Our bodies need fluid to work properly. The kidneys, liver, and heart work to keep fluids in balance. Sometimes, fluid builds up in our bodies. With some medical conditions, you may need to limit your fluid intake. This pamphlet lists signs that fluid may be building up in your body and tips for managing your fluid intake.
This pamphlet is for people with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). It gives information about protein, sodium (salt), potassium, and phosphorus, as well as reading food labels, adding calories and flavour, and controlling your fluid intake. A sample meal plan and guidelines for measuring portions are included.
This pamphlet gives a 14-day meal plan for people with kidney disease.
Kayexalate® is a medication that treats high potassium levels in the body. High potassium levels can be dangerous if you have kidney disease. This pamphlet explains why you may need this medication, how to take it, side effects, and how to store it.
This pamphlet explains how to maintain an ideal balance of fluid in your body when managing chronic kidney disease.
If you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), your health care provider may order erythropoieis-stimulating agent (ESA) medications for you. This pamphlet explains the risks and benefits of ESAs if you have CKD and active cancer, or a history of cancer or stroke.
Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are medications that can be used to treat high blood pressure and certain heart conditions (like heart attacks, heart failure), and kidney disease. This pamphlet explains how to take and store these medications. Possible side effects are listed.
Pruritis is an itchy feeling on or under your skin. This pamphlet explains what causes pruritis in people with CKD, what the symptoms are, how you can prevent it, and how your kidney team will treat it.
This pamphlet explains what causes kidney stones, symptoms, what to expect while you are in the Emergency Department, and follow-up.
This pamphlet gives information on how to heal and stay healthy after your kidney donation surgery. Topics include incision (cut) care, activity, feelings after surgery, medications, Post Donation Program, and symptoms that require a trip to the Emergency Department.
Prevnar® 20 is a vaccine that protects against infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. This pamphlet explains why you may need to get vaccinated, possible side effects of the vaccine, and who should not get the vaccine.
Parathyroidectomy is a surgery that removes your parathyroid glands. Your parathyroid glands are in your neck (usually on the back of the thyroid gland). They help to control your blood calcium and phosporous levels. Hyperparathyroidism is when one or more of the parathyroid glands makes too much parathyroid hormone in your blood. If this happens, you will need a parathyroidectomy. This pamphlet explains what a parathyroidectomy is, the possible complications with this surgery, care after surge…
Hemodialysis is a treatment that uses a machine to filter your blood and remove waste and extra water from your blood. Topics include: what your kidneys do, what acute kidney failure is, what peritoneal dialysis is, what hemodialysis is, and how to live with kidney disease. A resource list is also given.
This pamphlet is for patients who are beginning dialysis. It explains what to expect when starting hemodialysis, common questions you may have, your hemodialysis schedule, and your hemodialysis health care team. Information about Patient Rights and Responsibilities, Patient Relations, and Ethics is included. The pamphlet also includes a list of resources and words you may hear during your treatment. A blank Hemodialysis Care Plan, Hemodialysis Tracking Sheet, and Hemodialysis checklist are also…
Lanthanum (LAN-tha-num) is a medication used to lower the amount of phosphorus (a mineral that builds strong bones and teeth) in your blood. Lanthanum binds (attaches) to the phosphorus in the foods you eat and stops your body from taking it in. A person with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is less able to remove phosphorus from their body. When there is too much phosphorus in your blood, it pushes calcium out of your bones. This makes your bones weaker. Hemodialysis can remove some of the extra …
Secondary hyperparathyroidism is a condition that can be caused by chronic kidney disease (CKD). It happens when your kidneys cannot filter out waste products the right way. This leads to too much parathyroid hormone in your blood. Cinacalcet (sin-a-KAL-cet) is a medication that lowers the amount of parathyroid hormone in your blood. This will help to balance the amount of calcium and phosphorous in your blood. Sensipar® is the brand name for cinacalcet. This pamphlet explains how to take cinac…
Sevelamer (se-VEL-a-mer) is a medication that lowers the amount of phosphorus (a mineral that builds strong bones and teeth) in your blood. Sevelamer binds (attaches) to the phosphorus in the foods you eat and stops your body from taking it in. A person with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is less able to remove phosphorus from their body. When there is too much phosphorus in your blood, it pushes calcium out of your bones. This makes your bones weaker. Hemodialysis can remove some of the extra ph…
Many people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have anemia (not enough red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood). Taking oral irons will give you enough iron to make hemoglobin. The pamphlet explains what oral irons are, how to take and store them, and possible side effects.
Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) are a group of medications that help take the place of a hormone called erythropoietin (EPO). People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) may not have enough EPO coming from their kidneys to tell their body to make more red blood cells. This pamphlet explains how to take and store this medication, and lists possible side effects.
Many people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), or who are on dialysis, have anemia because their red blood cells are low. The body needs iron to help make new red blood cells. This pamphlet explains how to take and store this medication, and lists possible side effects. The French version of this pamphlet 2161, "Fer injectable et insuffisance rénale chronique (IRC)," is also available.