All is well with both of us. Sorry I haven't updated regularly, but no news is good news! My updates would have been pretty boring and redundant. I haven't had any negative issues and Greg is doing very well.
I am going to archive this blog and retire it if I can figure out how. Feel free to contact me via email, kdh621@gmail.com.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Monday, November 23, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving!
Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! Greg and I are both doing well. I will post a new Love Scar picture tomorrow.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
I Got My First Donation for the Kidney Walk!
I want to thank my cousin, George Cassels of North Carolina, for his donation to my team for the Kidney Walk in Columbus, OH on November 1, 2009! I love you and smooches!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Please Support Me at the Kidney Walk
I recently accepted the challenge of participating in the NKF's Kidney Walk. Click here to visit my personal page. Click here to view the team page for Bellasmommie and Friends | ||
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NKF Kidney Walk
Please sign up for a Kidney Walk with the NKF. Here is the link:
http://walk.kidney.org/site/PageServer?pagename=signup&s_event_state=1201
I am signing up for the Columbus Walk.
http://walk.kidney.org/site/PageServer?pagename=signup&s_event_state=1201
I am signing up for the Columbus Walk.
Love Scar 7/22/09
Nothing much to update! I am doing well and still have had no problems since donation.
Greg is also doing very well and goes back to the transplant center in September for a follow-up appointment.
I will update again after he goes to the doctor.
Email me if you have any questions!
I was also wondering if anyone has used Scar Guard. Thinking about trying it. Let me know if you have used it.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Extend Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Transplant Patients
I am totally pasting an email from the NKF here. Please read and email your congressperson!
Knowing someone who has to deal with the expense of drug coverage after transplant, I can tell you that it is outrageous and these people need this help. This should be covered just as dialysis is; it is actually a lot cheaper for Medicare to pay for the drugs than dialysis.
A Second Call for Action: Kelly, Ask Your Represenative to Support Extending Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplants
Extend Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplants
Take Action!
Help us help people with kidney transplants! Ask your Representative to co-sponsor HR 1458, legislation that would extend Medicare coverage of immunosuppressive drugs beyond the first 36 month after transplant. Since we launched this alert last week, we have sent 400 messages to Congress, but health care reform is building momentum, and we need you to act now by telling your Representative to act today.This legislation is one of the key provisions in the NKF End the Wait! Campaign. The bill will help transplant recipients maintain their kidney function, and will allow others to consider a transplant because they know the expensive drugs they need will be available without a time limitation. Organ transplant recipients must take immunosuppressive drugs for the life of the transplant to help prevent the body from rejecting the organ. Currently, Medicare pays for most kidney transplants but covers drugs for only 36 months post-transplant as part of the Medicare ESRD benefit. After that, kidney recipients must pay for immunosuppressive drugs through private insurance, public or pharmaceutical programs or pay out-of-pocket. (Medicare covers drugs without a time limit if the patient qualifies because of age or disability status.) Immunosuppressive drugs are expensive, but the alternative is even more costly. A kidney transplant recipient costs Medicare $17,000 annually. If the kidney transplant fails, the person returns to dialysis at which point, Medicare spends an average of $71,000 per year on a dialysis patient. And quality of life often suffers too. Click here to view the NKF's Immunosuppressive Drug Fact Sheet. Please take a moment to write your Representative today and ask him or her to co-sponsor HR 1458. Share your story, or the story of a loved one, about the experience with immunosuppressive drug coverage.
Thank you!
Jayne Mardock
Congressional Relations Director
Knowing someone who has to deal with the expense of drug coverage after transplant, I can tell you that it is outrageous and these people need this help. This should be covered just as dialysis is; it is actually a lot cheaper for Medicare to pay for the drugs than dialysis.
A Second Call for Action: Kelly, Ask Your Represenative to Support Extending Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplants
Extend Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplants
Take Action!
