function of kidneys is 15% what does this mean - Kidney Disorders Message Board

zena ryan · 07-02-2009, 07:26 AM

function of kidneys is 15% what does this mean

deedee1313 · 07-08-2009, 09:31 AM

When my husbands kidney failure was discovered he was at a 2% function.He was told that he should have been on dialysis when his function was at 15%.Basically what it means is that your kidneys are failing and you will need dialysis.There are things to watch for but you won't always have these symptoms.My husband had trouble urinating.Sometimes it would start and stop and then start again.There would also be foam in it and it would be a coca cola color.He would look puffy and his hands would swell.His feet would probably have been swollen too except that he was a double amputee.Hope this helps.

Cora1003 · 07-08-2009, 10:17 AM

It means that your kidney function has deteriorated significantly. At this point you need to meet with a nephrologist (kidney specialist) and their team. This will include a dietitian and probably a social worker who will help you with the eventual transition to dialysis. The good news is that dialysis is not as scary as you think. You will be able to do it and still have a life. The team will help you with diet and other issues such as blood pressure.

When you actually go on will depend not only on the kidney values but also on how you feel. You may get fed up with swelling, or feel really tired and unwell. Dialysis will make you feel better when you reach that point.

As I said before, you can still have a life and live well, even with kidney failure. If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask. There is a lot of expertise on this board.