Kidney Disease Basics
Kidney Disease Basics
Chronic Kidney Disease happens in more than 26 million people in the United States. While there are many reasons people have CKD, two of the most common causes are high blood pressure and diabetes. Other causes include problems handed down from your parents (genetic conditions) like Polycystic Kidney Disease and immune system problems like Lupus. Managing the reason why you have kidney problems is important (for example, keeping your blood pressure and blood sugar normal).
Parkland Kidney Clinic Approach
Parkland’s kidney clinics include a multidisciplinary approach – working together with you to help you reach your goals. Doctors, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Nurses, Social Workers, a Dietitian and administrative staff work together to make sure you get the care you need.
Treatment Options
As chronic kidney disease progresses, your doctor will talk with you about treatment options. To learn more about managing CKD, and options for treatment, watch this video:
English: https://youtu.be/E2VJDgPuJm0 Spanish: https://youtu.be/rq0h-ZpSB7Q
Clinic contact
Phone: 214-266-9694 Option 6
Address: 5184 Tex Oak Ave. Dallas, TX 75235
The clinic is located on the 5th Floor of the Ron J Anderson Clinic building
CKD and Your Diet
Because your kidneys filter salt, fluid, potassium, and phosphorus, the amount of these things you eat can make a difference in your kidney health.
Good nutrition is an important part of managing CKD. Because every person is different, we can help you decide what changes are right for you. Common nutrition-related problems in kidney disease include high and low potassium, high and low phosphorus, too much fluid and salt, and poor appetite. As a Parkland CKD patient, you will talk with the dietitian about ways to help you manage these problems. You can always request a visit with the clinic dietitian if you have questions or concerns about what to eat. Watch the videos below to learn more. To learn about what foods contain potassium, phosphorus and salt, see the handouts below.
English
https://youtu.be/xEN4t_8V488 (phosphorus)
https://youtu.be/tAGeTCVXwx0 (potassium)
https://youtu.be/QnNpYUjIFCQ (salt)
Spanish
https://youtu.be/sev5txMMziI (salt)
https://youtu.be/A5xtwd3NrzM (phosphorus)
https://youtu.be/Lh9vxChGUu4 (potassium)
CKD and Supplements
Because there is little oversight of what ingredients go into supplements (vitamins, weight loss supplements, energy supplements, etc), it is especially important to talk with the kidney dietitian before starting any new supplement. Before you spend money on a supplement, please call us so that we can review your labs and the supplement and decide if the supplement you are thinking of taking would be right for you.
You can contact the dietitian at the clinic phone number: 214-266-9694 Option #6
Social Work
Lifestyle changes can make living with chronic kidney disease challenging. Our social workers are here to help guide you in the right direction, including for questions about healthcare costs. As a patient in the Parkland CKD clinics, you will talk with the social worker at different points in your care. You can request a visit with the social worker in the clinic or by calling 214-266-9694 option #6.
Resources for Patient Support
National Kidney Foundation Cares Program: https://www.kidney.org/nkfcares
National Kidney Foundation Peers Mentoring Program: https://www.kidney.org/patients/peers
Kidney Transplant
Parkland also has a kidney transplant program. Talk with your provider about the right time for you to apply for a kidney transplant, which is usually when your kidneys are working at 20% or less. You can also contact us with questions about details about the transplant process.
Transplant Application
Transplant Clinic contact:
214-266-9694 option 6
5184 Tex Oak Ave (Fl 5), Dallas, TX 75235