Living with Kidney Failure in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Kidney failure, also called end-stage kidney disease, happens when your kidneys lose most of their ability to filter waste and extra fluid from your blood. Kidney disease is classified in stages based on how well your kidneys are working. When kidney function drops below about 10%, you have kidney failure and need treatment to stay alive.

In Grand Rapids and across West Michigan, people living with kidney failure have several treatment options, including dialysis, kidney transplant, and supportive or palliative care. Your care team at local health systems such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health can help you choose the option that fits your health and lifestyle.

Treatment Options for Kidney Failure in Grand Rapids

If your kidneys have failed, you generally need dialysis or a kidney transplant. Some people, however, choose supportive or palliative care instead of life‑prolonging treatments.

Main treatment options

  • Unit-based hemodialysis – dialysis in a hospital or dialysis center
  • Home hemodialysis – dialysis at home with training and support
  • Peritoneal dialysis (PD) – uses the lining of your abdomen to filter blood
    • Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) – four manual fluid exchanges per day
    • Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD) – done overnight with a machine while you sleep
  • Kidney transplant – surgery to receive a healthy kidney
  • Supportive or palliative care – focuses on comfort and quality of life without dialysis or transplant

Nephrology teams in Grand Rapids work closely with you and your family to explain each option, including benefits, risks, and how it fits your daily life, work, and family responsibilities.

Kidney Transplant Care in West Michigan

A kidney transplant can offer:

  • A more active and longer life for many people
  • Fewer dietary and fluid restrictions compared with dialysis
  • Greater freedom for work, travel, and family activities

However:

  • Not everyone is medically suitable for a transplant.
  • There are not enough donated kidneys for everyone on the waiting list.
  • You will likely need to spend time on dialysis while waiting for a suitable kidney.

Grand Rapids residents are often evaluated and followed by transplant teams through major health systems in Michigan and the Great Lakes region. Your nephrologist in Grand Rapids will coordinate referrals and pre‑transplant testing and help manage your care before and after surgery.

After transplant, you must take immunosuppressant medications (and often steroids) long‑term. These weaken your immune system, so you’ll need to be extra careful about infections, vaccinations, and general health—especially during Michigan’s long cold and flu season.

Dialysis Options in Grand Rapids

Unit-based hemodialysis

Hemodialysis in a dialysis center or hospital is supervised by trained staff. In Grand Rapids, this is commonly provided through:

  • Hospital-based dialysis units at Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, and affiliated clinics
  • Independent dialysis centers throughout Kent County

What to expect:

  • Typically three sessions per week
  • Each session lasts about 4–5 hours
  • You’ll need reliable transportation to and from the unit
  • Staff monitor your blood pressure, weight, and overall well‑being

This option may be best if you prefer close medical supervision or are not able to manage home dialysis yourself.

Home-based hemodialysis

With home hemodialysis, you or a trained caregiver perform dialysis at home. Benefits include:

  • More flexibility with your schedule
  • The option for more frequent treatments, which may help you feel better
  • Less time spent traveling in winter weather, which can be a major advantage during icy West Michigan months

You will receive extensive training from your dialysis team to perform home treatments safely and reduce the risk of infection or complications. If you cannot manage your own dialysis, a family member or caregiver can be trained.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) at home

Peritoneal dialysis is a continuous and gentler form of dialysis that can help preserve any remaining kidney function for longer. It uses a soft tube (catheter) placed in your abdomen.

Types of PD:

  • CAPD (Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis)

    • You do about four fluid exchanges per day
    • Exchanges can be scheduled around your daily routine (morning, lunchtime, evening, bedtime)
    • Requires a clean, private area for each bag exchange

  • APD (Automated Peritoneal Dialysis)

    • Done overnight while you sleep using a machine
    • Leaves your daytime free for work, school, or activities

PD can be especially convenient for people in Grand Rapids who want to avoid frequent trips in snow or icy conditions, or who have busy work and family schedules.

