Living well with
Chronic Kidney Disease
Staying Informed About Your Chronic Kidney Disease
Managing Your Chronic Kidney Disease Symptoms at Home
You might have some symptoms related to your chronic kidney disease and these symptoms might change over time. For tips on how to manage your symptoms at home or about what type of treatment options may be available please visit www.CKMcare.com.
Always discuss your symptoms with your care providers. They can provide you with more information and can help you manage them. In addition to tips on how to manage your symptoms, the Conservative Kidney Management (CKM) Pathway website also provides a Symptom Diary to keep track of your symptoms, their severity throughout the day and the effects of any medication you may be taking. This information can be helpful when you talk to to your healthcare team.
Available Symptom Resources for Patients and their Families:
The resource section of the CKM Care website offers a wealth of educational materials designed to help you better manage your symptoms at home. Depending on your symptom, possible recommendations include information about relaxation techniques, postural changes, and if you are able, exercise. Also, to better manage your renal dietary restrictions the website provides informational brochures on the type of foods to limit or avoid.
Patient information packages on how to manage the following symptoms are available on the website:
Knowing Your Treatment Options
Conservative Kidney Management
Dialysis
Transplant
Conservative Kidney Management (CKM) is a treatment option for managing kidney disease.
The goals of CKM are for you to live well without dialysis, so you’ll be as comfortable as possible and have a good quality of life.
To learn more about Conservative Kidney Management please visit the CKM pathway website and speak with your healthcare provider.
Dialysis is a form of treatment used to remove waste products and excess water from the body. It does not cure kidney disease or make kidney's well again, and it does not fully replace your kidney function.
There are two forms of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
Speak to your health care provider to see if dialysis is right for you.
With advances in kidney transplant methods, a transplant in now widely considered the be the best way of treating chronic kidney disease for many people.
A transplant may offer the best chance of returning to a more normal life, but it is not suitable for everyone.
Speak to your health care provider to see if a kidney transplant is right for you.
Not Sure Which Treatment Option is Right for You?
If you are having difficulty choosing between dialysis and conservative kidney management (CKM) check out our patient decision aid. This tool is designed to help you decide if CKM or dialysis may be right for you based on your preferences, values and health. You can use it to talk with your healthcare team and loved ones about your decision.
Additional Information and Support
Alberta Kidney Care is a program for Albertans with sudden or long term kidney disease. It is comprised of two programs: Alberta Kidney Care - North and Alberta Kidney Care - South. You can visit their website to see the kidney disease services available in your area.
The Conservative Kidney Management (CKM) pathway is a resource for patients and care providers to help in the management of kidney disease with a focus on quality of life, symptom management, and living well without dialysis.
The Kidney Foundation of Canada exists for the enhancement of kidney health and the reduction and, if possible, the elimination of the burden of kidney diseases. The primary beneficiaries are people at risk of or affected by kidney disease.
The Kidney Health SCN partners with Albertans to achieve excellence in sustainable quality kidney care and outcomes through innovation and evidence based practice. The Kidney SCN strives to optimize prevention, early identification and appropriate management across all ages and stages of kidney health.
If you need health advice or information you can access Health Link 24/7. To contact Health Link, call 8-1-1. For information regarding individual patient concerns, direct questions to your healthcare provider or team.
MyHealth Alberta was built by the Government of Alberta and Alberta Health Services to be a resource for non-emergency health information. The website hosts a variety of health information and tools to help you learn more about health conditions, medications, and test and treatments.
Vision: To help people enjoy life while living with advanced chronic kidney disease by becoming a world leader in kidney supportive care research and clinical innovation.