End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) occurs when the kidneys lose nearly all of their function and can no longer keep the body healthy without medical intervention. At this stage, the kidneys are unable to remove waste, balance fluids, and regulate essential body processes on their own.

Patients with ESRD require dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive. At Carolina Nephrology, PA, we provide advanced treatment, education, and compassionate support for patients and families navigating kidney failure.

We proudly offer dialysis services in Pendleton, Easley, Greenville, Greer, Lyman, Simpsonville, and Laurens, ensuring convenient access to care across Upstate South Carolina.

Causes of End Stage Renal Disease

The most common causes of ESRD are Diabetes and High blood pressure.

Other causes may include:

  • Cystic kidney diseases
  • Autoimmune diseases such as vasculitis and lupus
  • Reactions to certain medications
  • Kidney tumors
  • Other chronic kidney conditions

Symptoms of ESRD

In the early stages of kidney failure, symptoms may be subtle or mistaken for other health conditions. Over time, as waste and fluid build up in the body, symptoms become more noticeable.

Common signs of ESRD include:

  • Swelling in the face, ankles, legs, or throughout the body
  • Shortness of breath
  • High blood pressure
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Anemia (low red blood cell count)
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Fatigue, weakness, or lack of energy
  • Headaches without another clear cause
  • Decreased mental sharpness or confusion
  • Muscle cramps and twitches
  • Metallic taste in the mouth
  • Persistent itching
  • Yellow or brown discoloration of the skin
  • Pain or pressure below the rib cage

We offer:

  • Emergency appointments at multiple office locations
  • Same-day hospital consultations when a patient is admitted
  • Coordinated care with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure a comprehensive treatment plan

Treatment may be as straightforward as discontinuing a harmful medication, providing IV fluids for rehydration, or, in more severe cases, implementing advanced therapies to support kidney function and recovery.

At Carolina Nephrology, PA, we are committed to providing compassionate, expert care to help patients overcome Acute Kidney Injury and restore their kidney health.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, Carolina Nephrology, PA encourages you to seek prompt medical evaluation.

Treatment Options for ESRD

At Carolina Nephrology, PA, we provide all major treatment options for kidney failure, including:

  1. Hemodialysis – A process that uses a dialysis machine and special filter to clean your blood.
  2. Peritoneal Dialysis – A home-based treatment that uses the lining of your abdomen to filter waste and fluid.
  3. Kidney Transplant – A surgical procedure that replaces your failed kidneys with a healthy donor kidney.

Our nephrologists work closely with each patient to recommend the best treatment option based on their medical condition, lifestyle, and personal preferences. We also provide personalized and group Kidney Options classes, helping patients and families understand dialysis and Chronic Kidney Disease management.

Dialysis Payment Options

We recognize that treatment for ESRD can be expensive. Fortunately, most patients qualify for financial assistance:

  • Medicare and Medicaid typically cover up to 80% of dialysis costs.

  • Private insurance and state programs often cover the remaining balance.

For more information about financial assistance, visit the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) fact sheet: Financial Help for Treatment of Kidney Failure.

Important Things to Remember

  • Your kidneys filter waste and regulate vital functions in your body.
  • When your kidneys fail, treatment is required to replace these functions.

  • Your treatment options include hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, or kidney transplantation.

  • The choice you make can affect your diet, lifestyle, and ability to work.
  • You have the right to make informed decisions about your treatment, including the option to withdraw from therapy.
  • Medicare and Medicaid pay a significant portion of treatment costs for kidney failure.

At Carolina Nephrology, PA, our mission is to provide expert medical care and compassionate guidance for patients living with End Stage Renal Disease. Whether you are just beginning dialysis, exploring transplant options, or seeking long-term management, we are here to support you every step of the way.