There are two options if your kidney has failed to function, one is you need dialysis and the other is you would need a kidney transplant to stay alive. Although it has been found that dialysis or kidney transplant is quite a challenging procedure after kidney failure, there are many people who go on to live active and productive lives for many years.Your nephrologist at Bangalore should decide what is best for your case, the choice of treatment should suit your needs, but a transplant usually offers a longer and more active life.
Life expectancy after kidney failure – When there is a kidney failure, the immediate requirement would be dialysis or a kidney transplant. The life expectancy for a male person would be different when compared to a female. A 40 year old man with stage 4 kidney disease would have a life expectancy of 14 years after diagnosis, while a 40 year old woman can expect to live 16 years more. All this depends on the right diet and the medication which could still slow down the disease progression.
Life after Kidney Failure – Although kidney failure has no cure, with the right treatment it is possible to live a long and fulfilling life. Having kidney failure is not a death sentence, as people with kidney failure live active lives and continue to do things they wish to do.
Do kidneys start working again after failure – Acute kidney failure can be often reversed as kidneys usually start working again within several weeks to months after the non functional kidney is treated. Dialysis would be needed until then.
How kidney failure affects life – Damaged kidneys do not have the capability to filter well, as a result waste products and fluid can build up in the body, causing swelling in the ankles, nausea, weakness, poor sleep, and shortness of breath. Consulting a nephrologist is necessary, as without treatment the damage could get worse, finally the kidneys can stop functioning, causing a serious threat to life.
What happens when kidneys fail – When your kidney fails or stops working totally, your body fills up with extra water and waste products, and this condition is known as uremia. The result of uremia is your hands and feet start swelling, tiredness and weakness increases because your body needs clean blood to function properly. Coming to the fact whether kidney failure causes pain, it does cause some pain and discomfort in different parts of the body.
Dialysis is a death sentence- Myth or Fact: No, dialysis is not a death sentence.
When the nephrologist in Bangalore makes a decision along with you and your family, that you need to undergo dialysis, you should understand that the procedure is done to keep you living for some more time and also to feel better. It is also a myth the dialysis is expensive or unaffordable for the normal patient.
Long term solution for kidney failure patients – When you have a kidney failure, it is a fact that the kidneys have stopped working and they need treatment, which a nephrologist in Bangalore can decide. Since there is no cure for kidney failure, many people have lived long on dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Summary:
- When your kidneys have less than 10% of functioning remaining, this condition is called end-stage kidney disease or kidney failure.
- Once you have kidney failure, you would need to consult a nephrologist in Bangalore who will direct you to go in for dialysis or a transplant to stay alive.
- When your kidney has failed, the procedure of dialysis or kidney transplant can be challenging, although many people go on to lead an active and productive life.
- Home dialysis offers you more flexibility to exercise, work, and travel too, as it gives more freedom in what you choose to eat and drink as dialysis would be done in shorter intervals.
Options for living with kidney disease:
- Unit-based haemodialysis- in a hospital or other dialysis unit
- Home haemodialysis
- Automated peritoneal dialysis(APD) – overnight dialysis at home while you sleep
- Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) – four fluid exchanges per day that you can fit into your everyday life.
- Kidney transplant
- Supportive or palliative care- healthcare professionals support you, but your life will not be prolonged with dialysis when your kidneys fail completely.
Factors that influence your choice of dialysis treatment
- Personal lifestyle – work, family, responsibilities, travel, leisure activities
- Personal preference
- Health and medical suitability
Medical needs after kidney failure
- Check with your dialysis or transplant team about the kind of medication and lifestyle you would need after the procedure.
- Home dialysis would need proper training if you choose home dialysis to ensure that your dialysis sessions are successful and also reduce any risk of infection.
- In case of transplant, long term use of steroid medication to suppress the immune system. Extra care towards health is needed, therefore be sure to speak with your nephrologist in Bangalore.
- Wearing a medical bracelet is good so people may know in case of any emergency and need medical health.
Mental health after kidney failure
- Kidney failure is a major health problem which is life changing, there could be fear, depression or anxiety issues. Ask your doctor or healthcare team for help.
- Healthcare professionals can provide psychological, behavioral and educational help, including a psychiatrist, a clinical psychologist, a social worker, an occupational therapist or a counselor.
- Stay connected to your family and friends always, or join a support group with other people who have kidney related health problems. This can improve your physical, emotional and emotional wellbeing.
Nutritional needs after kidney failure
- Your choice of dialysis will decide your dietary and fluid needs, hence talk to your doctor or dietician about the diet and fluid that would suit you and your treatment.
- Peritoneal dialysis and home hemodialysis gives more freedom to eat and drink at will. Supervised haemodialysis at home is when you need the right fluids, as there could be three dialysis sessions each week.
- Consuming a healthy diet is important for achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight which is needed for regular dialysis.
- After a kidney transplant, maintaining a healthy body weight is important for keeping your transplanted kidney healthy. Excess weight can put strain on your kidney.
Exercise and activities after kidney failure
- Regular exercise and physical activity is recommended for ones with kidney failure, to improve your mental and physical activity, especially after dialysis or transplant.
- Dialysis can make you feel tired, making physical activity a challenge, but taking part in irregular sporting activity is mandatory.
- After a kidney transplant surgery, ask your healthcare team and start gentle exercise. Take advice before you start strenuous exercise.
Back to work after kidney failure
- Choosing home dialysis gives the flexibility for returning to work.
- Overnight peritoneal dialysis allows a whole day of freedom to be active .
- Home haemodialysis can be done overnight or in the evenings.
- After a successful transplant surgery, you can return to work, but with the strict advice of your nephrologist in Bangalore.
Travel with kidney disease
- If you are on dialysis, ensure you plan in advance as you need to arrange the supplies for haemodialysis, so you book a dialysis session at your destination. Your healthcare team can help you with this.
- After a kidney transplant surgery, you should ask your doctor when you will be ready to travel and what precautions you would need to take. Keep enough supply of your medication. In case you are traveling to a developing country, speak to your doctor about the vaccinations that you would need as your medications can affect your ability to have them.
