This experience, becoming aware of how many people require a new kidney, has been shocking and incredibly eye-opening. There are about 110,000 people in the U.S. on the national waiting list for a kidney, and people die waiting every day. To consider someday becoming a kidney donor, while you are living or after you've passed, a couple of great sites to research are http://www.matchingdonors.com and http://www.kidneyregistry.org. You can also contact your local hospital.
For more enlightening reading, follow the links below. There is a lot of press about kidney transplants, if one looks for it. Everything from policy to human interest...
Under New Law, Kidney Transplant Priorities Will Shift
Donating a kidney to mom part of a cross-country chain of events
WFU coach donates kidney to player
Jailed Sisters Are Released for Kidney Transplant
Additional news, Patrick and our mom, Betsy, are both doing well. Mom feels much better than before she went into the hospital! Both are recovering and continuing to follow doctors' orders. Patrick just started a new part time job at Tripp's, our family's favorite neighborhood restaurant. He will be hosting lunch, three days a week. A perfect fit for him to get back onto his feet! Also, he was asked to give a group presentation about being a dialysis and kidney disease patient by a church, the Freedom Temple in Raleigh, this coming Saturday. We expect this experience to be very empowering for him. His numbers are looking good so far, and last week he met the transplant team for an informational session with optimism. There will be some more time until the operation can happen, and it's a time for making the most of it.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Friday, March 4, 2011
The Renal Diet
For those of you wondering what the most healthy diet and lifestyle is for Patrick, here are some excellent educational resources. The main foods that he needs to avoid are those that contain sodium, potassium, and phosphorus (his blood already contains levels that are too high in these elements). It is tricky to avoid these things, because many foods that we think of as "healthy," that are low in sodium, are high in potassium and/or phosphorus. Basically, whole grains are NOT allowed for people on dialysis. White rice, white bread and enriched pasta are good carbs for Patrick- he needs to bulk up after losing weight over months in the hospital. Meats can be prepared in a low sodium recipe, and he needs to be getting plenty of protein because he is losing a lot in his urine (one of the obvious signs of kidney failure). Fruits and veggies are limited according to a specific list of what's allowed (bananas, melons, beans, potatoes and tomatoes are NOT okay. Apples, berries, mushrooms, peppers and cooked greens are alright). For the most part, dairy is NOT allowed.
There are different diets to be adhered to during different stages of Chronic Kidney Disease. Patrick has already started hemodialysis, and the link to reading about this specific diet plan is below...
http://www.davita.com
About sodium intake:
http://www.davita.com/diet-and-nutrition/diet-basics/sodium-and-chronic-kidney-disease/a/481
About potassium intake:
http://www.davita.com/diet-and-nutrition/diet-basics/potassium-and-chronic-kidney-disease/a/479
About phosphorus intake:
http://www.davita.com/diet-and-nutrition/diet-basics/phosphorus-and-chronic-kidney-disease/a/478
As the disease evolves and different treatments are required, his dietary needs will change. This is confusing and hard to stay on top of. Anyone who has tips on low sodium/potassium nutrition, please share! There are a lot of health benefits to reducing sodium- I know of plenty of people who have maintained a similar diet, and felt much better for it.
In terms of exercise, it would help to find a good physical therapist who is familiar with kidney issues. By late January, Patrick was really worn down (losing weight and muscle, unable to be even moderately active). February and March have seen a major turn-around due to he dialysis treatments three times a week. Now that he feels motivated to move again, he is ready to start achieving some goals, such as bike riding, lifting weights, even practicing a little yoga :)
There are different diets to be adhered to during different stages of Chronic Kidney Disease. Patrick has already started hemodialysis, and the link to reading about this specific diet plan is below...
http://www.davita.com
About sodium intake:
http://www.davita.com/diet-and-nutrition/diet-basics/sodium-and-chronic-kidney-disease/a/481
About potassium intake:
http://www.davita.com/diet-and-nutrition/diet-basics/potassium-and-chronic-kidney-disease/a/479
About phosphorus intake:
http://www.davita.com/diet-and-nutrition/diet-basics/phosphorus-and-chronic-kidney-disease/a/478
As the disease evolves and different treatments are required, his dietary needs will change. This is confusing and hard to stay on top of. Anyone who has tips on low sodium/potassium nutrition, please share! There are a lot of health benefits to reducing sodium- I know of plenty of people who have maintained a similar diet, and felt much better for it.
In terms of exercise, it would help to find a good physical therapist who is familiar with kidney issues. By late January, Patrick was really worn down (losing weight and muscle, unable to be even moderately active). February and March have seen a major turn-around due to he dialysis treatments three times a week. Now that he feels motivated to move again, he is ready to start achieving some goals, such as bike riding, lifting weights, even practicing a little yoga :)
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