Help us help people with kidney transplants! Ask your Representative to co-sponsor HR 1458, legislation that would extend Medicare coverage of immunosuppressive drugs beyond the first 36 month after transplant. Since we launched this alert last week, we have sent 400 messages to Congress, but health care reform is building momentum, and we need you to act now by telling your Representative to act today.This legislation is one of the key provisions in the NKF End the Wait! Campaign. The bill will help transplant recipients maintain their kidney function, and will allow others to consider a transplant because they know the expensive drugs they need will be available without a time limitation. Organ transplant recipients must take immunosuppressive drugs for the life of the transplant to help prevent the body from rejecting the organ. Currently, Medicare pays for most kidney transplants but covers drugs for only 36 months post-transplant as part of the Medicare ESRD benefit. After that, kidney recipients must pay for immunosuppressive drugs through private insurance, public or pharmaceutical programs or pay out-of-pocket. (Medicare covers drugs without a time limit if the patient qualifies because of age or disability status.) Immunosuppressive drugs are expensive, but the alternative is even more costly. A kidney transplant recipient costs Medicare $17,000 annually. If the kidney transplant fails, the person returns to dialysis at which point, Medicare spends an average of $71,000 per year on a dialysis patient. And quality of life often suffers too. Click here to view the NKF's Immunosuppressive Drug Fact Sheet. Please take a moment to write your Representative today and ask him or her to co-sponsor HR 1458. Share your story, or the story of a loved one, about the experience with immunosuppressive drug coverage.
Thank you!
Jayne Mardock
Congressional Relations Director
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Just Some Facts
Every two hours a person dies from kidney failure.
Twenty-six million American adults have chronic kidney disease (CKD), and millions of others are at increased risk.
The gap between donations and transplants has grown 111 percent since 1998.
In 2009, 78,874 Americans were on the transplant waiting list, while only 16,518 kidneys were donated by both living and deceased donors in 2008.
Please consider organ donation!
Facts courtesy of the National Kidney Foundation.
Twenty-six million American adults have chronic kidney disease (CKD), and millions of others are at increased risk.
The gap between donations and transplants has grown 111 percent since 1998.
In 2009, 78,874 Americans were on the transplant waiting list, while only 16,518 kidneys were donated by both living and deceased donors in 2008.
Please consider organ donation!
Facts courtesy of the National Kidney Foundation.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
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END THE WAIT
END THE WAIT!
A Multi-Faceted Collaborative Initiative to End the Wait for a Kidney Transplant in the U.S. in 10 Years
http://www.kidney.org/news/end_the_wait/index.cfm
Friday, February 6, 2009
Busy, Busy, Busy!
I am sorry I haven't posted regularly in months. I have been really busy and have a lot going on.
Here's a little update:
Greg's 1 year check up was wonderful. He is healthy and feeling so much better. We did find out that the amazing Dr. Bashir Sankari is no longer with Charleston Area Medical Center's Transplant Team. He has relocated to Indianapolis to start a new transplant center. If anyone is considering donation near Indy, he is amazing and I would not hesitate to have him as a surgeon.
I am also fine; no problems with my health. Unless I want to count gaining back the weight I was losing! But I'm working on it. Goal is to lose at least 30 lbs. before my birthday; 50 lbs. by the end of the year. I adopted a very athletic new dog, Bella, from the Franklin County Animal Shelter so she will be helping with this weight loss plan. I will post a picture of her and the Love Scar later.
Rachel Widomski update: The man that ran her over last May was sentenced on Tuesday, February 3, 2009, to a total of 15 years. He accepted a plea bargain and was charged with an F3 felony instead of an F2. Had they pursued the F2, he could have been sentenced to 32 years. Something that really bothers me is that this man, Michael Rose, has 4 or 5 prior DUI convictions, yet the state hasn't permanently suspended his license. He should never be allowed to drive again. I am putting the link to Haikuhelp.com back on my site. Those of you able to donate, please do.
I also have some exciting info from a National Kidney Foundation newsletter that I will post after work tonight!
