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Great News!!!

As I've been sharing on here recently, I've been dealing with some health issues over last couple of years. All of these issues were the result of an autoimmune disease named Wegeners. Unfortunately for me, I experienced the worst of it in my first encounter. 

It has been in remission. However, when I visited my doctor on Thursday, he told me that he doesn't no think the Wegeners is coming back and that he feels good about saying that!!!

It didn't really hit me initially. I had gotten labs done and got back to my car before it did. Even then, I was just cautiously excited and optimistic. Then I had to figure out why I was so cautious. I figured out it was because that news isn't the end of the road and I'm still dealing with some things.

But I realized today, that I need to stop and smell the roses, celebrating all victories, even though I have a long way to go. It's also answered prayer, because I have prayed to get news like that since I was first diagnosed. For all God has done to get me this far and giving me a second chance at life, He continues to show there is so much more in store. My doctor wasn't gonna run that particular lab for another 5 years, but something made him do it in December....and the good news came on Thursday.

God is always working! Take care and be blessed!

What Is Dialysis?

Below is a video that describes hemodialysis, along with pictures of the dialysis machine used at my clinic and of my arm with needles inserted in my fistula.

 

 

 

 

 

Organ Donation: From A Doctor's Perspective...

The consideration of organ donation, whether living or deceased, is certainly a noble act characterized by unparalleled bravery. As it specifically relates to kidney disease, dialysis is certainly a modality for which we are most thankful; however, it is not without the potential of long-term consequences including an increased risk of infection, as well as an increased risk of heart disease. Dialysis also carries a tremendous psychosocial burden, as many patients feel tired all the time amongst other unpleasant issues. Furthermore, dialysis is very time consuming, as it requires at least 4 hours three days out of seven, which has a huge impact on family, work, and personal life. Kidney donation and subsequent transplantation, allows patients with kidney disease to free themselves from the constraints of dialysis, and improve their long-term health outcomes, along with their overall quality of life. Although deceased donor kidneys are just as important as living donor kidneys, research has shown that the overall survival rate is much higher with living donor kidneys. Also, living donor kidneys generally start working immediately, which means that the recipient is able to come off dialysis much sooner.

The decision to donate a kidney is not an easy one. The primary concern that most have relates to the impact of kidney donation to one’s own health and quality of life.  Fortunately, there have been studies looking at the long-term consequences of kidney donation. Research has illustrated that the lifespan of kidney donors is just as good as people who do not donate a kidney. You also may have asked yourself, “If I donate a kidney, will my chances of ending up on dialysis be higher?” Research has shown that kidney donors do NOT have a higher rate of developing kidney failure, and requiring dialysis. Once one kidney is removed, the other remaining kidney compensates to ensure that all of the body’s requirements are met. Regarding quality of life after kidney donation, research studies have revealed that kidney donors have an excellent quality of life. Please keep in mind that all kidney donors go through a rigorous medical workup to ensure that they are in appropriate condition to donate a kidney.  

As a medical professional, I have personally seen the tremendous impact that organ donation has on the life of the recipient. I personally view organ donation as the gift that keeps on giving. The Number 1 wish of anyone on dialysis is to receive a kidney. Through the selfless actions of people just like you, many dialysis patients are having their dreams to come true one kidney at a time.

Reference: N Engl J Med 2009; 360:459-469January 29, 2009DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa0804883

-Dr. Urseline Hawkins

What exactly is a Kidney Transplant? Why is it needed?

The links and video below give in-depth information describing what's a kidney transplant and why it is the preferred/needed course of treatment for those with kidney failure:

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Kidney-transplant/Pages/Introduction.aspx

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/2014/07/4-facts-you-need-to-know-about-kidney-transplants-and-dialysis/

https://www.kidney.org/news/newsroom/factsheets/Organ-Donation-and-Transplantation-Stats

http://www.americantransplantfoundation.org/about-transplant/facts-and-myths/

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/urology/kidney_transplantation_procedure_92,p07708/