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What are my Treatment Options?
When your kidneys fail, you need treatment to replace the work of healthy kidneys to survive. If you choose to receive treatment, you should be aware of the different options availabe so that you can Choose a Treatment That's Right for you (PDF - 35 pgs) In Spanish. Treatment options include:

• Hemodialysis
  • Treatment Methods - Hemodialysis (PDF - 28 pgs)
  • Understanding Hemodialysis Options (AAKP brochure) (PDF - 16 pgs) [In Spanish]
• Peritoneal Dialysis
  • Treatment Methods - Peritoneal Dialysis (PDF - 32 pgs)
  • Understanding Peritoneal Options (AAKP brochure) (PDF - 16 pgs) [In Spanish]
• Kidney Transplant
  • Choosing Kidney Transplant (PDF - 4 pgs)
  • Treatment Methods - Kidney Transplant (PDF - 28 pgs)

Each of them has advantages and disadvantages. You may also choose to forego treatment. By learning about your choices, you can better decide what's best for you. No matter which treatment you choose, you'll need to make some changes in your life, including how you eat and plan your activities. But with the help of your health care team, family, and friends, you can lead a full, active life.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has put together a booklet, "You Can Live: Your Guide to Living with Kidney Failure," (pdf - 42 pgs) which gives a lot of helpful information on treating kidney failure, making treatments better, and living a healthier lifestyle.

What Does the term "Vascular Access" Mean?
If you are on hemodialysis a vascular access is the site from which blood can be safely removed and returned to your body. There are both temporary and permanent vascular accesses, and different kinds are used in different situations. The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) has put together a brochure called Understanding Your Hemodialysis Access Options (PDF - 16 pgs) [Available in Spanish] which describes accesses, how they are placed, and when they are used.

What is the Best Type of Vascular Access?
An arterial venous fistula (AV Fistula) is a type of vascular access that involves a direct connection between an artery and a vein. Medical evidence has shown the AV Fistula to be the preferred access because they have fewer infections and blood clots while lasting longer and providing better blood flow than other accesses. The following documents provide more info about AV Fistulas:

• Have More Control Over Your Dialysis and Health (pdf - 2 pgs)
• Conquering Your Fistula Fear (pdf - 3 pgs)
• Frequently Asked Questions About Arterial Venous Fistulas (pdf - 2 pgs)

Ask your doctor about an AV Fistula if you don't already have one.

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What is Adequate Dialysis?
Dialysis takes waste products out of the blood, and if you don't receive adequate dialysis you may be jeopardizing your health. This brochure will help you understand more about achieving and maintaining Adequate Dialysis (pdf - 4 pgs).


How Do I get on a List for a Kidney Transplant?
The first thing you should do when considering a transplant is to talk to your medical team. They can help determine if you are a good candidate, and if so they will refer you to a transplant facility. The article "Kidney Transplantation: Am I ready" (pdf - 1 pg) (reprinted with permission from the National Kidney Foundation) lists preparations you can make to facilitate the transplant process. Network #15 has 14 transplant facilities:

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For additional information about transplants and locating transplant facilities we suggest the following websites:

American Society of Transplantation (AST) - This site has educational brochures available in both English and Spanish, as well as other information regarding transplants.

OPTN: US Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network - (Operated by UNOS--see below). OPTN maintains the nation's organ transplant waiting list and recipient/donor organ characteristics. Provides data to the government and public, as well as educational tools regarding organ transplants and donors.

The Transplant Patient Partnering Program - This site sponsored by Roche Laboratories focuses on transplants from living donors. It covers the entire transplant process from deciding on a transplant to post transplant care. Has many downloadable resources.

TransplantFinder - Provides address and driving directions for transplant facilities.

TransWeb - Has a ton of information on everything involving transplantation and donation.

UNOS - United Network for Organ Sharing. Has transplant data as well as educational info for both patients and professionals. The Organ Center tracks and facilitates organ transplantation 24 hours a day, and the UNOS website provides a running tally of the number of waiting list candidates and transplants performed in the United States at any given time.

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Are There Special Dietary Guidelines I Should Follow?
Yes! If you are on dialysis your diet is a very important part of your care. The dietitian at your facility can work with you to come up with an individualized plan; however, some general guidelines can be found in the National Kidney Foundation's brochure, "Nutrition and Hemodialysis" (pdf - 16 pgs).

What is Albumin and Why is it Important?
Albumin is a major protein found in the blood. Protein plays a big role in fighting off infections and building or repairing muscle tissue. Most people on dialysis should try for a goal of eating 8-10 ounces of protein each day to keep albumin levels up. This protein guideline (pdf - 1 pg) may be downloaded and printed so that it can be placed in a prominent spot (such as the refrigerator.)

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Intermountain End-Stage Renal Disease Network, Inc.
1301 Pennsylvania St #750, Denver, CO 80203-5012
Phone: 303-831-8818     Fax: 303-860-8392
Toll free for patients only: 1-800-783-8818 or 1-888-777-0105

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Supported by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Contract No. HHSM-500-2006-NW015C. The content of this website does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of CMS or the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the US Government. Network #15 assumes full responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of this website.