Your kidneys play a vital role in keeping your blood clean and your body balanced. However, when they fail, you experience a few subtle signs. Minor kidney issues are treatable with medications and lifestyle modifications. Advanced kidney diseases may even call for a transplant.
To determine the need for a kidney transplant, you need to contact a certified nephrologist to diagnose your condition and make the right decision. In severe cases, a successful transplant can lead to a safer, healthier future.
Who Needs a Kidney Transplant?
When kidney function is less than 15% of capacity, it is referred to as ESRD. Your body cannot restore its internal balance in this condition. A transplant is a way to treat people with end-stage renal disease. ESRD does not occur overnight; it develops when your kidneys start losing function over time. The main role of the kidneys is to filter excess fluid and waste from your blood. Failure in the kidneys leads to the accumulation of toxic fluids that put your life at risk.
Signs You Need a Kidney Transplant
A few signs indicate that your damaged kidney needs to be replaced.
Frequent Tired Feeling
Extreme fatigue is a common symptom of kidney failure. Normal kidneys can filter waste and control important physiological functions, such as fluid balance and blood pressure. Due to kidney failure, toxic substances build up in your blood, causing weakness and tiredness. When the condition worsens, you need a kidney transplant.
Swollen Legs and Hands
You may notice swelling in your legs and ankles due to a kidney problem or a transplant. When the kidneys do not function, fluid buildup occurs. The lower areas of your body will become swollen due to more fluid retention. You must consult an expert to know if you need a kidney transplant.
Nausea and Loss of Hunger
This is another symptom of advanced kidney disease. The waste buildup in your body causes feelings of nausea. You may also lose your appetite over time. If the condition persists, you must consult a medical expert.
Dialysis is Ineffective
Dialysis is a way to remove waste substances from your body. However, it does not provide a remedy for your kidney disease. Over time, when your kidney condition declines, dialysis does not work. In this case, you should visit a kidney transplant hospital in Vadodara. The experts will determine the treatment you need for the kidney disorder.
Is a Kidney Transplant Safe for You?
A transplant is not the only choice for everyone with ESRD. The process involves conducting a surgery and taking long-term medications. That is why medical experts thoroughly evaluate your health to determine the effectiveness of a transplant.
The best candidates are those who need dialysis for advanced kidney disease. Moreover, the experts will ask you to do cardiac workouts to strengthen your heart. They will also recommend cancer screening and infection tests before transplantation.
Tips for Post-kidney Transplant Care
- The kidney transplant surgeon will recommend a regular checkup after the surgery. Blood tests are also essential for checking kidney function.
- You need to take immunosuppressant drugs to maintain the proper functioning of your new kidney. If you notice any issues, contact the expert without delay.
- Your diet needs low sugar and salt after undergoing surgery. Make sure you do not eat oily and spicy food.
- Maintain hygiene to manage your infection.
Conclusion
Kidney disease often progresses silently, and by the time symptoms become noticeable, timely medical intervention becomes critical. Recognizing the warning signs and consulting an experienced nephrologist can make a life-changing difference. While medications and dialysis can help manage kidney failure, a transplant may offer a more lasting and improved quality of life for eligible patients.
If you or a loved one is experiencing advanced kidney disease, seeking expert guidance at the right time is essential. At Parul Sevashram Hospital, our skilled nephrologists and transplant specialists provide comprehensive evaluation, advanced treatment, and compassionate care at every stage of your journey.