Supportive and Palliative Care for Kidney Failure

Some people with kidney failure choose not to start dialysis or pursue transplant. Instead, they may opt for:

  • Supportive care – managing symptoms such as nausea, itching, swelling, and fatigue
  • Palliative care – focusing on comfort, pain control, and quality of life
  • Hospice care – when life expectancy is limited and a comfort‑focused approach is preferred

In Grand Rapids, supportive and palliative care services are available through:

  • Hospital programs at local health systems
  • Community palliative care and hospice organizations
  • Kent County and Grand Rapids public health and social services resources

Your healthcare team can help you understand what to expect with each approach and support you and your family through these decisions.

Choosing the Right Kidney Failure Treatment

Your choice of treatment may be influenced by:

  • Medical needs – other health conditions, age, heart health, infection risk
  • Lifestyle – work schedule, family responsibilities, travel plans, hobbies
  • Home situation – space for equipment, cleanliness, caregiver support
  • Personal preference – comfort with needles, desire for independence, tolerance for hospital visits

Your nephrologist and dialysis team will review all options and help you switch treatments if one type of dialysis no longer suits you. It is usually possible to transition between unit-based hemodialysis, home hemodialysis, and peritoneal dialysis over time.

Mental Health and Emotional Support in Grand Rapids

Kidney failure and its treatments are life‑changing. Many people experience:

  • Fear or uncertainty about the future
  • Depression or low mood
  • Anxiety, especially when starting dialysis or after transplant surgery
  • Stress about work, finances, or family roles

In Grand Rapids, you can access:

  • Your primary care doctor or nephrologist
  • Psychiatrists and clinical psychologists through local health systems
  • Social workers and counselors in hospital and community settings
  • Support groups for people with kidney disease and their families

Staying connected with family and friends, joining a kidney disease support group, or talking with a counselor can improve both your physical and emotional well‑being.

Because Michigan’s dark, cold winters can worsen mood for some people, it’s especially important to watch for signs of depression and ask your healthcare team for help early.

Medication Safety and Medical ID

Whatever treatment you choose:

  • Take all medications exactly as prescribed.
  • Do not change doses or stop medications without talking to your doctor.
  • Ask your pharmacist about drug interactions, especially if you take over‑the‑counter pain relievers, herbal supplements, or cold/flu remedies that are common in Michigan’s winter months.

Consider wearing a medical alert bracelet or necklace stating that you:

  • Are on dialysis, or
  • Have a kidney transplant and take immunosuppressant medication

This helps emergency responders in West Michigan know you may need special care in an emergency.

Nutrition and Fluid Needs with Kidney Failure

Your diet and fluid needs depend on:

  • Whether you are on hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, or supportive care
  • Whether you have a kidney transplant
  • Your blood test results and other health conditions

Working with a dietitian in Grand Rapids

Ask your doctor for a referral to a renal dietitian. Dietitians work in:

  • Local hospitals and dialysis centers
  • Community health clinics and private practices in Kent County

They can help you plan meals that fit your treatment, culture, and budget.

General nutrition guidelines

  • On hemodialysis in a unit:

    • You may need stricter fluid limits, because you usually dialyze only three times per week.
    • You may need to limit foods high in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus.

  • On peritoneal dialysis or home hemodialysis:

    • Dialysis is done more often, so you may have slightly more flexibility with food and fluids.

  • After a kidney transplant:

    • Maintaining a healthy body weight is crucial to protect your new kidney.
    • Excess weight can strain your transplanted kidney and increase blood pressure and diabetes risk.

Eating a balanced diet with plenty of appropriate fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains—while following your specific kidney diet plan—can improve your overall health and energy.

