Frequently asked questions on Chronic Kidney Disease
The information contained below answers some frequently asked questions about the following topics
Staying Healthy
What can I do to reduce my risk of kidney disease?
How much fluid should I drink to keep my kidneys healthy? What type of fluid is best?
Does alcohol and smoking affect my kidneys?
Chronic Kidney Disease
Can Kidney Health Australia refer me to a nephrologist?
What type of exercise should someone with kidney disease be doing?
Do everyday drug therapy affect the kidneys?
What about alternative and complementary therapies?
I have restless legs (RLS) – what can I do about them?
What if I need dialysis and I have a fear of needles?
Does Kidney Health Australia provide financial assistance?
Travelling with Kidney Disease
How do I organise a holiday within Australia whilst on dialysis?
Can I go on holiday overseas whilst on dialysis?
Transplantation and Organ Donation
I would like to donate my kidney to someone in another country. What are the costs involved? Where do I start?
Someone who lives in another country would like to donate their kidney to me. What are the costs involved?
Can I donate or receive a kidney to/from someone with a different blood type?
How do I register to become an organ donor?
Does ticking my drivers licence make me an organ donor?
Can I donate my kidney to a stranger?
Can I buy or sell a kidney?
Urinary Tract Problems
Does drinking cranberry juice reduce the risk of Urinary Tract Infections?
Staying Healthy
What can I do to reduce my risk of kidney disease?
You can reduce your risk of kidney disease by:
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
- Staying fit
- Eating a healthy diet
- Drinking water instead
- Being a non-smoker
- Drinking alcohol in moderation
Kidney Health - What you should know.... You can lose most of their kidney function before feeling sick - and by then it’s too late. There is no cure. Dialysis or a transplant are the only options once your kidneys fail.
Kidney Disease: Are you one in three at increased risk of kidney disease? Take the following test.
Tick the statements that apply to you:
- I have high blood pressure
- I have diabetes
- I am over 50 years of age
- I have a family history of kidney disease
- I smoke
- I am obese
- am of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent
If you ticked one or more of these risk factors - you are at increased risk and should ask your doctor for a kidney health check.
How much fluid should I drink to keep my kidneys healthy? What type of fluid is best?
The human body needs water to replenish the blood and fluids in order to work properly. Water regulates the body’s temperature through perspiration, removes waste via urine and carries nutrients and other substances throughout the body.
It has been recommended and promoted in the media that we all need to drink around 6-8 glasses of water each day, however there is no evidence to support this. The best way of knowing how much to drink is to drink enough to satisfy your thirst.
So what should you drink? If you’re thirsty, drink water instead. It will have a positive impact on your health.
If you have severe kidney disease, you may have a restriction on how much fluid you can drink. Your healthcare team will let you know if you need to limit fluids and how much fluid you can have each day. Read Kidney Health Australia position on drinking water
Does alcohol and smoking affect my kidneys?
It’s important to be smart about your alcohol intake. While there are some studies that show that alcohol causes no direct harm on the kidneys, it may be dangerous if you already have kidney problems. Alcohol makes your kidneys produce more urine than normal and excessive drinking can have a negative impact on other parts of the body that may contribute to kidney damage, such as the liver. There have also been studies that show that heavy drinking may contribute to high blood pressure and heart disease. Over time, this may contribute to kidney disease. Alcohol also has a high sugar content and may cause weight gain, so heavy drinking may lead to diabetes – another high risk factor for kidney disease.
It’s well known that smoking harms your health. Smoking causes a narrowing of the arteries, including the small vessels that are in the filtering section of your kidney. This reduces the kidney’s ability to work properly. Smoking has also been linked to cancer of the bladder and the ureter (the small tubes that run from your kidneys to your bladder). The message is clear: don’t smoke. If you do smoke, giving up is one of the best things you can do to keep your kidneys healthy. QUIT Ring 137848 and ask for a free Quit Pack
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Chronic Kidney Disease
Read You're in Charge - self-management health book
Can Kidney Health Australia refer me to a nephrologist?
Kidney Health Australia cannot refer you to a specific nephrologist. If you need a referral a nephrologist, you will need to see your local doctor who can assist you. Read Making the most of your visit to the doctor.
