Kidney Patient Guide

Good God! So pleased to hear about this little gem...so glad I`m on steroids :wink: I don't know how long you have been on steroids Jim, so I hope all the possible side effects have been pointed out to you? It can seem scary, like most drugs the side effects are numerous and worrying. But what's th...

What on earth is a Dowagers Hump!! It is the small hump at the top of the spine, around the neck area, caused by vertebrae scrunching up due to long term use of steroids in my case. It can trap nerves, blood vessels and so on, and makes it impossible to wear polo necks and your clothes don't always...

Do any of you transplanted patients have the Dowager's Hump, and if so, does it cause you any problems, healthwise?

As we are all scattered far and wide, I thought it might be interesting to ask you all what your renal unit expect your blood pressure level to be? One report I read says it should be below 130/80... another said 130/70 .... my renal unit says one thing, but my GP pushes for another (lower) figure. ...

Thanks for this, but I already know all about the side effects of steroids, but was more interested in hearing from people who may have problems with digestion after long term u sage.

I have had a successful transplant since 1986, but just lately, in fact for the last week, have had problems with the occasional few seconds of feeling nauseous, of lethargy, tiredness, indigestion, the odd day when I have loose poo for want of a better word, not much appetite, and when I am finding...

Thanks to both... and good luck TJ with your husband and his transplant. I have been with mine for 20 years now, still going strong, and taking each day as it comes.

Are there any transplantees who have used products like Activia, those recommended for keeping your digestive system healthy? I have been thinking about trying them, but am worried that they may be like herbal remedies and flower essences, ie containing active ingredients which may work contrary to ...

I go to Addenbrookes and although there is an appointment system, it is on a first come first served basis. So, I leave home at 6.15, arrive there a couple of hours later, have a cuppa then make my way up to clinic. Am usually the second to arrive, and the doctors usually begin to start arriving abo...

Hi Folks have now checked this and The Human Tissue Bill *will* be debated and voted upon next Monday 28th June. To find your MP use www.parliament.uk which gives email links to lobby him. Suggest also lobby the Health Secretary and Tony Blair also although the Gov have decided to oppose it's intro...

Hello Cheryl and thanks for the welcome. I agree about donors being heroes/heroines, but even more so, in the case where the donor organ came about due to someone dying, how much more of a hero/heroine is the partner who donated their dead loved ones organs. In my case, it was an Italian gentleman w...

Hi Mags, Let me add one more "Welcome" to the pile. My name is Blaine, I seldom post (tho often read the board), and I am also a member of the "above 50" club at 58. I live near Minneapolis in the US. I am on hemo dialysis. I've never tried herbal meds for swelling, but have you...

Welcome Mags, I am a member of the 'Over Fifty' club also! While not as seasoned, savory and entertaining as Borris, I am working on it and hope to do the 'knees up' for a long time to come! I received my transplant six months ago from a very generous friend. So far all is well. When it comes to di...

Having an awful time on CAPD at the moment. Depression is getting worse; I cannot take anti-depressant medication as I had a severe reaction to it this time last year. Am losing friends left, right and centre and am starting to feel that this disease is thoroughly a punishment. Have just contracted...

What on earth are you on about, Mags? Fifty???? Why, you are still a kid, basking in your comparative youthfulness. At nearly 80, I can give you nearly 30 years. And, believe me, I'd like to. Anything to be only 50 again. See my intro in Introductions. I've never tried any natural remedies although...