Conservative Kidney Management
Conservative Kidney Management (CKM) is a way to manage your kidney disease without dialysis.
CKM focuses on treating the symptoms of kidney failure to enable you to live as well as possible until the kidneys no longer work. The focus is on helping you achieve the best quality of life that you can. Although conservative care does not include dialysis or transplant, it does include all other parts of kidney care and support from your health-care team.
Why Choose Conservative Kidney Management?
While dialysis can’t cure kidney failure, it may help some people live longer and feel better. However, dialysis may not help everyone live longer or improve their quality of life. For some people, the side effects of dialysis may even lower their quality of life or make them feel worse. This may include people who are older, have other serious medical problems or depend on others for most of their daily activities. You and your doctor will talk about whether dialysis is right for you.
Conservative Kidney Management includes:
- Treating symptoms
- Making a care plan for now and when kidney health changes (e.g. advanced care directive and living arrangements)
- Providing emotional support to you and your family
- Tailoring the treatment of your kidney disease to your goals and wishes
How long will I live with Conservative Kidney Management?
There are many factors that affect how long a person may live with Conservative Kidney Management. Depending on how fast the kidneys change, a person may have weeks, months or years to live. Your kidney doctor is the best person to provide you with information on this.
How do I decide whether Conservative Kidney Management is right for me?
The decision to choose CKM is based on your goals and wishes. Your kidney team will help you explore your options and determine what is right for you.
After I choose Conservative Kidney Management, can I change my mind?
Yes. Talk to your health-care team to explore other treatment options.
Updated April 19, 2021