About Kidney Stones

First thing that doctor would suggest is blood and urine tests to help find out the results of your kidneys. These tests can show signs of kidney disease and anaemia. (You can get anaemia while have kidney damage.) You may have other tests to help rule out other problems that may be causing the symptoms.

The doctor will ask you about the past kidney problems, if you have a family history of kidney disease and what kind of medication and drugs that you might take before, include prescription drugs or regular drugs.

You may have a test that allows your doctor to look at a picture of your kidneys, as an ultrasound or CT scan. These tests can help your doctor to measure the size of your kidneys, to estimate blood flow to the kidneys, and to see if urine flow is blocked. In some cases, your doctor may take a tiny sample of kidney tissue or biopsy to help find out what caused your kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease is usually caused by another disease. So, the first step is to treat the disease that causes kidney damage. Diabetes and hypertension cause most cases of chronic kidney disease. If you keep your blood pressure, blood sugar close to normal, you may be able to slow or stop the damage to your kidneys. Losing weight and do more exercise can help. You may also need to take medication.

Kidney disease is a complex problem. You will probably need to take a number of medications and many tests. To stay as healthy as possible, work closely with your doctor. Access all your appointments, and take your medicine exactly as your doctor said.

Changing lifestyles are an important part of your treatment. These measures can help slow kidney disease and reduce your symptoms. They may also contribute to high blood pressure, diabetes and other problems that make kidney disease worse. Those precaution steps include:

• Follow an easy diet
  A dietician can help you make a plan for eating with the right amount of salt (sodium) and proteins. You may also need to look at how much liquid you drink each day.
• Exercise every day
  Work with your doctor to design an exercise program that suits you best.
• Avoid smoke or use tobacco
• Avoid drink alcohol

Always talk to your doctor before taking any new medicines, including over-the-counter medicines, prescription drugs, vitamins and herbs. Some of them can hurt your kidneys.

When kidney function falls below a certain point, it is called kidney failure. Renal impairment affects your whole body. It can cause serious heart, bones and brain problems and make you feel very sick.

Once you have kidney failure, you will probably choose between two options: start dialysis or get a new kidney or kidney transplant. Both treatments have risks and benefits. Talk to your doctor to decide what would be best for you.

Dialysis is a process that filters the blood when your kidneys can no longer do this for you. This is not a cure, but it can help you feel better and live longer.

Kidney transplantation may be the best choice if you are in good health. With a new kidney, you will feel much better and will be able to live a more normal life. But you may have to wait for a kidney, which is a good match for your blood type and tissue. And you will have to take medication for the rest of your life to your body from rejecting the new kidney.

Adjudicating treatment when you are very sick, it’s very difficult. It is normal to be worried and scared. Discuss your concerns with your family and your doctor. It may be helpful to visit a centre for dialysis or a transplant center and talk to other people who have made these choices.

Compile and re-written based on article by Lila Havens