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Why work to keep CKD from getting worse?
It is important to try to slow the loss of kidney function, even at stage 4 CKD. Following your treatment plan and managing other health problems can give you the best chance to delay CKD progression and kidney failure, and thus, hold off on the need for dialysis for a kidney transplant. It should be noted that even if you get treatment in stage 4 and are careful about your health, your kidneys may still fail.
However, any steps you can take now to improve or maintain your health can help you over the long term. For example, maintaining good overall health can also lessen certain risks and improve the chances of a successful kidney transplant. It can also make you a better transplant candidate.
Also, if you continue to take care of yourself, even if you go on dialysis, it is possible to maintain a small amount of kidney function (also known as “residual” kidney function). Just because you might need dialysis, residual kidney function can help you in a number of ways (such as a fewer dialysis treatments per week, and/or shorter dialysis treatments), whether you need to continue on dialysis indefinitely, or while you are receiving dialysis and waiting for a transplant.
Also, the more kidney disease progresses, the higher the risk for other diseases such as heart disease. So managing your health now gives you the chance to help lower the risk for other health problems later in life.
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