What type of exercise should someone with kidney disease be doing?
Exercise helps you stay healthy by:
- Reducing your risk of heart problems
- Helping to maintain body weight
- Helping to control blood pressure and blood sugar
- Lifting your mood and fighting depression
- Improving your sleep
There are lots of ways to keep fit when you have kidney failure. Some people find strenuous sport or activities too tiring so enjoy exercises such as walking, yoga and Tai Chi. Others throw themselves enthusiastically into fitness programs and compete nationally and internationally in the Transplant Games. Some contact sports need to be avoided, particularly after a transplant. If you are on peritoneal dialysis, you need to protect your catheter while exercising. If you have advanced kidney disease but not yet on dialysis or had a transplant, you may find it difficult to improve your fitness – do as much as comfortable.
It is always a good idea to talk to your health care team for advice before starting a new exercise program, particularly if you are not very fit.
Do everyday drug therapy affect the kidneys?
The kidneys clear many medicines from the body. Patients whose kidneys are not working properly may be unable to clear some medicines. They may need to take a lower dose of the medicine so that it does not build up inside the body.
Some medicines can damage the kidneys if the dose is too high. The elderly and people with diabetes or heart disease may be more at risk of kidney damage. Many commonly used medicines, such as pain killers or treatments for blood pressure, can affect the kidneys. As people get older their kidneys do not work so well.
Some medicines and some illnesses can also affect the kidneys. If a person's kidneys are not working normally they may not be able to get rid of doses of medicine. This could increase the side effects of the medicine. In people with reduced kidney function some medicines should not be used. Other medicines require a lower dose or a bigger gap between doses
You need to tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have had kidney problems when they ask you to take a new medication.
What about alternative and complementary therapies?
Complementary therapies include a wide range of healing approaches. They may have a supportive approach that can improve well-being and quality of life for people with chronic conditions or terminal illness. These therapies may include meditation, massage, visualisation, aromatherapy, acupuncture or herbs to name a few. Some health professionals see these therapies as useful. However many of them have not been tested in clinical trials in relation to kidney disease.
Herbal treatments sometimes claim that they may cure or slow down the disease progression but some are harmful to people with kidney disease. Again, few clinical trials have been undertaken to prove claims although this is slowly changing. Always speak with the health care team managing your condition before using any herbal remedies, over-the-counter-medicines or supplements. It is important to let your health care team know you are using complimentary or herbal therapies.
When deciding on complementary or herbal treatments it is very important to gather as much information as possible. It is also a good idea to ask as many questions as possible so that you are able to clearly understand the treatments and possible outcomes in relation to kidney disease.
Medicine Line 1300 888763 - Independant pharmacist advice (9am to 6pm Mon - Frid) on your prescriptions, over-the-counter, and complementary (herbal/natural/vitamin/mineral) medicines
I have restless legs – what can I do about them?
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a common movement problem of the nervous system. Your legs feel as if they want to exercise or move when you are trying to rest. It can make it hard to sleep and relax. It is more common in women and older people.
Some people have described RLS as a crawling, creeping, prickly, tingling, itching, burning, pulling or shock like sensation. The problem can vary from a minor irritation to a severe condition. You may find that your arms are also affected.
The cause of RLS is not clear but there appears to be a problem with the function of a chemical in the central nervous system. It is not related to exercise. However it is sometimes linked to kidney failure, iron deficiency, anaemia, diabetes, hypothyroidism or the regular use of certain medications for nausea, depression, seizures and allergy treatment.
It can be distressing but is often treatable with a mixture of medication and self-help methods. Talk to your doctor who may be able to prescribe medication, review your medications or adjust your dialysis treatment.
What if I need dialysis and I have a fear of needles?
Many people have a fear of needles, which can also be known as needle phobia. A person with needle phobia can often experience feelings such as anxiety and fear or have a physiological reaction such as fainting, shock or dizziness. These reactions can be caused by exposure to needles, or even the thought of needles or sharp objects. Read Access for dialysis
There are some different treatments that are available for people who have a fear of needles such as:
- Using topical creams (anaesthetics) to prevent pain from needles and reduce anxiety
- Raising your legs or lying down to help increase blood circulation around your body
- Learning techniques to control your breathing and reduce panic-like symptoms
- Considering another form of treatment like peritoneal dialysis
If you have a fear of needles, speak to a member of your healthcare team.