Anyone who needs to contact me, please email me at kdh621@gmail.com. I receive my emails immediately and if I am busy, I can get back to you sooner than if you leave a comment on the blog.
Thanks!
Here's a little update:
Greg's 1 year check up was wonderful. He is healthy and feeling so much better. We did find out that the amazing Dr. Bashir Sankari is no longer with Charleston Area Medical Center's Transplant Team. He has relocated to Indianapolis to start a new transplant center. If anyone is considering donation near Indy, he is amazing and I would not hesitate to have him as a surgeon.
I am also fine; no problems with my health. Unless I want to count gaining back the weight I was losing! But I'm working on it. Goal is to lose at least 30 lbs. before my birthday; 50 lbs. by the end of the year. I adopted a very athletic new dog, Bella, from the Franklin County Animal Shelter so she will be helping with this weight loss plan. I will post a picture of her and the Love Scar later.
Rachel Widomski update: The man that ran her over last May was sentenced on Tuesday, February 3, 2009, to a total of 15 years. He accepted a plea bargain and was charged with an F3 felony instead of an F2. Had they pursued the F2, he could have been sentenced to 32 years. Something that really bothers me is that this man, Michael Rose, has 4 or 5 prior DUI convictions, yet the state hasn't permanently suspended his license. He should never be allowed to drive again. I am putting the link to Haikuhelp.com back on my site. Those of you able to donate, please do.
I also have some exciting info from a National Kidney Foundation newsletter that I will post after work tonight!
Anyone who needs to contact me, please email me at kdh621@gmail.com. I receive my emails immediately and if I am busy, I can get back to you sooner than if you leave a comment on the blog.
Thanks!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Diabetes: The Leading Cause of Kidney Failure
Sorry I haven't posted in quite some time. I have been crazy busy. Here is detailed info about the leading cause of kidney failure. Info is courtesy of lifeclinic.com.
Diabetes is a disease which causes a high glucose level and can cause kidney failure. Kidney failure develops in about 20% of all patients with diabetes.
Diabetes is the most common cause of kidney failure. However, it's also true that most people with diabetes don't go on to have end-stage kidney disease (ESRD).
Early in diabetes, the blood-filtering units of the kidneys are damaged. This means important proteins are lost in the urine. A urine test that measures protein can show beginning diseases. Later in the disease, the kidneys can't remove waste products from the blood.
There are five stages of diabetic kidney disease with the last stage being kidney failure. On average it takes a person with diabetes over 20 years to progress to the end stage. Both types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2, can lead to kidney disease. Type 1 is more likely to lead to end-stage kidney failure.About 40 percent of people with Type 1 diabetes develop severe kidney disease and end-stage kidney failure by the age of 50. Type 2 causes 80 percent of the end-stage kidney failure in African Americans and Native Americans. The key to preventing kidney disease in people with both types of diabetes is not smoking, getting regular blood pressure and urine protein tests, and preventing high blood sugar.
Often there are no symptoms of the disease until it progresses to the late stages. When symptoms do appear they include:
Fatigue
Insomnia
Weakness
Vomiting
Swelling
About 40 percent of people with Type 1 diabetes develop severe kidney disease and end-stage kidney failure by the age of 50. Type 2 causes 80 percent of the end-stage kidney failure in African Americans and Native Americans. The key to preventing kidney disease in people with both types of diabetes is not smoking, getting regular blood pressure and urine protein tests, and preventing high blood sugar.
Stage II - Small amounts of blood protein known as albumin leak into the urine. This is called microalbuminuria.
Stage III - The loss of albumin and other proteins speeds up. Some patients develop high blood pressure. The kidneys continue to lose the ability to filter waste. Many people are first diagnosed with kidney disease at this stage.
Stage IV - In this stage large amounts of urine are passed through the kidneys and high blood pressure almost always occurs.
Stage V - The ability of the kidneys to filter waste almost stops. Kidney dialysis or transplants are treatment options.
