#Affordable kidney transplant

[ananadisa]

A kidney transplant is also recommended for patients with chronic kidney disease who have a high risk of developing end-stage renal disease.

[arhamturnout]

Contact Peace Medical Tourism for Affordable Cancer Treatment, Affordable Kidney Transplants, and Affordable Eye Hospitals In Delhi.

Peace Medical Tourism is a healthcare facilitator in India that specializes in providing Affordable Cancer Treatment in India to international patients. With access to some of the best cancer hospitals and specialists in India, Peace Medical Tourism offers personalized treatment plans that are tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

Peace Medical Tourism works with some of the best cancer hospitals in India, which are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and experienced doctors. These hospitals offer a wide range of cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormonal therapy.

The cost of cancer treatment in India is much lower than in developed countries, which is why many people from around the world choose to come to India for their cancer treatment. For example, the cost of cancer treatment in the United States can range from $10,000 to $100,000, while in India, it can range from $3,000 to $15,000. This makes it a more affordable option for many people.

Peace Medical Tourism offers a range of cancer treatment packages that include everything from medical consultation to post-treatment follow-up care. These packages are customized to meet the specific needs of each patient and include travel arrangements, accommodation, medical visas, airport pick-up and drop-off, and local transportation.

Patients can also choose from a range of hospitals and doctors, depending on their preferences and requirements. Peace Medical Tourism helps patients make informed decisions by providing them with detailed information about the hospitals, doctors, and treatments available.

In addition to cancer treatment, Peace Medical Tourism also offers support services such as language translation, foreign exchange, and local sim cards. They also provide 24/7 customer support to ensure that patients have a comfortable and hassle-free experience during their treatment.

One of the advantages of getting cancer treatment in India is that patients can combine their medical treatment with a holiday. India is a culturally rich country with a rich history, and there are many tourist attractions that patients can visit during their stay. This can help patients relax and de-stress, which can be beneficial for their recovery.

Overall Peace Medical Tourism provides affordable cancer treatment options in India without compromising on the quality of care. They work with some of the best cancer hospitals and doctors in India and offer customized treatment packages that include everything from travel arrangements to post-treatment follow-up care.

Patients can also combine their medical treatment with a holiday, which can be beneficial for their recovery. With the help of Peace Medical Tourism, international patients can access cost-effective cancer treatments and receive the care they need to fight this deadly disease.

[meowmeowriley]

@forestshadow-wolf Had asked about Duo Fatui, and you know what? Fuck it! Have what will eventually be the opening to the fic ❤

Ghost and Soap are placed on desk duty for a year after an op gone sideways. They decide to make the best of it.

"Are you fucking kidding me?!" Captain price roared as he stormed into the med bay.

Soap and Ghost were both laid up in separate cots, on either side of the room. Both now stared at him, wide eyed after his outburst.

"Sir," Ghost started but Price was not going to hear him out.

"No! Soap, what the hell were you thinking?!"

"Sir," Soap attempted to speak but Price cut him off as well.

"What the fuck were you thinking, giving a civilian your plate carrier?" Price seethed.

"Sir, he had important intel, we couldn't afford to lose him, and our route to exfil was taking heavy fire." Soap spit out his words quickly, probably to avoid being cut off again.

"Exactly sergeant, heavy fire that you took! You were shot, and you're a hell of a lot more important than some random scientist!" Price could feel his face getting red as he yelled. "And you!" He turned to face Ghost. "Now you're out of commission, because of his bloody fuck up!" He gestured sharply at a pouting Soap.

"We're the same blood type, I wasn't about to lose him over something I could easily help with, Captain." Ghost said flatly. To anyone else it would seem like Ghost was calm, detached even. Price could tell he was holding back his own anger.

Price found himself pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration. He wasn't actually angry at them. Soap had saved a man with insanely useful information. Ghost had saved Soap. He was angry that he hadn't been there to protect them himself. He was angry that he almost lost two of the best soldiers there ever were. Two of his men. He was angry that now they were both one kidney lighter. The transplant wouldn't take too long to heal, but the risk of rejection or infection meant he could still lose them. "One year." That garnered confused looks from both men.

"Um, no boss, the surgeon said-" Price cut Ghot off again, further souring the man's mood for sure.

