Frequently Asked Questions
The Lumberton and Fayetteville nephrology providers and staff at Carolina Kidney Care prioritize our patients — we make it our goal to be available for our patients at all times. Having a kidney disease can drastically change a patient's life, and our nephrologists provide the information, support and treatment that our patients need. If you have questions about kidney disease, kidney failure or the renal care that Carolina Kidney Care offers, read through our FAQs, and feel free to contact one of our helpful staff members.
Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two main causes of kidney failure in the United States. A disease called glomerulonephritis is also a common cause of kidney disease.
In order to prevent kidney disease, nephrologists recommend exercising regularly losing weight if needed, and developing healthy eating habits and a general healthy lifestyle.
Signs of kidney disease could include nausea, vomiting, sleep problems, persistent itching, changes in urine output, shortness of breath, or high blood pressure. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, consult your primary care physician.
The stages of chronic kidney disease are stages one through five, with stage five being the most severe, often involving end stage kidney failure.
Patients of Carolina Kidney Care can receive dialysis at one of several locations throughout Cumberland, Robeson, Sampson, Bladen, Hoke and Harnett counties. Please see our resources for a complete list.
Please be aware that all appointments require a referral to schedule an appointment. New patients cannot schedule directly; your referring physician must refer you to Carolina Kidney Care. Established patients can contact our scheduling department to arrange appointments at our Fayetteville and Lumberton offices and our Roseboro satellite clinic.
We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tricare, Medicare, Medicaid, United Healthcare & many more.
Carolina Kidney Care has locations in Fayetteville and Lumberton, NC, and a satellite clinic in Roseboro, NC. The Roseboro clinic is open twice a month in the afternoon.
A nephrologist specializes in diagnosing and treating kidney diseases, managing high blood pressure, and correcting fluid and electrolyte imbalances.
Early stages may have no symptoms. Later symptoms can include swelling (especially in legs or face), fatigue, foamy urine, frequent urination, and high blood pressure.
You should see a kidney doctor if you have:
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Diabetes with abnormal labs
- Blood or protein in urine
- Declining kidney function
- Recurrent kidney stones
- Family history of kidney disease
CKD is a gradual, long-term loss of kidney function. It's divided into 5 stages. Stage 5 is kidney failure and may require dialysis" or transplant.
Chronic kidney disease usually cannot be reversed but can often be slowed with proper management, lifestyle changes, and medications.
Dialysis is a treatment that removes waste and fluid from your blood when your kidneys can no longer do so. It's needed when kidney failure reaches an advanced stage.
- Hemodialysis: Done at a clinic, uses a machine to filter your blood
- Peritoneal dialysis: Done at home, uses the lining of your abdomen to clean your blood
- Control your blood pressure and blood sugar
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid overuse of painkillers like NSAIDs
- Eat a kidney-friendly diet
- Get regular checkups
If your kidneys fail completely, your nephrologist may discuss transplant as an option. Not all patients require a transplant.
A renal diet may limit sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein. A dietitian can help you tailor your meals to your kidney function.
Once your treatment plan is established by your nephrologist, they will determine how often you should have follow-up appointments. The frequency of these visits will be based on your individual treatment needs and overall health.
Some drugs may need to be adjusted or avoided. Always review all prescriptions, supplements, and over-the-counter meds with your doctor.
Yes, some forms—like polycystic kidney disease—run in families. If you have a family history, screening may be advised.
Yes. With coordination, many dialysis centers accept travelers. Your team can help arrange treatment wherever you go.
GFR (glomerular filtration rate) estimates how well your kidneys are working. A lower number means poorer kidney function.