4th ed Kidney Failure Explained

The discovery that you have kidney failure is traumatic and can deeply affect your life and the lives of those close to you. The treatment is lifelong and often intrusive, frequently including a bewildering array of options, treatments and drugs. Getting the right information at the right time is vital, and this book aims to provide just that.

This indispensable reference manual gives you, your family and friends the information you really need to know about managing your renal condition. Written by two experienced medical authors, this practical handbook covers every aspect of living with kidney disease - from diagnosis, drugs and treatment, to diet, relationships and sex.

- Contains up-to-date, medically accurate information from experts

- Discussion on different types of dialysis, so you can make an informed decision

- Information about transplants: how the waiting list works and what to do if you are offered a kidney from a friend or relative

- Tackles questions you may feel uneasy asking your doctor

Summary of contents:

What is kidney failure?

Toxin `clearance'

Fluid balance

Blood pressure

Anaemia and Erythropoietin

Renal Bone Disease

Blood tests and other tests

Dialysis- the basics

Peritoneal dialysis

Haemodialysis

Transplantation

Living donor transplantation

The transplant operation and after

Eating well

Living with kidney failure

Sexual problems and pregnancy

End of life care

Statistics and outcomes

New developments and choice