Living with chronic kidney disease Chronic kidney disease (CKD), also referred to as renal disease, refers to damage to the kidneys’ ability to filter out waste materials, and regulate electrolyte and fluid balances. If diagnosed and treated early, the progression of CKD may be slowed down or stopped.  If not, wastes can build up in your blood and eventually lead to kidney failure, at which point life-saving measures such as dialysis or kidney transplant is needed. There is no cure for CKD and the goal of treatment is to keep the kidneys functioning for as long as possible.  How to cope emotionally When diagnosed with a chronic illness like CKD, it is common to experience emotions ranging from grief and anger all the way to depression, but it is very important not to let your emotions rule your life. Rest assured that many people who have been diagnosed with CKD have felt the same way, and just as many have learned to deal effectively with their emotions.  With a healthy lifestyle, good medical treatment and proper administration of medication, you may find that you feel well most of the time. Try to maintain as many leisure and social activities as possible. Many people are able to return to their jobs or school after taking some time off for treatment, and adjust to their new situation. Sharing thoughts and feelings with other people who have CKD can be very helpful and therapeutic; at least you know that you are not alone.  Symptoms and complications As the disease progresses, some symptoms and complications to be endured include: Frequent headaches, fatigue, itching all over the body, frequent urination or passing less urine, swelling in legs, ankles, feet, face and/or hands, metallic or bad taste in the mouth, nausea and vomiting as well as loss of appetite. Other complications include: Anemia The kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin (EPO) that stimulates red blood cell production. If your kidneys are not functioning well, fewer red blood cells are produced. Electrolyte imbalance Electrolytes include substances like sodium, potassium, phosphate, calcium and magnesium. When the kidneys are unable to filter out these substances, they accumulate and can impair muscle coordination, heart function, fluid absorption and excretion, nerve function and concentration. Fluid imbalance When kidney function diminishes, fluids build up in the body’s tissues and can cause congestive heart failure. Uremia When the kidneys are unable to properly remove waste products, these wastes build up in the body and damage it.   End-stage kidney disease End-stage kidney disease is a complete or near-complete failure of the kidney function. It can be treated with dialysis or a kidney transplant. Dialysis It is a treatment that uses a machine to substitute for the usual kidney functions. Dialysis removes waste products from the blood, eliminates excess fluid from the body, and helps maintain the right balance of electrolytes. It does not cure end-stage kidney disease; it is a life-saving procedure that can extend life. Some people have lived between 10 and 20 years longer as a result of dialysis treatment. Kidney transplant This is an option only for people who have end-stage kidney disease that cannot be treated with medication. The new kidney is called a “donor kidney” and to prevent the body from rejecting the new kidney, one may have to be put long term on immunosuppressants    Singapore kidney facts Some alarming figures on kidney disease in Singapore: In the past few years, about 700 people were diagnosed yearly with end-stage kidney disease. Presently, about 3,500 patients are on dialysis. Diabetes is a leading cause of kidney failure, accounting for more than 40% of all new cases. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is another common cause of kidney failure.