Q&A: When will I start dialysis?
Answer to a common question about dialysis.
Q&A: HLA Tissue Typing
Question I am currently on the Transplant waiting list. During a call for a possible kidney, which due to unforeseen circumstances did not go ahead, I was told the match was 210. I have read some information about tissue typing but find it has too much jargon. Is it possible to have a clear, uncomplicated, […]
Q&A: Clinical Psychology
Jessica Dean offers advice on how to approach discussing a CKD diagnosis and potential treatments with loved ones.
My Week on Home Haemodialysis
Starting haemodialysis at home is a little daunting, but also liberating. It doesn’t take any less time than it would in the unit, and you have to be self-disciplined to do the required dialysis sessions, as well as all the necessary setting up, disposal of clinical waste, and routine maintenance needed. The beauty of […]
Line Versus Fistula? – My Personal Experience
When I first learned that the time for dialysis treatment or transplant was approaching, I was invited to speak with a specialist nurse about dialysis options. She visited me at home bringing pictures of dialysis equipment and treatment. When I saw the pictures showing patient fistulas, I immediately decided that I wouldn’t be going down […]
My Dialysis Journey So Far by Pat Greenwood
Over 30 years ago, I was diagnosed with IgA Nephropathy following blood and urine tests prior to a trial for asthma medication. Although I hardly had any symptoms apart from raised blood pressure, over time, my kidney function gradually declined. It hardly affected my life at all – I had a healthy baby boy in […]
Q&As with Hilary Brothwood
With the lockdown, many of us have had limited exposure to sunlight – what are your thoughts on vitamin D supplements? Firstly, the kidneys have an important role in activating Vitamin D and converting what you get from sunlight into a usable form for your body. When your kidneys do not work fully, then […]
Q&As about clinicians with Dr Hameed Anijeet
Q&A: Clinician Questions for Dr Hameed Anijeet 1. It’s too late for me, but for other patients who don’t respond to the normal pathway of treatment and medications, what is being done? Are you opening up to more ‘trial drugs’ or looking into non-traditional methods of treatment? Thank you for your question. Like all the […]
Lockdown Blues
Hi, All; first, let me say that I hope you are all doing the best you can during these crazy times we find ourselves in. I, like so many people during the first 3 months, was unable to leave my flat at all and was finding that difficult as we all were. My job […]