Many people probably don’t realize the critical role our kidneys play in our health.   If you ask patients on dialysis they will tell you that taking good care of their kidneys should have been more of a priority to them, and if they knew then what they know now many of them wouldn’t be on dialysis.

There are many reasons why kidneys begin to lose function.  The biggest reason is diabetes.  Diabetes is a disease that causes a high sugar level in the blood.  High sugar levels can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys which will prevent them from removing fluid and waste.

The second is high blood pressure.  Your blood pressure measures how hard your heart is working to pump blood through your body. When your pressure is high, it means your heart is working too hard to pump blood.

Your kidneys are about the size of your fist and are located in the low back.

What do our kidneys do?  Blood flows into the kidney through the renal artery.

1. Cleans the blood of wastes
2. Remove extra fluid (water)
3. Keeps your body chemicals in balance: sodium potassium, calcium and phosphorus
4. Helps control blood pressure
5. Helps make red blood cells
6. Produces Vitamin D, which helps maintain the health of your bones

Let’s talk about nephrons.  Blood flows into the kidney and is cleaned by a million tiny filters called nephrons.  Over time, these nephrons stop working.  Our age is one factor which is normal but we can’t control that.  Lack of exercise is another. Without a sufficient amount of oxygen brought to them daily they will become weak and stop working.  Diet plays a big factor and there are 3 main things you can do to become a patient in my dialysis facility.

1. Prolonged fad diets of high protein and low carbs to lose weight.
2. If you’re a diabetics and don’t take care of your blood sugar
3. Years of consuming greasy or fried foods.

There are 5 levels of kidney function and each of us falls into a category.

Stage 1- 90-100%

Stage 2-60-89%

Stage 3-30-59%

Stage 4-15-29%

Stage 5- less than 15%

In healthy newborns, their kidneys function at 100%.  We need to take care of our kidneys because once nephrons “die off”, we cannot get them back, and they don’t regenerate.   Wouldn’t you like to know what stage your kidneys are functioning?

Next time you give a urine sample or have blood drawn, ask your doctor to let you know what percentage your kidneys are functioning at.  The test is called GFR (glomerular filtration rate).  Some of you may be more familiar with the terms BUN or Creatinine which calculates the amount of waste your kidneys produce.   If the level comes back high, this means your kidneys are not filtering out enough waste and you need to set up a consultation with a nephrologist.

When should you see a nephrologist?

1. If you have chronic fluid around your ankles and in your legs this may be a sign that your kidneys aren’t functioning properly.

2.  If you have hypertension and the medications aren’t controlling your pressure

3. If your doctor found blood or proteins in your urine.

4. Frequent headaches and show signs of weakness.

Don’t ignore these symptoms; if they’re caught early enough by a nephrologist he or she can slow down the process of kidney failure.  You can have significant kidney damage and not even feel ill, which is why kidney failure is called the silent disease.  Be proactive with your health and monitor your kidney function because your doctor may find changes in your blood and urine tests long before you feel any symptoms of kidney disease.

There are two treatment options when kidneys fail; dialysis and kidney transplant.  Both are effective treatments.  Let’s discuss how we could help protect our kidneys.

1. Discuss all medications, even over the counter drugs, with your doctor
2. Take all medications as prescribed
3. If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control by taking your medications, watching your diet and monitoring your sugar level
4. Exercise with your doctors approval

Now exercise doesn’t have to be vigorous because even walking is exercise and it’s good for your entire body.   Walking makes your heart pump a little faster which bring more oxygen to the kidneys and nephrons.

1. If you have high blood pressure, check your blood pressure regularly.  Take your medications even if you feel fine.  If taking certain medications makes you feel sick, talk to your doctor about alternatives, don’t just stop taking them.
2. Follow any special diet instructions

Our mission in nephrology is to slow down the rate of damage to your kidneys and to prolong or avoid dialysis.  At our clinic we have a team of professionals that help with the transition.  Keeping a healthy attitude and having a positive outlook on life can really affect your health.  Having your finances, legal matters and insurance planned in advance can certainly reduce your stress level.  Stay in touch with your doctor-and work together to protect your kidneys.  There are thousands of people with kidney disease who take care of themselves and live happy, active lives.  They feel well, and you can too.

Jennifer Marciante, Loganville Dialysis

Pamela Wegienka, RN CDN, presenter at Loganville Dialysis Kidney Health Seminar

Next time you see your doctor, ask he or she to share your kidney levels with you.

That was one of the statements repeated more than once by Pamela Wegienka, RN CDN, today at a kidney health seminar sponsored by Loganville Dialysis.

“The meet-up was held to educate the community about the causes of kidney disease and treatment options,” explained Jennifer Marciante of Loganville Dialysis Center. The facility specializes in hemo dialysis, peritoneal dialysis and home dialysis treatment.

“On day one of your life, your kidneys are functioning at 100%. But as time goes on, that level drops,” explained Wegienka. “Someone in this room may have kidney disease and not even know it,” she continued.

According to the nurse who represents Baxter Healthcare Corporation, the disease is becoming an epidemic. Poor diet is often blamed particularly with patients who have diabetes and/or high blood pressure.

For information about kidney disease, contact Loganville Dialysis at 676-639-1633.

Shown left to right, Jennifer Marciante of Loganville Dialysis and Pamela Wegienka, RN CDN of Baxter Healthcare Corporation with seminar attendees