Holiday Season and the Gift of Organ Donation
The Reality of Waiting for a Kidney It is well known that for patients with kidney failure, transplants have shown better long-term health outcomes compared to dialysis. Many recipients report improvements in quality of life, increased energy, and a greater sense of independence following a transplant. However, in the U.S., roughly two-thirds of people waiting […]
Is a Kidney Doctor the Same as a Nephrologist?
When it comes to kidney health, you may hear different terms like “kidney doctor,” “renal specialist,” or “nephrologist.” These phrases are often used interchangeably, which can be confusing. Understanding what each term truly means can help you make informed decisions about your care and know exactly who you’re seeing for your kidney needs. In this […]
What Are 5 Signs Your Kidneys Are Not Working Properly
Your kidneys quietly do a lot of work every day. They filter waste from your blood, balance fluids, regulate blood pressure, support healthy bones, and help produce red blood cells. When your kidneys start losing function, the warning signs can be subtle at first. Recognizing early symptoms can help you get care sooner and protect […]
Associated Nephrology Consultants: Comprehensive Kidney Care You Can Trust
If you’re living with kidney disease or concerned about your kidney health, choosing the right nephrology team makes all the difference. At Associated Nephrology Consultants, patients receive more than just medical care. They receive a supportive team, personalized treatment plans, and the assurance that their kidney health is in expert hands. Associated Nephrology Consultants, also […]
Types of Fistula and Vascular Access for Dialysis What You Should Know
When a person’s kidneys can no longer filter blood properly, dialysis becomes essential. But to perform dialysis, doctors need a safe and reliable way to access the bloodstream. That’s where vascular access comes in. It is a specially created access point that allows blood to flow to and from the dialysis machine. There are different […]
How to Prepare for Dialysis Fistula Surgery What You Need to Know
If you need long term hemodialysis, your doctor may recommend creating an arteriovenous AV fistula. This is a surgical procedure that connects an artery to a vein, usually in the arm, to provide reliable blood flow for dialysis. Preparing properly for fistula surgery helps ensure the procedure goes smoothly, supports healing, and gives your fistula […]
How to Safely Manage Dialysis During the Holidays: A Patient’s Guide
Holidays and celebrations are a time for joy, family, and travel. But if you’re on dialysis, they can also be stressful. Missing sessions or forgetting supplies can impact your health. This guide shows you exactly how to plan from scheduling treatments to packing supplies so you can enjoy the holidays without compromising your kidney care. […]
This Month: Join Us for the 2025 Twin Cities Kidney Walk
Chronic Kidney Disease is often called a “silent disease” because many people don’t realize they have it until symptoms become severe. For the past several years, ANC has proudly participated in the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) Kidney Walk. The walk is an annual event that brings much-needed attention to CKD while celebrating the strength and […]
Why Pediatric Kidney Health Deserves More Attention
When people think of kidney disease, they often picture older adults facing chronic health issues. But kidney disease can (and does!) affect kids and teens. We recently spoke with ANC’s Dr. Walz, who specializes in pediatric nephrology, to explore how kidney care in kids is evolving and why early awareness is crucial. Emerging Trends […]
Patient Perspectives & the Power of Advocacy in Kidney Care
At ANC, we’re always inspired by the resilience of our patients. This month, we were honored to sit down and interview Peter, a kidney transplant recipient and patient at ANC whose journey highlights the importance of early detection, treatment education, and patient advocacy. In this week’s blog, we’ll follow Peter’s kidney journey from diagnosis to […]