You play a large role in how well you feel. The closer you follow your diet, fluid restrictions and medication regimen, and if you attend all dialysis treatments the better you will feel. If you are doing these things and still feel tired, talk with your nephrologist. The University of Michigan Health System web site does not provide specific medical advice and does not endorse any medical or professional service obtained through information provided on this site or any links to this site.

LSU and the University of Wisconsin have both published studies indicating that almost 90% of patients want to complete Instant Medical History. When you focus on patient satisfaction, communication is the top issue. Because the questionnaires are about them, patients perceive that the computer assists physicians in discussing the most important items. See similar questions...

This is very common among all readers of The ZAPPER - ICD recipients and their loved ones. In fact, if you do not experience this, you are the exception. Because it's a pretty normal reaction to needing a piece of electronic hardware inside you to stay alive, it is imperative you find ways to deal with it. For extreme cases, your doctor may prescribe psychotropic drugs such as paxil or xanax. See similar questions...

Yes, it is very common. Your body is making up for the time it wasn't fully absorbing foods. Hunger levels tend to normalize within the first months after eliminating gluten and beginning a well balanced diet of gluten-free foods. See similar questions...

Actually, most of the time it's not a "missing" heart beat... but an extra one that we experience in the form of a PVC - pre-ventricular contraction. While discomforting they are not uncommon and only become a problem when there is a long sustained run of them. Many of us take medications to decrease these events - and the ICD is inside us to take care of those which may lead to a dangerous situation. See similar questions...

You'll be surprised at how good you feel after most minor procedures. But when you've had anesthesia for a major surgical procedure, full recovery can take six to eight weeks or more. Don't expect too much of yourself too soon. See similar questions...

Some patients may experience fatigue as the body's detoxification process accelerates itself. This will balance itself as the body expels the toxins and regenerates itself. See similar questions...

Kidney transplant is often a better treatment option for kidney failure because it may allow you to live a fairly normal life. But there are some drawbacks: If no one you know can donate a kidney, the wait for a transplant may be long. You will probably need to have dialysis while you wait for a kidney. It may be difficult to find a good match for your blood and tissue types. Sometimes, even when the match is good, the body rejects the new kidney. See similar questions...

Yes. Please tell your social worker. We will need at least 30 days notice for Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis. See similar questions...

Possibly. This will depend on several factors. Please discuss your particular situation with your renal team. See similar questions...

The cause of chronic kidney disease is not always known. But any condition or disease that damages blood vessels or other structures in the kidneys can lead to kidney disease. The most common causes of chronic kidney disease are: Diabetes. Diabetes causes about 35% of all chronic kidney disease. High blood sugar levels caused by diabetes damage blood vessels in the kidneys. If the blood sugar level remains high, this damage gradually reduces the function of the kidneys. See similar questions...

Absolutely NOT. This is a sign that your back is out of alignment, and it is critical that you address the problem with one of our health professionals at Alevia. Give us a call to schedule an evaluation with the doctor to get the problems fixed. To delay this will result in progressive problems. To blame this on "old age" is lazy and harmful. Our patients enjoy life without feeling hopelessly stiff and tight. See similar questions...

No. See similar questions...

Yes. In fact, the more severe the disease, the more the patient benefits from Nocturnal Hemodialysis. See similar questions...

A process that stops spinal fluid leakage. A small amount of the patient's own blood is injected into the membrane surrounding the spinal cord. It is used to seal a puncture site is leaking spinal fluid. See similar questions...

Dialysis patients can drink, bathe and cook with chloraminated water, but they cannot use chloraminated water in the dialysis process. Chloraminated water can be very harmful if it enters directly into the bloodstream, which occurs during the dialysis process. It is safe to drink chloraminated water because of the digestive process neutralizes and destroys the chloramines before they enter the blood stream. See similar questions...