For patients and families
Clear, practical guidance on CKD stages, lab results, diet, dialysis, and transplant — written by a patient, for patients and families.
An independent patient education resource that helps you make sense of kidney disease — in plain language, at your own pace.
CKD stages, lab results, and what your numbers actually mean for your health.
Diet changes, treatment decisions, and what to discuss with your care team.
Dialysis options, transplant preparation, and planning ahead with confidence.
Lived experience
I was born with a congenital urinary tract obstruction that caused bilateral hydronephrosis. I've lived with chronic kidney disease my entire life — and at 40, I'm now in Stage 4.
Over the years, I had hundreds of questions about my condition. What do my lab results actually mean? What should I eat? When does dialysis or transplant become real? Most of the information I found was either too clinical or too vague to be useful.
Kidney Compass is the resource I wish I had earlier — plain-language explanations, practical guidance, and honest information for patients and families navigating the same path.
Choose a topic and get clear, practical information you can use today.
Understanding CKD stages, progression, and what to expect at each step of the journey.
Making sense of GFR, creatinine, and other kidney labs in plain language.
Practical guidance on what to eat, what to limit, and why it matters for your kidneys.
What dialysis involves, the different types, and what daily life looks like on treatment.
Understanding the transplant evaluation, waiting list, surgery, and life after transplant.
Practical explainers for patients and families.
Choosing between haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis is one of the most important decisions you will face with kidney failure. This guide breaks down the key differences to help you decide.
Wondering what life on haemodialysis actually looks like? This honest guide walks you through the weekly rhythm, common side effects, and how to live well on HD.
Peritoneal dialysis lets you treat yourself at home on your own schedule. This guide covers everything from setup and daily routine to infection prevention and travel.
The Kidney Disease Starter Guide covers 12 things I wish I had understood earlier — explained in plain language.
Free PDF · No spam · Unsubscribe anytime
Quick answers to common questions about kidney disease and this site.
Chronic kidney disease means your kidneys are damaged and gradually losing their ability to filter waste from your blood. It is divided into five stages based on your GFR. Many people live with early-stage CKD for years without symptoms.
GFR stands for glomerular filtration rate. It measures how well your kidneys filter waste, reported in mL/min. A normal GFR is around 90 or above. Below 60 for three months may indicate CKD.
Depending on your stage and lab results, you may need to limit sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein. Common foods to watch include processed meats, bananas, oranges, dairy products, and high-sodium packaged foods. Your dietitian can tailor a plan to your needs.
Dialysis filters your blood when your kidneys can no longer do so and must be done regularly. A kidney transplant replaces a failed kidney with a healthy donor kidney. Both sustain life — the best choice depends on your health, lifestyle, and preferences.
No. Kidney Compass provides educational information only. Content is written from a patient perspective to help you understand your condition, but it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician.
The free Starter Guide walks you through the basics — lab results, diet, key questions for your doctor — so you can feel more informed from day one.
Get the Free Starter Guide