Often there are no symptoms of the disease until it progresses to the late stages. When symptoms do appear they include:
Fatigue
Insomnia
Weakness
Vomiting
Swelling
Ways to prevent diabetes kidney problemsYou can prevent diabetes kidney problems through the following means:
Keep your blood glucose levels under control. Talk to your doctor about your HbA1c test and what your goal should be.
Keep your blood pressure under control (130/85 mmHg or lower).
Have your kidneys checked at least once a year by having your urine tested for small amounts of protein.
Talk to your doctor about being placed on an ACE inhibitor to protect your kidneys.
Have any other kidney tests that your doctor recommends.
See your doctor if you think you have a bladder or kidney infection.
I think it would be a good idea to make sure you have your glucose levels checked once a year, which is normally done at a yearly physical. EVERYONE should see their doctor at least once a year to have the basics checked. Don't wait until you don't feel well, a lot of damage can be prevented if the disease is caught early.
I will also post a new picture of the "Love Scar" tonight.
Diabetes is a disease which causes a high glucose level and can cause kidney failure. Kidney failure develops in about 20% of all patients with diabetes.
Diabetes is the most common cause of kidney failure. However, it's also true that most people with diabetes don't go on to have end-stage kidney disease (ESRD).
Early in diabetes, the blood-filtering units of the kidneys are damaged. This means important proteins are lost in the urine. A urine test that measures protein can show beginning diseases. Later in the disease, the kidneys can't remove waste products from the blood.
There are five stages of diabetic kidney disease with the last stage being kidney failure. On average it takes a person with diabetes over 20 years to progress to the end stage. Both types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2, can lead to kidney disease. Type 1 is more likely to lead to end-stage kidney failure.About 40 percent of people with Type 1 diabetes develop severe kidney disease and end-stage kidney failure by the age of 50. Type 2 causes 80 percent of the end-stage kidney failure in African Americans and Native Americans. The key to preventing kidney disease in people with both types of diabetes is not smoking, getting regular blood pressure and urine protein tests, and preventing high blood sugar.
Often there are no symptoms of the disease until it progresses to the late stages. When symptoms do appear they include:
Fatigue
Insomnia
Weakness
Vomiting
Swelling
About 40 percent of people with Type 1 diabetes develop severe kidney disease and end-stage kidney failure by the age of 50. Type 2 causes 80 percent of the end-stage kidney failure in African Americans and Native Americans. The key to preventing kidney disease in people with both types of diabetes is not smoking, getting regular blood pressure and urine protein tests, and preventing high blood sugar.
5 Stages of Diabetes
Stage I - The flow of blood through the kidneys increases and the kidneys get bigger. People can stay in this stage indefinitely or advance to Stage II after many years.Stage II - Small amounts of blood protein known as albumin leak into the urine. This is called microalbuminuria.
Stage III - The loss of albumin and other proteins speeds up. Some patients develop high blood pressure. The kidneys continue to lose the ability to filter waste. Many people are first diagnosed with kidney disease at this stage.
Stage IV - In this stage large amounts of urine are passed through the kidneys and high blood pressure almost always occurs.
Stage V - The ability of the kidneys to filter waste almost stops. Kidney dialysis or transplants are treatment options.
Often there are no symptoms of the disease until it progresses to the late stages. When symptoms do appear they include:
Fatigue
Insomnia
Weakness
Vomiting
Swelling
Ways to prevent diabetes kidney problemsYou can prevent diabetes kidney problems through the following means:
Keep your blood glucose levels under control. Talk to your doctor about your HbA1c test and what your goal should be.
Keep your blood pressure under control (130/85 mmHg or lower).
Have your kidneys checked at least once a year by having your urine tested for small amounts of protein.
Talk to your doctor about being placed on an ACE inhibitor to protect your kidneys.
Have any other kidney tests that your doctor recommends.
See your doctor if you think you have a bladder or kidney infection.
