Kidney failure in India has become a common man’s disease, now. As per reports, over 150000 patients are waiting in a queue for a kidney transplant. As for those who are undergoing conservative treatment like dialysis, the number is far high.

Nephrologists do have exact information about the causes behind kidney failure, however being myself a kidney patient my knowledge about this fetal disease cannot be brushed aside as lay man’s account. There may be different reasons behind a kidney failure, but in my opinion, based upon my personal experience, chronic diabetes and hypertension (Blood Pressure) can genuinely be described as two main causes responsible for this dangerous disease.

Some symptoms of kidney failure

• Edema (swelling in the body): Swelling in the body begins appearing in the lower limbs i.e. feet and ankles which gradually spreads up to the face.
• Increase in thirst and urination: Though the ‘failed’ kidneys work, but only up to the extent of repelling water. Filters of failed kidneys are unable to clean the blood properly with the result that, whereas the water content is passed out in the form of urine, proteins and oxidants are left behind and sent back to the heart for further supply to the body. Since blood is dirty, to clean it more and more water is required, which causes increased thirst and urination.
• Drowsiness: The patient feels drowsy and sleepy.
• Cramps: Painful cramps occur in legs, neck and other parts of the body.
• Tiredness: A kidney patient feels tired all the times.
• Discoloration: Complexion of face, feet and hands turns dark.
• Fluffy face: Face and eyelids of a kidney failed patient become fluffy.

Cure

When symptoms begin appearing the patients should do the following things:

• He should go for few tests like creatinine, urea, proteins etc. (Normal creatinine level is below 1.4 mg/dL, normal urea level is below 40 mg/dL and normal total protein level is 6 to 8 g/dL.
• He should immediately consult a physician and strictly abide by his instructions.
• Medicines generally do not bring these levels down immediately. Their regular use however may help in checking the rise of these levels to some extent and for some time. In my case, the creatinine level in 2006 was 1.8 mg/dL, which gradually grew up to 4 mg/dLin April 2016. However, once it crossed this level it grew by leaps and bounds despite increased dose of medicine. My creatinine level reached 11mg/dL within next two months before I was put on regular dialysis. I, therefore suggest that all efforts should be done to keep the creatinine level below 2mg/dL.

Once the creatinine level touches 4mg/dL, the patient should immediately rush for Dialysis.

Dialysis

Dialysis is of two types: Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) and Hemo-Dialysis.

Peritoneal Dialysis (PD): 

can be conducted at home. For this, the patient has to undergo a minor surgery which is done to insert a particular catheter in the body near the navel cavity. This catheter is then connected with a pipe through a small stainless steel pipe called transfer set. Through this pipe special glucose like fluid is supplied to the body twice/thrice/or four times a day which works in place of kidneys to clean the blood.

Precautions:

There are some suggestions for patients undergoing PD.

• Before doing PD, six step hand wash must be done.
• Sun mica topped table must be used to put PD material on it.
• Surface of the table must be cleaned with spirit swab before placing PD material on it.
• The transfer set must be placed on a sterilized cloth only.
• Cap of the transfer set must be removed and replaced swiftly to avoid infection.

Hemo-Dialysis:

Hemo-Dialysis is conducted in those hospitals only where this facility is available. In this type of dialysis, machines are used to clean the blood twice or thrice a week.

Kidney Transplant

Experts, however claim that Dialysis whether PD or Hemo, is a temporary cure. “We prefer Kidney Transplant as the best option, as it provides patients a normal life”, they opine. My experience also suggests that although doing Kidney Transplant is a costly affair, this amount is far less than that which is incurred on PD or Heamodialysis. Kidney Transplant also ensures longer and better life than the dialysis does.

But this type of kidney cure is a difficult and cumbersome option. When a donor comes forward a long list of pathological tests are conducted on him or he. If these tests match, the donor is asked to prove that it is a legitimate relative of the recipient because as per new rules, only a family member or a close relative can donate kidney. But it is not so simple to prove that. Proofs like DNA, marriage certificate duly issued by a Magistrate, family photographs, and group photographs of the family wherein both donor and recipient are present, have to be produced. Besides this, the donor and the recipient are required to produce their Ration Card and Aadhar Card as identity proof. These documents are then placed before an expert committee which after studying them, give a final nod. An oral interview is also taken for satisfaction of the Screening Committee. This way, pre surgery is a cumbersome procedure.

People, who have undergone kidney transplant in private hospitals, claim that they had to spend more than thirty lakh Rupees to complete the process. The cost however, is far less in AIIMS, but for transplant in this prime medical institute, one needs to have great patience.

Post surgery precautions

During transplant, the immunity of the patient is made weak. This is done to save the foreign kidney from the attack of the local immune system. This weaken immune system of the patient is prone to infection. Avoiding any infection therefore, is the key to the success of a kidney transplant.

• Miss a breath, but not medicine.
• Keep in regular touch with your nephrologist and KTP surgeon.
• Attend regular follow ups as asked by the doctors.
• Use mask for at least four months after kidney transplant.
• Avoid gatherings.
• Take home made fresh food only.
• Drink bottled or boiled water only.

Hospitals in India that conduct Kidney Transplant

Though there are hundreds of private hospitals in India that perform kidney transplant. However, five of them top the list. They are:

• All India Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital (AIIMS), Ansari Road New Delhi.
• Fortis Hospital, Bangalore
• Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka
• Coimbatore Kidney Hospital, Tamil Nadu
• Christian Medical College Vellore, Tamil Nadu

* However, AIIMS New Delhi is considered as the best and biggest kidney hospitals of India.