Does stage 4 kidney disease need dialysis?

Just like I have to monitor my TSH every month, kidney patients need regular eGFR and creatinine blood tests at stage 4. Don't wait for symptoms to worsen, keep following up with your nephrologist.

At stage 4, you really have to say goodbye to high-sodium foods and processed stuff. It's tough if you love food, but eating clean, low-salt meals can actually save you from immediate dialysis.

Dialysis might not be needed immediately at stage 4, but start planning your medical budget now. Get a good health policy or register for government schemes, because kidney treatments get very expensive later.

As a BP patient, I know how high blood pressure damages kidneys. Keep your BP strictly below 130/80 with medications and light lifestyle changes to protect whatever kidney function is left at stage 4.

Please don't ignore this stage! My uncle delayed his checkups thinking he felt fine, and suddenly his kidneys failed completely. Go to a specialist weekly if needed and monitor your urine output.

No, stage 4 is severe but it's not end-stage kidney failure. You are preparing for dialysis or transplant at this point, but you don't necessarily start it until stage 5 when function goes below 15%.