I think it would be a good idea to make sure you have your glucose levels checked once a year, which is normally done at a yearly physical. EVERYONE should see their doctor at least once a year to have the basics checked. Don't wait until you don't feel well, a lot of damage can be prevented if the disease is caught early.
I will also post a new picture of the "Love Scar" tonight.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis
The following information was copied from the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is scar tissue that forms in areas of the kidney that filter certain things out of the body. These areas are called glomeruli. They help the body get rid of harmful or unnecessary substances. Each kidney has thousands of glomeruli.
"Focal" means that some of the glomeruli become scarred, while others remain normal. "Segmental" means that only part of an individual glomerulus is damaged.
Causes
The cause of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is usually unknown. A small number of cases result from reflux nephropathy. The condition affects both children and adults. Males are affected slightly more often than females, and it also occurs more frequently in African Americans.
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis causes about 10 - 15% of all cases of nephrotic syndrome.
Symptoms
Foamy urine
Swelling of the body, called generalized edema, from retained fluids
Weight gain
Poor appetite
Exams and Tests
There are no strong clues to the diagnosis on physical examination, other than evidence of edema and elevated blood pressure. Signs of kidney renal failure and associated fluid overload may develop as the illness gets worse.
Tests may include:
Urinalysis
Kidney biopsy
Immunofluorescence microscopy test
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to control the symptoms associated with nephrotic syndrome and chronic kidney failure. For detailed treatment information for those conditions, see:
Nephrotic syndrome
Chronic kidney failure
In general, treatments may include:
Low or moderate protein diet (1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight per day)
Low fat diet
Salt-free diet
Fluid restriction
Powerful anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce the immune response
Medicines to treat high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and high triglyceride levels
Antibiotics to control infections
Vitamin D supplementation
Dialysis
Kidney transplantation
Outlook
Over half of all persons with focal or segmental glomerulosclerosis develop chronic kidney failure within 10 years.
Possible Complications
Chronic kidney failure
End-stage kidney disease
Nephrotic syndrome
Malnutrition
Infection
When to Contact a Medical Professional
You should call your doctor if symptoms develop, especially if there is fever, pain with urination, or decreased urine output.
Prevention
No prevention is known.
Update Date: 5/15/2007
Updated by: Robert Mushnick, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Nephrology, SUNY Downstate Health Center, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process. A.D.A.M.
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is scar tissue that forms in areas of the kidney that filter certain things out of the body. These areas are called glomeruli. They help the body get rid of harmful or unnecessary substances. Each kidney has thousands of glomeruli.
"Focal" means that some of the glomeruli become scarred, while others remain normal. "Segmental" means that only part of an individual glomerulus is damaged.
Causes
The cause of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is usually unknown. A small number of cases result from reflux nephropathy. The condition affects both children and adults. Males are affected slightly more often than females, and it also occurs more frequently in African Americans.
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis causes about 10 - 15% of all cases of nephrotic syndrome.
Symptoms
Foamy urine
Swelling of the body, called generalized edema, from retained fluids
Weight gain
Poor appetite
Exams and Tests
There are no strong clues to the diagnosis on physical examination, other than evidence of edema and elevated blood pressure. Signs of kidney renal failure and associated fluid overload may develop as the illness gets worse.
Tests may include:
Urinalysis
Kidney biopsy
Immunofluorescence microscopy test
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to control the symptoms associated with nephrotic syndrome and chronic kidney failure. For detailed treatment information for those conditions, see:
Nephrotic syndrome
Chronic kidney failure
In general, treatments may include:
Low or moderate protein diet (1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight per day)
Low fat diet
Salt-free diet
Fluid restriction
Powerful anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce the immune response
Medicines to treat high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and high triglyceride levels
Antibiotics to control infections
Vitamin D supplementation
Dialysis
Kidney transplantation
Outlook
Over half of all persons with focal or segmental glomerulosclerosis develop chronic kidney failure within 10 years.
