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Peritoneal dialysis is a way to cleanse the blood to treat kidney failure. It uses the lining of your abdomen, called the peritoneal membrane, and a special solution (dialysate).

Kidney failure and its treatment will mean making some changes. But you can still live a full life with kidney failure. Read on to learn more.

Having kidney failure means many changes in your health and life. It may feel like too much to cope with at times, but you can learn how to deal with these emotions and feel better about your treatment and yourself. Learning as much as you can about kidney failure is a good place to start.

A central line is often used instead of a standard I.V. line when you need treatment for longer than a week or so. The line can send medicine or nutrition right into your bloodstream.

It's important to care for your access to help it last. A problem such as an infection or a blood clot may make your access unusable. Follow these guidelines to help protect your access.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a treatment that can take over when your kidneys stop working. PD uses the lining of your abdomen as a filter for your blood. Before PD can be done, an opening into this lining must be made. This is done by placing a soft tube called a catheter into your abdomen.

Your body needs plenty of iron to make red blood cells. Because of this, most people who take epoetin alfa (EPO) need extra iron. EPO is the injection that people with kidney disease take to boost their red cells. Iron can be given in pill form or by I.V. Some people receive it both ways.

By controlling the amount of potassium you eat, you can keep a safe level in your blood. Here are cooking tips and a list of hidden sources of potassium.

If you have kidney disease, phosphorus may build up in your blood. Excess phosphorus in the body tends to bind with calcium and gets deposited in blood vessels and other organs. This can lead to renal bone disease.