We hope that one day, no New Zealanders will suffer because of kidney disease. Until then, we’re here to help, and to bring the kidney community together.

Living with Kidney Disease

Most people seldom think about their kidneys and many don’t really know what they do, until something goes wrong.

Healthy kidneys go quietly about the business of cleaning the blood, removing waste products and unwanted water in the urine, and generally keeping people alive and healthy.

Unfortunately there are many diseases that can lead to permanent kidney damage. Sometimes the damage is permanent. This is very serious, and when kidney function drops below 15%, decisions need to be made about the future.

There are several treatments available, and people usually have a choice. Information to help you make a decision comes from many sources and in many forms: health professionals, leaflets and books, videos, the internet and people who are already having treatment. Kidney Society staff, because they are not part of the health service, can help by spending time with you to explore your options in your own time and in your own home. If we can’t visit you at home we can talk to you on the phone, as many times as you like.