Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a leading cause of death in the United States. About 37 million US adults are estimated to have CKD, and most are unaware and undiagnosed. In the US, diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of kidney failure, accounting for 3 out of 4 new cases. People with CKD may not feel ill or notice any symptoms – a “silent epidemic.” The only way to find out for sure if a patient has CKD is through specific blood and urine tests. CKD gets worse over time and can be treated -the earlier treatment starts the better.

Schedule an appointment with a primary care provider

At Risk?
If you have one or more of the below, talk to your doctor about getting tested for CKD if you have any of these risk factors:

Diabetes
High Blood Pressure
Heart Disease
Autoimmune diseases
Anatomical defects
Genetic diseases
Family history of kidney disease
Obesity
Smoking

Find a nephrologist

Intermountain Kidney Services Clinic

5169 South Cottonwood Street
Building 2, Suite 320
Murray, UT 84107

Call (801) 507-2531

Intermountain Kidney Services - McKay Dee

4403 Harrison Boulevard
Suite 3630
Ogden, UT 84403

Call (801) 387-7900

Intermountain St. George Kidney Services - River Road

720 South River Road
St. George, UT 84790

Call (435) 251-5980

Steve's story

Steve Adams has been on dialysis for four years – being treated at Intermountain Health’s Logan Dialysis Center.

“I go three days a week,” he said. “I spend four hours a day.”

Dialysis is a treatment used to clean and filter blood when one’s kidneys are unable to do so.

“Dialysis is very challenging,” said nephrologist Dr. Mark Kraus. “It’s like a part-time job. You have to show up for it or you don’t benefit from it.”

When caught early, kidney disease is treatable. But if left untreated, chronic kidney disease can lead to kidney failure, which is when dialysis or a transplant is needed.

“Kidney transplants are a wonderful gift that someone receives,” Dr. Kraus said. “It’s a wonderful gift that someone can give. And by having a kidney transplant, that individual can stop requiring dialysis.”

Steve is dedicated to his health, and is staying positive as he waits for a kidney transplant.

“Attitude is 80% of making anybody heal,” he said. “And so if that’s the case, I’ll keep plugging.”

Steve finds inspiration in the nurses and doctors who care for him, along with the friends he’s made in other patients.

“Don’t downplay the social element,” Dr. Kraus said. “There is a community at the dialysis center between the staff and the patients, patients and other patients.”

Steve also acknowledges the support of his wife of 56 years.

“Caregivers are the biggest part to keep your attitude right,” he said. “And I’ve got the best. She’s my rock. I’m just grateful.”