Some patients with CKD may continue to benefit indefinitely from enough residual kidney function to maintain their health and wellbeing, with the support of drugs and diet. Many patients, however, do not. Diet and drugs for these patients is not enough to keep them feeling well and other treatments are needed to remove excess water and waste products that the kidneys can no longer get rid of.

If this is applies to you, your doctor will tell you that you have ‘end stage renal disease’ (ESRD), sometimes also called end stage renal failure (ESRF). There is no cure for ESRD, so the available treatment only provides a ‘replacement’ for your kidney function. This is called renal replacement therapy or RRT.

Three types of RRT are available:

• Hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration
• Peritoneal dialysis
• Kidney transplantation

  Your doctor will discuss these options with you. Some treatments may be unsuitable for you, and your doctor will recommend an alternative. Either way, you will be given every opportunity to ask questions and receive information to help you make an informed choice.