Death

Hello Anonymous,

Welcome to EmpowHER. I am glad you reached out to our community. I can appreciate how you must be feeling. Your feelings are justified.

Have you spoken with your primary care physician about your feelings and decision not to have dialysis?

For the benefit of all our readers, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects 26 million Americans. It is a progressive disease which ultimately can lead to kidney failure and death.

According to the Foundation for IgA Nephropathy, the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is the rate at which the kidneys filter waste and relates to a patient’s “kidney function.”

Stage 4 CKD indicates advanced renal insufficiency, where the GFR indicates 15% to 29% kidney function. Symptoms include fatigue, swelling around the eyes, in the hands and feet, back pain, change in appetite, changes in amount, color and frequency of urination, high blood pressure and poor digestion.

Anonymous, talk with your physician. Together, explore other treatment options that might help slow down the loss of kidney function and manage other problems like high blood pressure.

Regards,
Maryann