It is frightening to learn that you have a problem with the kidneys.You can live a long, fulfilling life with proper treatment.Acute kidney failure can be caused by an injury or an illness.Depending on how much damage you have, it can be a temporary issue.If you have chronic or end-stage renal disease, you will need regular dialysis.If you are healthy enough for transplant surgery, visit a transplant center to get on a wait list or discuss donor options with your family.
Step 1: If you experience symptoms, get immediate help.
People who are already hospitalized are more likely to be diagnosed with acute kidneys failure.If you have a common underlying cause of kidney failure and experience symptoms, you need to see a doctor immediately.Injury, blood clot, urethral obstruction, severe dehydration, drug overdose, alcohol abuse, and infections are some of the common causes of acute kidney failure.Dehydration, fatigue, sluggish movements, metallic taste in your mouth, pain between your ribs and hips, and swelling due to water retention are some of the symptoms of kidney failure.
Step 2: The underlying cause should be treated first.
The underlying cause will need to be diagnosed by your doctor.They will clear a clot, administer antibiotics, or take other steps to treat the underlying condition.If you treat the underlying cause, you will receive medication to control your fluid levels.
Step 3: Make changes to the diet.
You need to eat more fruits and vegetables after treatment.You will need to limit the amount of salt in your diet.Red meat, poultry, and eggs are high in calories.You need to eat more fruits, vegetables, and foods that are high in fiber, like brown rice and lentils.Bananas, oranges, and potatoes are high in K and need to be replaced with low K options, such as apples, cabbage, grapes, green beans and strawberries.It is important to read the label on packaged and processed foods to make sure you are not consuming high amounts of sodium.
Step 4: If you need it, talk to your doctor.
A procedure that filters blood when your kidneys can't function is required for some people.It can be only a short-term solution, but cases of severe damage to the kidneys might require long term treatment.
Step 5: Discuss options with your doctor.
Your doctor will help you decide which option is best for you.The blood is pumped through a machine.If you want to learn to do it at home, you can go to a center.Your doctor will need to implant a passage in your arm that will allow blood to pass to the machine.In peritoneal dialysis, a machine pumps a cleansing fluid into your belly, then pumps the fluid out after the filtration process is finished.It's usually done at home.The doctor will need to put a catheter in your belly.The process can take hours.You will need it many times a week or every day.It happens 3 to 5 times per week.It is often given daily.
Step 6: Apply for Medicare.
In the United States, all dialysis patients are eligible for Medicare.80 percent of your costs will be paid for by Medicare.You have to pay for the rest out of pocket or through private insurance.You can apply for financial aid through the American Kidney Fund if you can't afford the rest of the expenses.
Step 7: If you choose to live at home, you need to get training.
You and a friend or family member need to complete a training program, which can take several weeks.You will learn how to safely perform peritoneal and hemodialysis at the center.Support, maintain equipment, and follow your care will continue to be offered by your center.It's convenient, but can be more expensive.If there is an air bubble or bleeding, you will not have trained professionals present who can respond quickly.
Step 8: If you want a medical professional to be with you, go to a dialysis center.
You will have less flexibility if you go to a center.Depending on how you respond to treatments, you might need someone to drive you home.You will have trained professionals who can respond to any problems.Some people find it helpful to talk to other patients.Sharing your experiences could help you adjust.
Step 9: A diet that is friendly to the kidneys is recommended.
A person on staff at your center will be able to help you with a meal plan.You have to stick to your diet as long as you need it.Fruits, veggies, and whole-grain pasta are healthy and can be part of a kidneys-friendly diet.
Step 10: You can get a referral to a local transplant center from your doctor.
If you want to get a transplant, you need to have psychological and medical evaluations.Discuss your local transplant center with your doctor.You can find one on the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network.Pick your state or region by selecting the Transplant Centers by Organ andKidney.
Step 11: There is a medical evaluation at the center.
Doctors at the center will perform a physical exam and conduct tests to determine if you are a transplant candidate.They have to make sure you are healthy for transplant surgery.If you have a serious heart disease, cancer, or chronic infection, you might not be eligible.You will be added to a wait list if you are a transplant candidate.The average wait is 3 to 5 years.
Step 12: Discuss living donor options with your family.
You could talk to someone in your family about your transplant wait list situation.Your long-term goal is to find a donor and you should tell them about your medical condition.It is best to share your story, educate your loved ones about your condition, and allow them to volunteer to be a donor.If a friend or family member volunteers to be a donor, both of them will be evaluated for compatibility.
Step 13: If you are on a wait list, you should review your center's procedures.
If you are on a wait list, the transplant center could call you at any time.You need to get to the hospital as soon as possible, so make sure you know what to do if you get the call.Review the steps you would need to take with the center's procedure.You should know which hospital will perform the procedure, how quickly you need to arrive, and what you should bring.
Step 14: When you have a donor, schedule surgery.
If you have a living donor, schedule the surgery at a convenient time for both of you.You will be in the hospital for up to a week after surgery.Doctors will watch you to make sure you don't reject the new organ.
Step 15: Take your prescribed medications.
You will need to take anti-rejection medicine as long as you have a new kidneys.The new organ can cause your body to reject it.According to your doctor's instructions, take these and any other prescribed medications.You will be more likely to get sick if your immune system is suppressed.Good hygiene and hand washing can keep you away from sick people.
Step 16: A low-fat diet is recommended.
After a transplant, there aren't as strict restrictions on food.You will need to keep your calories in check if you want to avoid weight gain.If you have other medical issues, such as diabetes, you need to limit your salt and fat consumption.Instead of butter, use olive, peanut, and vegetable oils.When cooking, use fresh herbs and lemon juice.Don't add extra salt to your meals and avoid processed foods.Limit your consumption of barbecue sauce and other salty condiments.