Kidney Failure

There are many different kidney conditions. Chronic kidney disease is the phrase that is often used to describe many of the conditions affecting the kidneys. End-stage kidney failure is a term used to describe the latter stages of kidney disease.

The main role of the kidneys is to cleanse the blood of toxins and turn waste into urine. When people have kidney failure, the kidneys can no longer perform this role effectively.

Kidney failure is also sometimes referred to as renal failure.

Symptoms

Different people react differently so not everyone will be affected by the symptoms in the same way.

Symptoms of kidney failure could include:

Swollen ankles, feet or hands (which is linked to water retention)
Muscle cramps
Breathlessness
Increased need to urinate
Itchy skin
Weight loss or reduced appetite
Nausea

Help with end-stage kidney failure

At St Nicholas Hospice Care we can help to you cope with a diagnosis of end-stage renal failure and we can also help you to manage your symptoms.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with end-stage kidney failure, you may be interested in:

Complementary therapies such as massage, Acupuncture, Aromatherapy, and Reiki. These therapies can help with wellbeing, coping with anxiety, relaxation and managing difficult symptoms

Doctor and nurse-led clinics for outpatients

Counselling and emotional support – to help with emotional or spiritual guidance

We also have a range of groups and activities where you can meet people in a similar situation or talk to someone in a friendly and informal environment.

If you are not yet known to the Hospice, but think you may benefit from some of the services we have to offer, please get in touch with our First Contact team. For further information about end-stage kidney failure, please refer to the Kidney research UK website.