End-Stage Renal Disease
End-Stage Renal Disease Specialist
End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) occurs in people with advanced kidney failure when the kidneys are no longer able to perform their necessary function. As a renowned kidney specialist in Beverly Hills, California, Dr. Gura offers patients state-of-the-art options for managing their health, including dialysis options aimed at promoting a better quality of life.
Compassionate, Patient-Centric Care
Treatment for end-stage kidney disease can come with a range of challenges. But working with the right specialist can help make the process more comfortable. Dr. Gura’s compassionate approach to patients aims to create an experience where you are treated as a person, not just another patient.
Patient Education & Empowerment
Effective management of kidney disease goes beyond the trips to your specialist. Dr. Gura takes the time to ensure each patient fully understands their condition and what steps they can take to improve their day-to-day well-being. He gladly answers all questions and provides patients with key resources to empower them in caring for their health.
Kidney versus Renal Disease
Sometimes there can be confusion about these two terms. However, they mean the same thing. The medical community is moving toward using “kidney” over “renal” to improve consistency when providing information to patients. Thus, end-stage kidney disease and end-stage renal disease describe the same condition.
End-Stage Renal Disease Q & A
Sometimes called end-stage kidney disease or kidney failure, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) occurs when the kidneys no longer function properly and cannot be restored to normal function. ESRD is the last stage of chronic kidney disease, a medical condition that progresses over time.
Several factors can contribute to chronic kidney disease and ESRD, including diabetes and high blood pressure. ESRD often takes several years to develop, and proactively managing chronic kidney disease can help delay the development of ESRD.
The most common symptoms of end-stage renal disease include: high blood pressure, fatigue, widespread itching, headache, unintentional weight loss, loss of appetite, bone pain or aches, changes in the skin and nails, problems focusing (brain “fog”), numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, swelling in the feet or ankles, excessive thirst, muscle cramps or twitches, and blood in the stools. People with chronic kidney disease will need to be frequently monitored to track the progress of their disease. Blood tests and urinalysis will need to be performed on a regular basis, and when kidney damage is suspected, a small tissue sample or biopsy may be taken from the kidneys for further evaluation under a microscope.
People with end-stage renal disease will need to have dialysis to perform the tasks usually performed by healthy kidneys. Dialysis uses machines to filter wastes from the bloodstream so your organs stay as healthy as possible and blood pressure can be better controlled. Most people who undergo dialysis have about 10 percent to 15 percent of their normal kidney function remaining. Different methods of dialysis are available depending on your specific needs. Eventually, people with ESRD will require a kidney transplant to replace one ailing kidney with a healthy donor kidney. Transplants are not always a suitable option, and treatment decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. During dialysis, you’ll also need to follow a special diet to maintain optimal nutrition and decrease the stress on your kidneys, and you’ll probably need to take medications to control high blood pressure.
Questions to Ask Your Kidney Consultant
Some key questions we go over with patients include:
- How kidney function is measured
- The stages of kidney disease
- Treatment options
- Opportunities for additional support
- What has caused a decrease in kidney function
- And more
Start Managing ESRD Today
An effective management plan can allow patients to reclaim a sense of control over their life with ESRD. We encourage you to call Dr. Gura’s office or use our online form to reach out and begin working with an end-stage renal disease specialist today.