Possible Complications
Chronic kidney failure
End-stage kidney disease
Nephrotic syndrome
Malnutrition
Infection
When to Contact a Medical Professional
You should call your doctor if symptoms develop, especially if there is fever, pain with urination, or decreased urine output.
Prevention
No prevention is known.
Update Date: 5/15/2007
Updated by: Robert Mushnick, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Nephrology, SUNY Downstate Health Center, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process. A.D.A.M.
My 6th month post-op check up
Just wanted to update everyone that my test results all came back with everything in normal ranges. I have been lucky with the consequences of my decision to donate. My blood pressure never increased and my only complaint is the itching of the Love Scar. In my next post, I am going to post some info about FSGS. This is the disease that caused Greg's kidney failure. I thought it would be a good idea to spend some time here talking about what causes kidney failure and FSGS seems like a good place to start. If anyone has something they would like me to write about, leave me a comment and I will do my best to find information for you.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Medicare Bill Passed By Senate!!
Yippee, the Senate approved the Medicare bill passed by the House in June! It is veto-proof with a 69-30 vote!! I am pasting the info from an email I received from the AMA Patient's Action Network below:
Great news! On Wednesday, July 9, the U.S. Senate passed H.R. 6331, the “Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008,” by a veto-proof majority of 69-30.
Eighteen Republican senators joined Senate Democrats to make this a truly bipartisan process. See how your senators voted here, and send an e-mail to say thank you for voting on behalf of patients and the doctors who care for them.
Thank you so much for your tireless efforts. This was a monumental grassroots effort that really turned the tide, and we proved that together we are stronger!
The bill must now be signed into law by President George W. Bush, who has signaled on more than one occasion that he intends to veto it. However, given the fact that the payment cuts have already occurred and that the bill passed both chambers of Congress with the two-thirds majority needed to override a veto, there is some reason to question the next steps by the White House. Of course, we will keep you apprised as we learn more.
Again, many thanks for your help in this effort!AMA Patient's Action Network. Please take some time to thank your congressional representatives.
Great news! On Wednesday, July 9, the U.S. Senate passed H.R. 6331, the “Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008,” by a veto-proof majority of 69-30.
Eighteen Republican senators joined Senate Democrats to make this a truly bipartisan process. See how your senators voted here, and send an e-mail to say thank you for voting on behalf of patients and the doctors who care for them.
Thank you so much for your tireless efforts. This was a monumental grassroots effort that really turned the tide, and we proved that together we are stronger!
The bill must now be signed into law by President George W. Bush, who has signaled on more than one occasion that he intends to veto it. However, given the fact that the payment cuts have already occurred and that the bill passed both chambers of Congress with the two-thirds majority needed to override a veto, there is some reason to question the next steps by the White House. Of course, we will keep you apprised as we learn more.
Again, many thanks for your help in this effort!AMA Patient's Action Network. Please take some time to thank your congressional representatives.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Some Facts About Chronic Kidney Disease
I thought it might be helpful to post some facts about chronic kidney disease. If left untreated, this will lead to end stage renal failure. To live with end stage renal failure requires either dialysis for life or transplant.
I urge everyone to be checked for kidney disease. It only requires a simple blood and urine test. Chronic kidney disease can be treated and is manageable. Don't allow it to proceed to kidney failure. The following facts are courtesy of the National Kidney Foundation.
The Facts About Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
26 million Americans have CKD and another 20 million more are at increased risk.
Early detection can help prevent the progression of kidney disease to kidney failure.
Heart disease is the major cause of death for all people with CKD.
Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the best estimate of kidney function.
Hypertension causes CKD and CKD causes hypertension.
Persistent proteinuria means CKD.
High risk groups include those with diabetes, hypertension and family history of kidney disease.
African Americans, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders, Native Americans and Seniors are at increased risk.
Three simple tests can detect CKD: blood pressure, urine albumin and serum creatinine.
