Living with Kidney Failure

Living with Kidney Failure

Kidney Failure

Have your doctors told you that they suspect kidney failure? You are probably going through a really tough time, now. After all, being told that your kidneys do not function well could be a life-changing experience. In the following period, you would not just have to find the physical strength to take the recommended medication, and follow the necessary medical treatments, you need to find the emotional strength to push forward, and try your best to beat this disease. Here is some important information you need to know about kidney disease, and what it means to live with kidney failure.


What is Kidney Failure?

Kidneys are the organs in the body that filter blood and urine. They filter all the waste, and the harmful chemicals from the urine, absorb all the necessary minerals, and then get rid of the waste. If you suffer from kidney failure, it means that your kidneys do not perform this task properly. Kidney failure causes the harmful wastes to build up in your body. This will slowly start affecting the other parts of your body, and damage your health, as well.

Can kidney Failure be Treated?

People suffering from kidney failure can still lead a long and healthy life, if they opt for a kidney transplant or dialysis. You can talk to your health care provider, and find out which option would be better for you.

Once you have gotten in touch with your health care physician about the treatments you may consider, the health care provider will give you the benefits and disadvantages of both treatments. They will also provide you with information regarding the steps you have to take before you go into any one of these treatments.


How to Prepare for Dialysis

There are two types of dialysis- hemodialysis, and peritoneal dialysis. In hemodialysis, the blood in your body goes through a filter that is located outside your body. The filter removes the wastes, and the clean blood is returned back into your body. Hemodialysis can be done at home, or in the hospital. It is done about thrice a week. Make sure you discuss the vascular access options with your physician (vascular access will determine the way the blood is removed from your body, and returned).

Peritoneal dialysis, on the other hand, uses the lining of your abdominal cavity to filter your blood. A small quantity of fluid will be injected into your abdomen, and this fluid will absorb all the waste from the blood. This fluid will then be drained away from your body. This type of dialysis is usually done at home. However, it has to be done every day. Of course, this can be done when the patient is asleep, as well.


How to Prepare for Kidney Transplant

A kidney transplant might be more complicated than the other types, because of the fact that you need to go through a medical evaluation first. You will be able to get a kidney transplant only if you clear this evaluation. After you have cleared the evaluation, you will be put on a waiting list, till they find a kidney that is a good match for your body.

It can be quite difficult for a person to wait for a kidney transplant, but with the help of the right medical professional, and some good caregivers, you will be able to wait the necessary amount of time, till you get the kidney.


Emotional Support During This Period

Living with kidney failure can be quite difficult. After all, it’s a trying time. If you feel like you are losing hope, or if you feel like you have been wronged, you should certainly talk to your caregivers about it. It would be a good idea for you to go to a therapist, who will be able to provide you with the kind of comfort and mental strength you need during these trying times.

Sehat provides list of best Nephrologists in Hyderabad from which you can research and choose the right doctor for your condition.

Reviewed By:

Dr. Kaushal M. Bhavsar (MBBS, MD)

Assistant Professor in Pulmonary Medicine, GMERS Medical College, Ahmedabad