Following my grandfather's diagnosis of chronic kidney disease, our family's life has never been the same. People frequently hear the term "Stage 3" and believe it to be manageable, but they never really understand the suffering that goes along with it. I saw him endure innumerable prescription drugs, insulin shots, restless nights, weakness, and draining hospital stays. Even though he had trouble sleeping on some days, he still made an effort to be cheerful and resilient for us. Seeing someone who was once so energetic gradually struggle with basic everyday duties was the most difficult aspect. There were moments when I would sit quietly and count the number of tablets on the table, wondering how much suffering one person could endure daily. '
The thing that upset me the most was that he still prioritized other people before himself in spite of all of his hardships. He would inquire about our well-being and whether we had eaten, even when he was exhausted and in pain. I learned from watching him battle CKD that sickness destroys a person's emotional and mental resources in addition to destroying their body. I became aware of how valuable family and health are as a result. Witnessing my grandfather's journey was heartbreaking, but it also taught me what true strength looks like: persevering through really difficult times.
I am discussing chronic kidney disease since it is a difficult condition for both the patient and the family members who witness it.
Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, is a disorder in which the kidneys are unable to adequately filter blood. As a result, the body accumulates waste and fluids, which can cause conditions including heart disease. Anemia, elevated risk of infection, abnormal blood mineral levels, appetite loss, and depression are associated consequences. Although medication can reduce the progression of CKD, its severity varies and usually gets worse over time. Although not all individuals with kidney disease go on to develop renal failure, it can result in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), which requires dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive.https://www.cdc.gov/kidney-disease/about/index.html
Symptoms and indicators : https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/chronic-kidney-disease-ckd
-Foamy Urine
-Peeing more or less frequently than normal
-Dry or itchy skin
- Feeling worn out
- Feeling queasy
- Diminished appetite
-Losing weight without making an effort
Individuals with more severe CKD may also observe: https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/chronic-kidney-disease-ckd
Having trouble focusing
- Your arms, legs, ankles, or feet are feeling numb or swollen
- Cramping or aching muscles
-Breathlessness and vomiting
- Having trouble falling asleep
- Breath has an ammonia-like (sometimes called "fishy" or urine-like) scent.
First, your healthcare provider will review your medical history, perform a physical exam, and inquire about current medications and symptoms. Blood and urine tests will assess kidney function, checking your glomerular filtration rate (GFR) to gauge filtration efficiency and serum creatinine levels to evaluate waste removal. Urine tests will detect protein and blood, which should not be present in healthy kidneys. Imaging tests like ultrasound, MRI, or CT scans may be conducted to examine kidney structure, and a kidney biopsy could be ordered for a detailed analysis of kidney disease or damage. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15096-chronic-kidney-disease
Although there is no treatment for chronic kidney disease (CKD), its progression can be controlled with routine medical checkups, blood pressure and glucose control, dietary changes, exercise, and abstaining from dangerous substances. Depending on a patient's demands, medications including phosphate binders and ACE inhibitors may be administered. Dialysis, either hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, or kidney transplantation from living or deceased donors are alternatives for end-stage chronic renal disease. The significance of regular checkups is highlighted by the fact that early detection and treatment are critical for results. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and treating pre-existing medical issues are examples of preventative actions. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15096-chronic-kidney-disease
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