More than 500 million persons worldwide - 10% of the adult population - have some form of kidney damage, and every year millions die prematurely of cardiovascular diseases linked to CKD.
Globally the most common causes of CKD have been nephrotic or inflammatory diseases of the kidney, infections, obstruction in the urinary tract and inherited disorders like polycystic kidney disease. This is changing in both developed and developing nations towards diabetes and hypertension, which are also the most common causes of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
If you link to the National Kidney Foundation website, www.kidney.org, there is a link for free screening tests. This means there is absolutely no reason not to be tested. It's free!
I urge everyone to be checked for kidney disease. It only requires a simple blood and urine test. Chronic kidney disease can be treated and is manageable. Don't allow it to proceed to kidney failure. The following facts are courtesy of the National Kidney Foundation.
The Facts About Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
26 million Americans have CKD and another 20 million more are at increased risk.
Early detection can help prevent the progression of kidney disease to kidney failure.
Heart disease is the major cause of death for all people with CKD.
Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the best estimate of kidney function.
Hypertension causes CKD and CKD causes hypertension.
Persistent proteinuria means CKD.
High risk groups include those with diabetes, hypertension and family history of kidney disease.
African Americans, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders, Native Americans and Seniors are at increased risk.
Three simple tests can detect CKD: blood pressure, urine albumin and serum creatinine.
More than 500 million persons worldwide - 10% of the adult population - have some form of kidney damage, and every year millions die prematurely of cardiovascular diseases linked to CKD.
Globally the most common causes of CKD have been nephrotic or inflammatory diseases of the kidney, infections, obstruction in the urinary tract and inherited disorders like polycystic kidney disease. This is changing in both developed and developing nations towards diabetes and hypertension, which are also the most common causes of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
If you link to the National Kidney Foundation website, www.kidney.org, there is a link for free screening tests. This means there is absolutely no reason not to be tested. It's free!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Love Scar, 5 months post-op
Sorry, it is a little dark but I think it looks like it is healing nicely and maybe fading a little!H.R. 6331 in the House of Representatives today
I received an email yesterday from the American Medical Association. I am pasting it below. It relates to stopping the cuts in Medicare to patients and providers. This is extremely important for people who have received a transplant and are not able to go back to work immediately. Please sign up with the AMA to stay informed of this action. Also, take action with your local representatives!!
Dear Kelly:
As we mentioned in our last Medicare update, “the Medicare issue is still very much alive, but the situation will remain fluid and potentially change quickly.” Well, that prediction is coming true!
The U.S. House of Representatives plans to take up a bill tomorrow—on Tuesday, June 24—to stop the Medicare cuts that are coming on July 1.
Please call Representative Tiberi NOW and urge a YES vote on H.R. 6331, the “Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008.” Use our hotline at (888) 434-6200.
There is not enough time for e-mails—phone calls are the only way to make your voice heard in time!
If you’ve never called a congressional office before, check out our guide to “Communicating with Congress.” To see how the cuts will impact patients and physicians in your state, click here and pull down your state.
Thank you for your tireless work on this issue. Your participation in the Patients Action Network is very important and deeply appreciated!
Dear Kelly:
As we mentioned in our last Medicare update, “the Medicare issue is still very much alive, but the situation will remain fluid and potentially change quickly.” Well, that prediction is coming true!
The U.S. House of Representatives plans to take up a bill tomorrow—on Tuesday, June 24—to stop the Medicare cuts that are coming on July 1.
Please call Representative Tiberi NOW and urge a YES vote on H.R. 6331, the “Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008.” Use our hotline at (888) 434-6200.
There is not enough time for e-mails—phone calls are the only way to make your voice heard in time!
If you’ve never called a congressional office before, check out our guide to “Communicating with Congress.” To see how the cuts will impact patients and physicians in your state, click here and pull down your state.
Thank you for your tireless work on this issue. Your participation in the Patients Action Network is very important and deeply appreciated!
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