Question 1

What are the symptoms of kidney disease?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of kidney disease may include: swelling in legs, ankles or feet, extreme fatigue, changes in urinary frequency, foamy urine, blood in urine, high blood pressure, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, and difficulty concentrating. Many kidney diseases are asymptomatic in early stages, making regular checkups essential.

Question 2

What is hemodialysis and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Hemodialysis is a treatment that filters the blood when the kidneys can no longer do so efficiently. During the procedure, blood is pumped through an external filter (dialyzer) that removes waste and excess fluids, returning clean blood to your body. It is typically performed 3 times a week, with sessions lasting 3-4 hours each.

Question 3

What is the difference between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis?

Accepted Answer

Hemodialysis filters blood using an external machine at a dialysis center, requiring 3 weekly sessions of 3-4 hours. Peritoneal dialysis uses the abdominal lining (peritoneum) as a natural filter, introducing dialysis fluid into the abdominal cavity that is changed several times daily. Peritoneal dialysis can be done at home and offers more flexibility.

Question 4

How long is the wait for a kidney transplant?

Accepted Answer

The waiting time for a deceased donor kidney transplant in Mexico varies from several months to several years, depending on factors such as blood type, tissue compatibility, and organ availability. Living donor transplant is an alternative that can reduce or eliminate waiting time.

Question 5

How does diabetes affect the kidneys?

Accepted Answer

Diabetes is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease. High blood sugar levels damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys (diabetic nephropathy), reducing their filtering capacity. This damage can be prevented or slowed by maintaining good blood sugar control, controlling blood pressure, and performing regular kidney checkups.

Question 6

How can I schedule an appointment?

Accepted Answer

You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Pamela Vázquez via WhatsApp at 55 1948 0097, by phone at the same number, or through the contact form on the website. We recommend bringing recent lab results, list of current medications, and health insurance card.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Kidney Health

Dialysis and Treatments

Kidney Transplant

Specific Conditions

Appointments and Insurance

Prevention and Lifestyle

Locations and Offices

Didn't find your answer?

Additional Resources

Kidney Failure

Hemodialysis

Kidney Transplant

Frequently Asked Questions

General Kidney Health

What are the symptoms of kidney disease?

How often should I get kidney tests?

Is kidney disease reversible?

What is the glomerular filtration rate (GFR)?

Dialysis and Treatments

What is hemodialysis and how does it work?

What's the difference between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis?

Can I travel if I'm on dialysis?

What is an arteriovenous fistula?

Kidney Transplant

How long do I have to wait for a kidney transplant?

Can I be a living kidney donor?

What care do I need after a kidney transplant?

How long does a transplanted kidney last?

Specific Conditions

How does diabetes affect the kidneys?

What are kidney stones and how are they treated?

Can urinary infections damage the kidneys?

What is polycystic kidney disease?

Appointments and Insurance

How can I schedule an appointment?

What medical insurance do you accept?

What should I bring to my first appointment?

How long does an appointment last?

Prevention and Lifestyle

What diet should I follow to protect my kidneys?

Is exercise safe with kidney disease?

What medications should I avoid if I have kidney disease?

Does alcohol affect the kidneys?

Locations and Offices

Where can I find a nephrologist in San Miguel de Allende?

Are there nephrologists in Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato?

What nephrology services are available in Guanajuato?

What areas does Dr. Pamela Vázquez serve?

Didn't find your answer?

Additional Resources

Kidney Failure

Hemodialysis

Kidney Transplant