End-Stage Kidney Failure: What is It & What to Expect

What is End-Stage Kidney Failure?

End-stage kidney failure, also known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD), is when the kidneys lose the ability to function and filter excess fluids from the blood, creating a build-up within the body. It is the final stages of chronic kidney disease.

When your kidneys fail, it means they have stopped working well enough to survive without dialysis or a kidney transplant. Dialysis helps perform the work of the kidneys by removing waste and fluid from the blood, while a transplant offers a more long-term solution, though not everyone is a candidate for either option.

In cases when people are unable to receive dialysis or a transplant, or these treatments may not work, patients can choose hospice care. Hospice helps keep patients comfortable by controlling pain and other symptoms.

Symptom relief is essential to end-stage kidney-disease patients, as their quality of life is often reduced by multiple symptoms including fatigue, cramping, and more.

If you live in South Jersey and have questions about end-stage kidney disease
or hospice care for your loved one, please call Samaritan at (856) 596-1600.

What are the Symptoms of End-Stage Kidney Disease?

Because kidney disease often progresses gradually, many people do not notice symptoms until the condition becomes severe. As kidney function worsens, patients may experience a variety of physical and cognitive symptoms, including:

Nausea
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Fatigue and weakness
Sleep problems
Changes in how much you urinate
Decreased mental sharpness

End-of-Life Renal Failure Complications

In addition to the symptoms listed above, end-stage kidney failure often leads to several serious health complications that require close medical attention:

Gout – a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the joints
Anemia – a shortage of red blood cells, leading to fatigue and weakness
Bone disease – due to imbalanced calcium and phosphorus levels
Heart disease – includes high blood pressure, heart failure, or heart attack
High potassium (Hyperkalemia) – can cause dangerous heart rhythm issues
Fluid build up – can cause swelling, high blood pressure, or difficulty breathing

How Palliative and Hospice Care Can Help

For individuals dealing with the last-stage of kidney failure, both palliative care and hospice care offer meaningful support. Palliative care can be given at any time during the course of and treatment for kidney disease (or other serious illness). Hospice care is available to people whose life expectancy is six months or less.
Hospice by focusesing on comfort, dignity, and maximizing quality of life, especially when curative treatments are no longer effective or desired

For instance, palliative/hospice providers can help address:

Pain. Up to half of patients on dialysis have problems with pain. Palliative/hospice providers can prescribe opioids that are safe for people with end-stage kidney disease. Fentanyl and methadone are considered the safest for these patients.
Severe itching. Providers can prescribe medications to reduce this challenging symptom.
Fatigue. Palliative/hospice providers can determine the cause of the fatigue, such as anemia or depression, and provide appropriate treatment.
Shortness of breath. Palliative/hospice providers can ensure optimal fluid balance, and encourage physical activity in those who are capable. They can provide opioids as needed at the end of life.
Other physical symptoms, including dry mouth, swelling, muscle cramps, restless leg syndrome, lack of appetite, and difficulty sleeping.
Emotional symptoms, including depression and anxiety.
Psychosocial needs, including decision-making and family communication issues.

| Read more about the benefits of hospice care at home.|

Samaritan’s expert palliative and hospice care teams can help patients and families make decisions about care. These decisions are especially important for older patients and those with multiple serious illnesses. In each situation, palliative/hospice providers can provide expert counseling to patients and families, and offer care options that help patients stay as healthy as possible. Furthermore, hospice offers emotional and spiritual support to patients and families as they make these difficult decisions.

If you live in South Jersey and have questions about end-of-life renal failure or hospice care for your loved one, please call Samaritan at (856) 596-1600.