Why would you need a kidney transplant in the first place? When your kidneys have been under severe stress for a prolonged period, and are unable to function properly any longer, it is called end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Your kidneys’ main function is to filter and remove excess waste, minerals, and fluid — particularly water — from the blood by producing urine. When this excretory function is hampered, it leads to all kinds of secondary illnesses and complications.
Keeping yourself and your loved ones healthy and safe from untoward incidents is one of your biggest responsibilities. You should be particularly alert and watchful for the possibility of kidney disease if any of the following are true:
While there could be other underlying reasons for some of the symptoms troubling you, like sleeplessness or disturbed sleep (which might arise from stress at work or even due to the menstrual cycle); some signs should never be ignored. Since the principal job of the kidneys is to eliminate body waste products, especially urea, and extra water; you need to begin worrying as soon as any of you begins to suffer from swelling of the ankles and legs, or has puffiness under the eyes. Very high blood pressure, difficulty in breathing, difficulty in evacuating urine, and disorientation are some of the symptoms which should send you to your doctor to rule out the onset of kidney failure. Since your kidneys are designed to compensate for a loss of function, you might not notice anything till major adversity, or irreversible damage has set in.
Other red flags to look out for: If your skin has become overly dry, or itchy without much justification; you frequently feel nauseated, or have vomiting fits without being pregnant or having indigestion; take over-the-counter painkillers frequently; have lost appetite; suffer from cramps or muscular twitches; and/or an overwhelming sense of exhaustion or weakness — see a doctor immediately.
our doctor wants you to live longer, have fewer dietary restrictions, and enjoy a better quality of life. After an exhaustive examination which will include laboratory tests; if chronic kidney disease (CKD) or ESRD is detected, your urologist will explore treatment options. If your ailment is not too far advanced, then she/he might look to treating with medicines and dietary modifications. However, if there has been major damage, then the options are dialysis and kidney transplant. If your kidneys stop working suddenly, then it could be due to drug abuse, or use of illegal drugs. It could also be because the blood is not circulating properly which in itself could be due to a heart attack.
Preemptive transplant: Your doctor might decide to opt for a preemptive kidney transplant without having put you through dialysis for a while, especially if there is a donor readily available, while other parameters indicate successful transplant. It would depend on various factors like age, whether it is total kidney failure or whether the kidney is still working partially, and other contraindications.
Your doctor is concerned about your well-being at all times. The conditions which might prevent you’re being eligible for a kidney transplant include:
Your transplant care team at Asian Centre For Urology and Kidney Transplant works together to provide you world class treatment. Contact them in an emergency.