Does Kidney Health Australia provide financial assistance?
Kidney Health Australia does not directly provide financial assistance. However you may be able to contact a social worker or other health professional at your local hospital or community health centre for further information about financial assistance available in your community. Sometimes local renal support groups may be able to assist and other community groups such as Rotary or Lions clubs may be helpful to approach.
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Travelling with Kidney Disease
How do I organise a holiday within Australia whilst on dialysis?
Kidney failure can make travelling difficult but not impossible. You may be able to attend work and social events or enjoy a great holiday with careful planning.
If you are thinking about travelling, it is important to first speak to your health care team about the effect that this might have on your health. If you are well enough, a holiday can be a great boost to your confidence and well being. Read Taking your Kidneys on Holidays
Making travel arrangements – Here are a few tips to help make your travel successful
Talk to your health care team about your travel plans before doing anything else. Your renal unit should help you organise dialysis at another centre. It is important to plan your travel well ahead of time. Decide the times/days you want to dialyse. Most units run on tight schedules so you may need to be flexible about the dates of your visit. Let the renal nurse who is helping with your planning know if you cannot dialyse on some days.
- Ask your health care team where renal units are located. This information is also available on this website - Australian Dialysis Unit Guide Resources
- Check with the visiting renal unit as soon as you arrive to confirm your appointment time. You may also want to visit the new unit before dialysis and meet the staff to feel more comfortable. Phone the unit before you visit.
- A transfer form (ask your renal unit) will be sent to your destination unit and you need to carry a copy with you when travelling.
- If travelling in an emergency, dialysis details can be faxed ahead.
Planning a holiday on peritoneal dialysis is relatively easy. Dialysis supplies, in most cases can be delivered to your holiday destination. Talk to your doctor and renal nurse who can help you with the arrangements.
When you are on holiday, it is important that your health care team can contact you especially if you are on the transplant waiting list. You may want to talk to your doctor or nurse about travelling when on the transplant list.
Can I go on holiday overseas whilst on dialysis?
Kidney failure can make travelling difficult but not impossible. You may be able to attend work and social events or enjoy a great holiday with careful planning. If you are thinking about travelling, it is important to first speak to your health care team about the effect that this might have on your health. If you are well enough, a holiday can be a great boost to your confidence and well being.
These are a few hints to make your overseas travel successful
- Talk to your health care team before you do anything else.
- Find out about medical costs in advance. Check if there is a medical payment agreement with Australia through Medicare.
- Ask your health care team for contact details of doctors or hospital you can contact for medical help in case of an emergency.
- Travel insurance for people with kidney disease
- Take enough medication with you for the whole trip, with some extra in case of lost luggage or a spillage. Make sure you put your medications and prescriptions in your carry-on luggage.
- It is a good idea to carry spare written prescriptions with you. You will need to find out if you need a different type of prescription in other countries.
- Remember to stretch for a few minutes every one hour while travelling to increase circulation and reduce the risk of leg swelling and clots.
- DUG Travel tips for people with kidney failure
Haemodialysis in other countries is possible and Kidney Health Australia’s website has a list of International Renal Units on our Patient Recommended Weblinks page. Be aware that the standard of care may not be the same in all countries.
Peritoneal Dialysis is easier but you need to plan ahead and arrange for back-up medical care. Carry medical supplies with you for the whole trip plus extra or arrange for supplies to be delivered ahead of time. If pre-ordering, ensure supplies have arrived at your destination before starting out. Arrange a clean space to do exchanges and store supplies.
Travelling on the transplant list is also possible. You will need to consult with your doctor and inform your transplant coordinator about your travel plans. The coordinator can help you to decide whether you will be able to return in time if a kidney becomes available. Kidney Transplantation
You can find out more about travelling with chronic kidney disease in the Australian Dialysis Unit Guide and by reading our Australian Dialysis Unit Guide Resources
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Transplantation and Organ Donation
I would like to donate my kidney to someone in another country.
What costs are involved? Where do I start?
