Living Well with Kidney Disease: Steps to Take Control

Kidney health is a vital part of your overall wellness. When your kidneys work well, they filter waste and extra water from your blood. Sometimes, kidneys can become damaged over time. This is known as chronic kidney disease. Understanding this condition can help you take the right steps to feel your best and stay independent.

Understanding CKD and Kidney Failure

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): This means your kidneys are not working as well as they used to and have a harder time filtering waste. CKD often happens in stages. In many cases, you can help slow down CKD by making healthy food and lifestyle choices and taking your medicine as directed.

Kidney Failure (End-Stage Renal Disease): This is when the kidneys have lost most of their function. At this stage, you potentially need treatments like dialysis or a transplant to help support your body.

Did You Know? Your kidneys filter about 200 quarts of blood every single day to remove waste and keep your body running smoothly. That is why taking care of them is so important!

Living with these conditions can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate this journey by yourself. Whether you are managing early-stage kidney disease or complex health needs, your team at Troy Medicare is here to walk this path with you. You are not alone in managing your health.

How to Manage Your Kidney Health

Your kidneys act as filters for your body. When they don’t work as well as they should, it is important to take extra care. Here are a few simple steps you can take:

• Follow your doctor’s plan: Stick to the treatment plan your doctor creates for you.
• Watch what you eat: Talk to your doctor or a dietitian about foods that are heart-healthy and kidney-friendly.
• Stay active: Gentle movement can help your body stay strong.
• Check your blood sugar and blood pressure: Keeping these levels in a healthy range is one of the best ways to protect your kidneys.
• Keep up with appointments: Regular check-ups help your doctor track your kidney health over time.

Signs to Watch For

Sometimes your body gives you clues when your kidneys need extra help. It is important to know what to look for so you can get help quickly. Call your doctor if you notice:

• Swelling or weight gain: You may notice swelling in your ankles, feet, or hands due to extra fluid staying in the body.
• Tiredness: Feeling much more tired than usual or having less energy.
• Changes in urination: Noticeable changes in how often you go to the bathroom or the color/look of your urine.
• Upset stomach: Feeling nauseous or having a loss of appetite.
• Trouble sleeping: Having a hard time getting restful sleep at night.

Connecting With Your Care Manager

You don’t have to manage these health steps by yourself. Troy Medicare offers Care Management to help you create a path to wellness.

Your assigned Care Manager is your personal partner in health. A care manager helps with navigating healthcare services, setting health goals, and supporting chronic condition management. They are there to help you coordinate care between your doctors and find ways to live more comfortably with your condition.

Ready to start? Connect with your Care Manager today at 910-878-2730 (Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET) to start setting your personal health goals and building your path to wellness. To learn more, read our article: What is a Care Manager?

Member Resources

We have tools on our website to help you stay informed about your health and your plan.

• Member Portal: Review your plan information 24/7 at troymedicare.com/memberportal.
• Documents & Forms: Find plan documents, health surveys, and more on our Documents & Forms page.
• Find a Provider: Use our online search tool to find doctors, specialists, or pharmacists near you.

Need Help with Plan or Benefit Questions?

If you have questions about your specific plan coverage, your ID card, or your benefits, please contact Customer Service at 1-888-494-TROY (8769) (TTY: 711). They are ready to assist you with all plan-related information during the following hours:

• October 1 – March 31: 7 days a week, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (ET)
• April 1 – September 30: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (ET)

Sources

1. KDIGO. KDIGO Clinical Practice Guideline for Acute Kidney Injury.
2. Chen TK, Knicely DH, Grams ME. “Chronic kidney disease diagnosis and management: a review.” Journal of the American Medical Association 2019;322(13):1294-1304.

This material is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns. Participation in this program is voluntary, and you may opt out of this service at any time by notifying your Care Manager. Benefits and features vary by plan/area. Limitations, exclusions and/or network restrictions may apply.

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