Exercise and Physical Activity in West Michigan

Physical activity is recommended for nearly everyone, including people:

  • On hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis
  • Living with supportive care
  • After a kidney transplant

Benefits include:

  • Better heart and blood vessel health
  • Improved strength and energy
  • Reduced stress and anxiety
  • Support for a healthy body weight

Getting started safely

  • Ask your dialysis or transplant team before beginning or changing an exercise program.
  • After transplant surgery, start gently and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise until your team says it is safe.
  • Dialysis can cause fatigue, but many people are able to walk regularly, do light strength exercises, or even return to sports.

Local and seasonal considerations

In Grand Rapids:

  • Winter: Indoor walking tracks, malls, community centers, and home exercise equipment can help you stay active when sidewalks are icy.
  • Summer and fall: Parks, trails along the Grand River, and neighborhood walks can be great low‑cost options.

If you are on peritoneal dialysis and have a permanent tube in your abdomen, talk with your doctor before swimming or doing water sports.

Work, School, and Daily Life with Kidney Failure

Many people in Grand Rapids return to work or school while on dialysis or after a transplant.

Returning to work

  • Home dialysis often offers the greatest flexibility for work schedules.
  • Some people continue or return to work while on hospital‑based hemodialysis by scheduling treatments early in the morning, in the evening, or on specific days.
  • Overnight peritoneal dialysis (APD) leaves your daytime hours free for work or school.
  • CAPD can be done at lunchtime or breaks if you have a clean, private space at work.

Most employers are willing to work with you on scheduling and accommodations. Under federal and state laws, you may have rights to reasonable workplace adjustments. Talk with your doctor, social worker, or human resources department about what you may need.

After a successful transplant, many people return to full‑time work. Ask your transplant team when it is safe to go back and whether you need temporary changes in your duties.

Traveling with Kidney Failure

Travel is possible with dialysis or after a transplant, but it requires planning.

Traveling on dialysis

  • Peritoneal dialysis (PD):

    • You’ll need to arrange for supplies to be delivered to your home before you leave or to your destination.
    • Make sure you have a clean area for exchanges while traveling.

  • Hemodialysis:

    • You must book dialysis sessions at a unit near your travel destination in advance.
    • Your Grand Rapids dialysis team can help you find and contact dialysis centers in other cities or states.

This is especially important during busy travel seasons, such as summer trips around the Great Lakes or holidays.

Traveling after a transplant

  • Ask your transplant team when you are ready to travel.
  • Carry a generous supply of all medications in your carry‑on bag if flying.
  • If you plan to travel to a developing country, talk with your doctor about vaccinations. Some vaccines may not be recommended or may need to be timed carefully because of your immunosuppressant medications.

Always carry your transplant clinic’s contact information and a summary of your medical history when traveling.

Local Resources for Kidney Care in Grand Rapids

If you are living with kidney failure in Grand Rapids or West Michigan, you can seek help from:

  • Nephrology and dialysis services at:

    • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health)
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health and affiliated clinics

  • Public health and community resources:

    • Kent County Health Department – information on chronic disease management, vaccinations, and local programs
    • Grand Rapids Public Health and community health centers – support with nutrition, mental health, and social services

  • National kidney organizations:

    • Kidney disease education, support groups, and patient resources
    • Telephone and online services to help you understand your condition and treatment options

Ask your doctor, social worker, or dialysis nurse for specific local contacts and support groups.

Key Points About Living with Kidney Failure in Grand Rapids

  • Kidney disease progresses in stages; kidney failure occurs when kidney function is very low (usually under 10%).
  • Treatment options include unit-based hemodialysis, home hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis (CAPD or APD), kidney transplant, or supportive/palliative care.
  • You may need to spend time on dialysis while waiting for a transplant.
  • Your choice of treatment depends on medical suitability, lifestyle, home situation, and personal preference, and it is usually possible to change dialysis types if needed.
  • Good mental health support, nutrition, exercise, and medication management are essential for living well with kidney failure in West Michigan’s climate and seasons.

Talk with your Grand Rapids healthcare team about which treatment is right for you and what local resources are available to support you and your family.