‘Live donation’, ‘living-related transplantation’ or donor ‘nephrectomy’ are terms to describe live kidney donation. The donor is the person giving the kidney and the recipient is the person getting the kidney. Many people have a live donation because it reduces or removes the need for dialysis. Read our Fact sheet on Kidney Transplantation
Approaches should be made to the recipient’s hospital if donation involves overseas donors for information about costs and procedures. Local renal transplant coordinators may also be helpful in gaining more information. Be aware that the standards of medical care may not be the same in all countries.
Someone who lives in another country would like to donate their kidney to me.
What costs are involved? Where do I start?
'Live donation', ‘living-related transplantation’ or donor ‘nephrectomy’ are terms to describe live kidney donation. The donor is the person giving the kidney and the recipient is the person getting the kidney. Many people have a live donation because it reduces or removes the need for dialysis.
Approaches should be made to the Renal Transplant Coordinator who can discuss costs and other arrangements such as insurance and testing if donation involves overseas donors. Read our Fact sheet Deciding about live donation
Can I donate or receive a kidney to/from someone with a different blood type?
Sometimes blood can be specially treated to allow recipients to get a kidney from a living donor who has an incompatible or non-matching blood group. To prevent immediate rejection of the kidney, the recipient undergoes plasmapherisis or a plasma exchange treatment before and after the transplant to remove harmful antibodies from the blood. Antibodies are part of the immune system. They are proteins produced by white blood cells to fight infections.
This type of live donation is being used on a limited basis in some Australian hospitals at this point in time. Speak to your nephrologist for more information. Read our Live Donation and Life with a single kidney fact sheets.
How do I register to become an organ donor?
To have your consent (or objection) recorded for organ donation you need to register on the Australian Organ Donor Register you can:
If you wish to change any of your registration details, you can change your details on the Donor Register by:
It is very important that you tell your family of your intention, as hospital staff will check with your family to make sure that you haven’t changed your position. For more information on Organ Donation please read the Kidney Health Australia Fact sheet Organ and tissue donation and transplantation
Does ticking my drivers license make me an organ donor?
If you have ticked your intent on your drivers license renewal now or in the past you will still need to register your consent with the Australian Organ Donor Register. The Australian Organ Donor Register is the only national register for Organ and tissue donation and transplantation.
Can I donate my kidney to a stranger?
Non-directed, living donation is a new form of living donation. It means being a live kidney donor to a complete stranger. Someone donates a kidney and allows it to be given to the most suitable recipient on the transplant waiting list. As this is a very serious decision, you may need to talk about it with your family and friends, doctor, renal transplant nurse, social worker or counselor. Policies and guidelines are currently being developed in some states of Australia.
Can I buy or sell a kidney?
Trade in human organs and tissue is illegal in Australia and also ethically unacceptable. Anyone involved would face criminal charges. The illegal buying of organs overseas raises the risks of recipients contacting blood born diseases, complications or even death.
Quick links to Kidney Health Australia Fact Sheets
Our Kidney Health Fact Sheets - Deciding about live donation - Kidney Transplantation - Life with a single kidney - Live Donation - Organ and tissue donation and transplantation
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Urinary Tract Infections
Does drinking cranberry juice reduce the risk of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)?
Control trails have shown that cranberry juice may decrease the number of Urinary Tract Infections with symptoms over a 12 month period in women. Cranberry juice appears to lower the ability of E.coli to stick to the urinary tract lining cells. Let your doctor know if you are having cranberry juice as it can alter the effectiveness of some antibiotics.
Read our Fact sheet on Urinary Tract Infections and Kidney and Urinary Health
To view a 3D overview of how UTIs occur - click link What are Urinary Tract Infections? Virtual Renal Centre WA
Disclaimer: This is intended as a general introduction to this topic and is not meant to substitute for your doctor's or Health Professional's advice. All care is taken to ensure that the information is relevant to the reader and applicable to each state in Australia.
It should be noted that Kidney Health Australia recognises that each person's experience is individual and that variations do occur in treatment and management due to personal circumstances, the health professional and the state one lives in. Should you require further information always consult your doctor or health professional.
Kidney Health Australia gratefully acknowledges the valuable contribution of the National Renal Resource Centre and KHA Kidney and Urinary Advisory Group in the development of this material.
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