Living with chronic kidney disease

If you have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease it is possible to live a normal and happy life. In this video, two Australian families share their experiences.

Learn about kidneys and why you may need a Kidney Health Check

Understanding your kidneys

Your kidneys work hard every day to keep you healthy. They filter your blood to get rid of waste and extra fluid, which is what makes your urine (wee). They also help control your blood pressure. They support red blood cells and keep your bones healthy.

Learn more about your kidneys and what they do:

Understanding your kidneys
Understanding your kidneys from Kidney Health Australia

Source: Kidney Health Australia, Understanding Kidney Disease video. November 2020. Date accessed 14 June 2022

Why is a Kidney Health Check important?

Your kidneys are just as important as your heart. And just like getting your heart checked, there are simple tests your doctor can use to check how well your kidneys are working.

Why? Because chronic kidney disease is a silent disease for most people. Less than 1 in 10 people with chronic kidney disease know they have it.

You can lose 90% of your kidney function before you feel unwell.

But a Kidney Health Check can help you find kidney disease early. This gives you the best chance to slow or stop the damage.

Find out if you need a Kidney Health Check and why it’s important.

Find out more

Learn about chronic kidney disease and what you can do

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About chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (or CKD) means your kidneys may not have been working as well as they should for at least 3 months. As a result, waste may have slowly built up in your body. This can cause many health problems including high blood pressure. You can’t always reverse the damage to your kidneys but there are treatments that can help stop or slow the damage. Finding out about your kidney health early and taking action to protect your kidneys gives you the best chance to stay healthy.

Learn more about looking after chronic kidney disease:

Lifestyle choices for better kidney health

Look after your kidneys by making healthy choices in your daily life. Eating healthy foods, being active and quitting smoking are just some of the things you can do. Talk to your health professional about changes you can make to protect your kidney health. Every little step you take is a step in the right direction.

Resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Kidney Health Australia has information and fact sheets for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people:

HealthinfoNet has fact sheets and videos about kidney health.

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Resources in community languages

Kidney Health Australia has resources in different languages:

5 most important questions to ask your doctor: Choosing Wisely Australia

Choosing Wisely Australia helps healthcare providers and consumers have important conversations about improving the quality of health care by reducing unnecessary and sometimes harmful tests, treatments and procedures.

5 questions to ask your doctor or other healthcare provider is a resource that can help patients ensure they receive the right amount of care.

Translated resources available here.