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It’s important to care for your central venous access device correctly. Here's how.

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 doctor will teach you how to care for your catheter and exit site. Good care is important to prevent infection. If an infection occurs, the catheter may have to be taken out. A new one will have to be put in at a later date.

Anemia is a health problem that affects your blood. Normally, the kidneys make a protein called erythropoietin. It tells your body when to make new red blood cells. But if you have kidney disease, your kidneys may not be able to make enough of this protein.

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.

The body needs some potassium to keep the heart working normally. Controlling how much potassium you eat can keep a safe level in your blood.

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.

Calcium and phosphorus are minerals found in many foods. Your body works best when these minerals are in balance. But if you have kidney disease, phosphorus may build up in your blood. This can make your bones weak over time. This sheet will help you maintain balance.