kidneykorner.com

Warning Signs

The leading cause of kidney failure is diabetes, followed by high blood pressure. Here are some warning signs of kidney disease:

Warning signs

High blood pressure
Need to urinate more often, especially at night
Puffiness around the eyes, especially in the morning, swelling of hands, feet and ankles, especially in children
Pain in the small of the back just below the ribs (not aggravated by movement)
Persistant generalized itching
Feeling tired; having less energy
Loss of appetite
Trouble sleeping; muscle cramping at night
Changes in urine
bloody, cloudy or tea coloured urine
excessive foaming or difficulty passing urine
passing less often or more often at night
protein in urine (referred to as proteinuria or albuminuria)
uremia (diagnosed with a blood test)

Uremia means "urine in the blood". Failing kidneys are unable to remove wastes from the body. Some symptoms that may occur with uremia are:

Weakness
Nausea or vomiting
Bad taste in mouth
Restless legs or leg cramps
Difficulty sleeping
Forgetfulness
Cold intolerance
Chest pain
Skin colour changes
Decreased sexual desire

What are the top ten myths regarding organ donation?

Myth: My body will be mutilated when my organs are harvested.
Fact: Donated organs are removed surgically, in a routine operation similar to gallbladder or appendix
removal. Normal funeral arrangements are possible.
Myth: My family would be expected to pay for donating my organs.
Fact: A donor's family is not charged for donation. If a family believes it has been billed incorrectly,
the family immediately should contact its local organ procurement organization.
Myth: I might want to donate one organ, but I do not want to donate everything.
Fact: You may specify what organs you want donated. Your wishes will be followed.
Myth: If I am in an accident and the hospital knows that I want to be a donor, the doctors will
not try to save my life.
Fact: The medical team treating you is separate from the transplant team. HOPE is not notified until all lifesaving efforts have failed and death has been
determined. HOPE does not notify the transplant team until your family has consented to
donation.
Myth: I am not the right age for donation.
Fact: Organs may be donated from someone as young as a newborn. Age limits for organ donation
no longer exist; however, the general age limit for tissue donation is 70.
Myth: If I donate, I would worry that the recipient and/or the recipient's family would discover
my identity and cause more grief for my family.
Fact: Information about the donor is released by HOPE to the recipients only if the family that
donated requests that it be provided.
Myth: My religion does not support donation.
Fact: All organized religions support donation, typically considering it a generous act that is the
individual's choice.
Myth: Only heart, liver and kidneys can be transplanted.
Fact: The pancreas, lungs, small and large intestines, and the stomach also can be transplanted.
Myth: Wealthy people are the only people who receive transplants.
Fact: Anyone requiring a transplant is eligible for one. Arrangements can be made with the transplant
hospital for individuals requiring financial assistance.
Myth: I have a history of medical illness. You would not want my organs or tissues.
Fact: At the time of death, HOPE will review medical and social histories to determine donor
suitability on a case-by-case basis.