Kidney Disease

Patient Care Patient Information Nephrology (Dialysis) Kidney Disease

Contact information

St. Maarten Medical Center

Dialysis department

Welgelegen Road 30
Cay Hill
St. Maarten
+1 (721) 543-1111 ext 1601, 1420
+ 1 (721) 543-0116
dialysis@sxmmc.org
www.smmc.sx

Download PDF

KIDNEY DISEASE

Kidney Disease can happen to anyone

Anyone at any age, of any race and walk of life, can have kidney failure. Worldwide, there are more than 400,000 people treated with dialysis.

In St. Maarten, approximately 58 persons use dialysis treatment to stay alive because of kidney failure. Dialysis patients from Saba, St. Eustatius and tourists to the island also receive treatment in the St. Maarten Medical Center Dialysis Unit.

Where are the kidneys and how does the kidneys work?

What are the functions of the kidneys?

What is Kidney Failure?

Less than 10% kidney function. There are two types of kidney failure:

Acute -Sudden Condition

Often Temporary
Chronic - Slower Onset

Not Reversible

What are the symptoms of Kidney failure?	What causes Kidney Failure?
Feeling more tired Loss of appetite Swelling, especially legs and feet Muscle cramping at night Urinate more or less frequent in greater or smaller amounts Dry, itchy skin Pain in back, below rib cage or side Unpleasant taste in mouth, urine like breath Increasingly higher blood pressure Shortness of breath	Diabetes Hypertension Inflammation Blockage Chronic Infection Hereditary Other

What are the treatments for Kidney Failure?

Diet and fluid management
Medication
Hemodialysis

Peritoneal Dialysis
Kidney transplant

Some patients are able to maintain a regular job while on hemodialysis treatment. These patients adjust their schedule according to the time for their dialysis treatment.

During hemodialysis patients are able to:

Watch TV (each patient has their individual TV attached to the chair with internet access)
Use their personal computer
Interact with one another
Read or play games
Have a snack or drink (this is guided by the dialysis nurse)

Medical Specialties

Get in Touch