The kidneys are very important parts of our body. Though they are small, they play a very important role in our body every day. They filter waste, regulate body fluids, regulate blood pressure, and keep our body healthy. If the kidneys stop functioning, waste starts building up in the body.
A kidney transplant is a medical operation that saves many lives by replacing a damaged kidney with a healthy kidney, usually donated by a person who is willing to help save someone’s life. This operation gives many people with severe kidney diseases a new hope of living a good life. In this article, we will discuss who needs a kidney transplant, the reasons why the kidney fails, and when the operation is recommended.
Understanding Kidney Failure
In order to understand who needs a kidney transplant, it is important to first understand what kidney failure is.Kidney failure is a medical condition where the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste and other fluids from the blood. This medical condition is also known as End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) and End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
In the initial stages, it is possible to control kidney disease with medication, diet, and medical care. However, when the kidneys lose their ability to filter blood at 10-15%, they cannot support life.
In this stage, there are two options:
Dialysis
Kidney Transplant
In this medical condition, dialysis is used to filter blood, but it is not possible to replace normal functioning kidneys with artificial means. This is why it is recommended that people suffering from kidney failure should opt for a transplant.
People with End-Stage Kidney Disease
The most common answer to who needs a kidney transplant is people suffering from end-stage kidney disease.
In this stage, the kidneys have completely failed and cannot function normally. In this stage, people suffer from severe medical conditions that affect their daily lives.
The medical conditions include:
Extreme tiredness and weakness
Swelling in legs, feet, and face
Shortness of breath
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of appetite
Trouble concentrating
All these symptoms, in one way or another, could make one’s life very difficult. One would feel physically weak and emotionally stressed. However, a kidney transplant would give a person a new chance to live a healthy and comfortable life.
Patients on Long-Term Dialysis
Another group of people that one needs to talk about in the context of those in need of a kidney transplant is the ones on long-term dialysis.
Dialysis is a procedure used to remove waste and extra fluids from the body when the kidneys are not working properly. Although the procedure keeps the patient alive, it is not a permanent solution. A patient on dialysis needs the procedure done three times a week, with each session lasting several hours. However, the procedure, although helpful, could become very exasperating and emotionally challenging.
For these patients, a kidney transplant would help them lead a comfortable life. After a transplant, one would feel stronger and full of energy, and would not have to worry about undergoing dialysis sessions.People with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is another condition that answers the question of who needs a kidney transplant.
Chronic Kidney Disease is a long-term condition in which the kidneys are damaged over time. There are several stages in the progression of CKD. In the initial stages, it is possible to slow the progression of the disease with lifestyle changes and medication.
However, in the final stages, the kidneys are not able to function properly.
Some of the common symptoms of CKD in the final stages are:
Swelling in the ankles and feet
Fatigue and weakness
Frequent urination at night
Dry and itchy skin
Muscle cramps
Poor appetite
In the final stages of CKD, the kidneys are not able to function properly, and a transplant or dialysis is necessary.
People with Diabetes-Related Kidney Damage
Diabetes is one of the most common causes when doctors answer the question of who needs a kidney transplant.High levels of blood sugar over a period of time can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to a condition called Diabetic Nephropathy.
Many people with diabetes are unaware of the damage done to their kidneys until it is serious. In the end, the kidneys are not able to filter waste.If the damage done to the kidneys by diabetes is severe, the patient will eventually have to undergo a transplant to live.If a person with diabetes manages the condition well, the risk is reduced.
People with High Blood Pressure
Another major contributor to the list of people in need of a transplant is high blood pressure.
Prolonged high blood pressure damages the blood vessels in the kidneys. In the end, the kidneys are not able to filter the blood properly.
The damage is done gradually over a long period, and the patient is unaware of the problem.
If the patient does not manage the high blood pressure, it will eventually lead to a transplant.
That is why it is recommended that people with high blood pressure seek checkups and manage the condition well.
People with High Blood Pressure
There are instances when individuals suffer from kidney failure due to inherited conditions. This is another issue that makes the question of “who needs a kidney transplant” relevant.
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a common inherited disease that causes the growth of cysts filled with fluid in the kidneys, leading to their gradual destruction.
The kidneys eventually become enlarged and unable to perform their functions.
The symptoms include:
Severe pain in the back or sides
High blood pressure
Blood in the urine
Kidney infections
Patients with genetic diseases often require a transplant to help their kidneys perform normally again.
People with Severe Kidney Damage or Injury
Kidney damage may also result from injuries, infections, or long-term blockage of the urinary tract.
Some of the possible reasons include:
Recurring kidney infections
Severe kidney stones
Urinary tract abnormality
Long-term blockage of the flow of urine
All these may cause slow damage to the kidneys. If both kidneys fail to perform their functions, a transplant is recommended.
In such cases, a kidney transplant is the only option for the patient’s survival and normal body functions to resume.
When Doctors Recommend a Kidney Transplant
It is essential to understand who needs a kidney transplant by examining several medical factors for the patient.
The following are some of the medical factors when a kidney transplant is recommended by doctors:
Kidney functioning is reduced to less than 15%
Dialysis is needed
The patient is healthy enough for surgery
A donor kidney is available
Before the surgery, several tests are conducted on the patient to ensure they are ready for the transplant.
The tests may include:
Blood tests
Heart tests
Imaging tests
Infection tests
All these tests are conducted to ensure the transplantation is successful.
Emotional Impact of Kidney Disease
Kidney disease is not only harmful to the physical health of the patient; it also has an emotional impact.
Patients often feel nervous and anxious when they hear that they need a transplant.
Some of the emotions experienced during this time include:
Fear of surgery
Anxiety about treatment
Stress of having a long illness
Worry about the family
However, many transplant recipients have reported that having a transplant is a second chance at life. Once the transplant is over, the patient is able to go back to their normal activities and live their life to the fullest.
Life After Kidney Transplant
When a patient receives a transplant, their life is completely transformed for the better. Patients feel a dramatic improvement in their lifestyle and health.
Some of the improvements experienced include:
Increased energy levels
Increased appetite
Good sleeping habits
Freedom from dialysis
Ability to go back to work and travel
Patients need to take special drugs called immunosuppressants to ensure that their bodies do not reject the new organ. Patients also need to visit their doctors regularly.
Patients also live long and healthy lives despite the transplant.
Medical Disclaimer
The information in this article, “Who Needs a Kidney Transplant?”, is solely for educational and informative purposes and is in no way intended to be used in place of professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Kidney disease and transplant are serious medical issues that should always be addressed with a qualified medical professional.
If you or someone you know is exhibiting symptoms of kidney disease or kidney failure, it is of the utmost importance that you seek a certified nephrologist or medical professional to properly assess and treat the condition.
ConsultGrab is not a medical diagnostic or treatment service. It is always best to seek professional medical advice before making any decisions concerning the treatment and care of your kidneys and the transplant procedure.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the people who need a kidney transplant is vital, especially to those suffering from severe kidney disease and their families.
Individuals with end-stage kidney disease, long-term dialysis dependency, severe complications of diabetes, uncontrollable high blood pressure, genetic problems, or severe damage to the kidneys may require this life-saving procedure.
A kidney transplant is not just a solution to a medical problem; it is a source of hope, power, and a second chance at living life with energy and vitality.
If you or a person you love is struggling with kidney disease, it is essential to seek the advice of experienced medical practitioners and avail the best treatment options.
For many, a kidney transplant is not just a procedure; it is a second chance at a new life.
