autoimmune conditions (like lupus)
- Older age
- Long‑term use of certain pain medicines or supplements

Symptoms to watch for
Many people feel fine in early CKD. As it progresses, you may notice:
- Swelling in your legs, ankles, feet, or around the eyes
- Fatigue or low energy
- Changes in urination (foamy urine, going more or less often)
- Shortness of breath
- Trouble concentrating or sleeping

How we diagnose CKD
At Total Kidney, we use:
- Blood tests to check kidney function (creatinine, eGFR)
- Urine tests to look for protein or blood
- Blood pressure checks
- Imaging (such as ultrasound) when needed
- Review of your medications and medical history

How Total Kidney treats CKD
Our goal is to slow or stop kidney damage and help you feel your best. Your care plan may include:
- Tight control of blood pressure and blood sugar
- Adjusting medications to protect your kidneys
- Nutrition guidance, including salt and protein intake
- Treating complications like anemia, bone disease, or swelling
- Planning ahead if advanced kidney disease is likely, so you’re never rushed into decisions

When to see a nephrologist
You should see a kidney specialist if:
- Your primary doctor says your eGFR is low or your creatinine is rising
- You have protein or blood in your urine
- You have diabetes or high blood pressure and want to protect your kidneys
- You have a family history of kidney failure

At Total Kidney, we offer longer visits and direct communication so you can fully understand your diagnosis and feel confident in your plan.