It is estimated that 1 in every 7 American adults are afflicted with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Often referred to as the “silent disease” due to its initial lack of noticeable symptoms, the disease has a higher mortality rate than breast or prostate cancer.

In light of this, it’s crucial that patients understand the risk factors, symptoms and available treatments that can help combat this dreaded disease.

CKD occurs when kidneys are restricted in their ability to clean the blood of harmful toxins and waste. Often brought upon by diabetes and high blood pressure - and compounded by family history, smoking and African American ethnicity - CKD commonly results in a number of life-threatening complications such as anemia.

Warning signs include nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, sleep loss, difficulty concentrating, cramps, feet and ankle swelling, shortness of breath, uncontrolled high blood pressure and chest pain. When these appear, your primary care provider may refer you to a nephrology specialist for further analysis and treatment.

In addition to screening and diagnosis services, Watson Clinic nephrologists care for patients who require dialysis treatments, provide hospital-based consultations for patients with kidney failure, and work with partners to expedite kidney transplant procedures. In fact, patients who receive care from facilities that are partnered with Watson Clinic are 2 ½ times more likely to procure a kidney transplant when compared to the state average.

Dialysis patients can receive care and counsel from Watson Clinic nephrologists at nearly every center in the county, including the Lakeland and Haines City facilities where they serve as medical directors.

When more specialized care is needed, the department can offer swift referrals to additional kidney specialists and care facilities across the region.

Watson Clinic Main
1600 Lakeland Hills Blvd.
Lakeland, FL 33815