Kidney Failure and the Value of Acceptance

1. Kidney Failure and the Value of Acceptance The kidneys are a pair of organs located toward the lower back, and their main function is to filter the blood and remove toxins from the body. The toxins removed by the kidneys from the blood are sent to the bladder and eliminated from the body through urination. Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys are unable to filter the waste from the blood sufficiently, and there is a buildup of toxins in the body. The causes for kidney failure could be very many including, toxic exposure to pollutants in the environment, or certain medication, certain acute and chronic diseases, severe dehydration or any trauma to the kidney. Kidney failure requires immediate medical attention, and it can be life-threatening if left untreated. Common Symptoms of Kidney Failure Many symptoms occur during kidney failure, but sometimes the disease may occur and progress silently without any symptoms. The common symptoms that show up in patients with kidney failure include: Reduced urination Swelling in the legs, ankles and feet caused by the retention of water due to the inability of the kidneys to eliminate excess fluid from the body Shortness of breath that is unaccounted for Excessive fatigue and drowsiness Prolonged nausea Confusion Pain in the chest Seizures Coma Causes of Kidney Failure As mentioned before, kidney failure can occur due to a number of causes including: Loss of blood flow to the kidneys resulting from a heart attack, liver failure, dehydration, or sepsis Problems causing trouble for urine elimination such as kidney stones, prostatitis, or damage of the nerves that control the urinary bladder Other causes include vasculitis, uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and overuse of drugs and alcohol Diagnosis of Kidney Failure

2. Nephrologists use a number of tests to diagnose kidney failure such as urinalysis, urine volume measurements, blood tests, and imaging techniques such as ultrasounds, MRIs and CT scans. The Treatment Options Available for Kidney Failure The treatment options for kidney failure are many, and your nephrologist can help determine the type of treatment suitable for you depending on the cause of the kidney failure. Kidney failure is usually treated through hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis and kidney transplant if the health of the patient deems okay to the Nephrologist. The Acceptance of Kidney Failure by Patients and Coping with Chronic Kidney Disease Kidney failure is a chronic disease, and living with the disease begins with the diagnosis of the disease. Many patients find it challenging to accept the diagnosis, and undergo many emotions including denial, grief, doubt, fear, anger and depression. One important way to deal with kidney failure is to process the emotions and assure oneself that help is at hand. Although many advances have been made in the treatment of kidney failure, the emotional effects of the disease on patients and their families remain immense as the disease affects all areas of life. Many patients feel depressed when starting dialysis, or after several months of treatment. Adjusting to the effects of kidney failure and the time spent on dialysis can be difficult for them. People on dialysis also have less energy. They need to make changes in their work or home life, giving up some activities and responsibilities. A mental health counselor or renal social worker can help people approaching total kidney failure and those starting dialysis. As a patient, your responsibilities will be to take part in the decisions about the type of treatment, and follow the lifestyle and diet prescriptions given by your nephrologist. Understanding your own needs and taking charge of your body can help you to feel more in control of your life. This is important in averting any feelings of helplessness and help you in feeling healthy. And, finally, don't be afraid to seek assistance from family or friends; they will want to help.