Kidney Patient Guide

I have had similar and it is always worse on a dialysis day and I think it is just because it is afterwards your body is at it's lowest physical ebb. I tend to not plan anything too major for those days and just rest up, but that doesn't always help as emotionally you have too much time too think. W...

I have chronically low bp because of a rare side effect of dialysis and there are only one or two things that help. Make sure you are not dehydrated as mine is a good 10 points lower when I am dry and also get some guidance from the docs as to what levels they feel you need to take the medication at...

I don't know how many of you are aware of this fact and maybe it doesn't happen in every trust but I had cause to complain about a consultant in a department that wasn't renal. I was assured a full and thorough investigation was carried out but they happened to give the name and position of the pers...

So sorry to read this news about Pam. I agree she always comes across as so positive and strong and I am sad to hear that things have reached such a position. However I am pleased to see that she had a nice day on Sunday and got to see how loved she is. Wishing love and peace to her and her family a...

I have the same problem and found the best solution was to add docusate sodium capsules into the mix. When I ocassionally get constipation now I usually clear it with an extra docusate a day or a few sachets of movicol, but I try to avoid that as it takes from the fluid restriction.

Hi Cath. I see you are in Bristol so you must be under Southmead as well. I am interested in your comment about being on a 3 out of 6 match and wondered if this was the same as extended criteria which I am on. Each consultant uses different terms and it is hard to know what is what sometimes, but se...

I was told by the team but I wasn't suprised as I have had two previous transplants and alot of blood transfusions both of which can contribute to problems with matching you. You could ask the team next time you speak to them as they should be able to give you some idea whether you are likely to wai...

With reference to time on the list I have been told this can make a difference if you are down for a non-heart beating donor because of the way they are allocated. As they are allocated on a local basis because of the time involved then the local transplant centre receives both kidneys, but they are...

Hi Amanda

That makes sense and sounds quite sensible to be on more than one list if you are in an area with relatively easy access to more than one. Really hope it proves worthwhile.

When I lost alot of weight through an illness last year I was given both Fortisip drinks and Calogen extra. They were prescribed by the renal dietician at the hospital and they worked a treat as they built me up before my appetite returned to normal without too much hassle, as I got quite destressed...

I am sorry this wasn't the one for you Amanda but I think it sounds like a promising development to even get a call considering everything and I hope this means that you will eventually get the real call. I don't know the American system but I was told almost categorically that because of my antibod...

In short no I don't if I am honest. I am in the process of a complaint at the moment and it is taking an inordinately long time to get any type of answer and in all honesty I am expecting nothing to come of it but felt I had to try. This is not against my renal team but another department who left m...

Oh Amanda I am so sorry things are so awful at the moment but without meaning to sound trite short term counselling might do you a world of good. I went once a month and it really helped me to get my head in order as it was really messed up so it didn't eat into my time too much but its made my ment...

Hi Concerned parent. My situation is not quite the same as in both cases when I had to ask for a second opinion it was because I wanted to change consultants, but in both cases I asked the one in charge of my care at the time if they would be willing to transfer me for an overview. The most recent w...

That is fantastic news Amanda.