"That the risk of rejection and infection will be significantly reduced after six months. I am placing you both on desk duty for one year, starting the day you get discharged from med bay." A horrified silence filled the room. "I hope you boys can find a way to keep yourselves entertained while Gaz, Roach and I pick up your slack." It may have ben a bit harsh, but he needed them to understand how important their lives were. To the world, to the team. To him. With that, he left the room.

***

"Ah'm sorry, Ghost."

"Shut it, Johnny."

"Ah am though."

"No." Ghost opened his eyes and leaned forward, looking at his hands. After Price had stormed in, ripped them a new one, and stormed out, he had leaned back in his bed and closed his eyes in an attempt to dissuade the rising rage. "If we're sorry, Price wins. That crabbit old man can kiss my arse. We did the right things."

"Hmmm... I have an idea." Ghost finally looked over to Soap again, urging him to continue with his eyes. "We're gonna be stuck on base for a whole year, aye?"

"Aye..." Ghost was unsure where this was going.

"We should do something unhinged, something incredibly stupid and pointless, every day. We'll have some random recruit record it, someone different every day if we can. At the end of the year, we'll play it on a projector in the mess for the whole base to watch." Soap was grinning at him. "Show Price what happens when you bench two of the craziest son's o' bitches in the SAS.'

It felt like a bad idea. Like making a deal with the devil. Like it would at least make the year of bullshit ahead of them go by faster. "I'm listening..."

[blackpearlblast]

Hi

Hope you are doing well 🇵🇸

Can you help me and share this link:

8 years old  child, Yusuf  have a kidney failure

I think he's story need your support

You can see in GFM campaign

https://gofund.me/97f9023b

Thank you so very much for your supporting us and for your contribution to saving us and getting us to safety and evacuating from Gaza.

thank you for reaching out! i will also add this to my masterlist and pray for yusuf's safety and recovery.

yusuf really very dearly needs medical care that is not possible with the limited resources in gaza, all while his and his family's lives are at risk from the violence being visited by the israeli occupation. aside from the evacuation cost, they also need money to afford a kidney transplant for yusuf. this is so important so that yusuf can have the future he deserves, where he survives kidney failure and is reunited and can play again with his siblings who miss and are afraid for him. please share and donate if you can!

[simpehl]

Hey everyone !! please read

I am breaking my tumblr hiatus to bring attention to something really important to my family. A family friend is in need of a kidney transplant, and Lebanon is facing its worst economic crisis and their hospitals aren't the most affordable either..

It is costing 11,000USD / 17,000 AUD for a kidney transplant

Any help is appreciated, any amount, even a reblog. I really hope this post reaches some kind souls and makes a difference to Hussein's life.

Thank youu <3

[tower-of-hana]

Lazy Headline Satire Dump

Osama Bin Laden was simply expressing his building-critical beliefs opinion

School board found dead after finding out what numbers are called

I read JK Rowling's new book I hate trans people, here's why it isn't transphobic opinion

Heartwarming: Innsmouth man breeds with evil fish people so his kids can afford kidney transplants

Palestinians caught anti-semitically breathing

Iran-backed Russia backs Hamas-controlled college protest

Palestinian child was caused to be killed by Israel

Ohio shooter to be tried as a Muslim

Transgender ISIS claims responsibility for hammer-related attack on Tumblr CEO

Trump charismatically takes shit in blue-collar way

Listen man I just want the king to give me a piece of Africa to settle opinion

Obama hired as Tumblr moderator

Archeologists discover ancient op-ed complaining that kids are speaking Etruscan wrong

Trans woman killed for no reason at all

Man Putin doesn't like found alive

[skin-bible]

Finally opened up to my husband about the possibility of not affording my kidney transplant and giving up and dying in 4 years and he was like "baby, get medicaid" and he's so right as always

[yourhealthrescue]

Discover the Best Hospital for Kidney Surgery in India

When facing a critical health issue like kidney surgery, the importance of choosing the right hospital cannot be overstated. India has emerged as a global hub for medical tourism, particularly in the field of nephrology and urology. The country boasts some of the best hospitals for kidney surgery, offering state-of-the-art facilities, highly experienced surgeons, and personalized care that rivals the finest medical institutions worldwide.

Why India?

India's healthcare system has advanced significantly over the past few decades, making it a preferred destination for complex medical procedures, including kidney surgery. The combination of world-class infrastructure, cutting-edge technology, and skilled medical professionals has positioned India as a leader in this domain. For patients, this means access to top-tier care at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries.

What Makes a Hospital the Best for Kidney Surgery?

The best hospital for kidney surgery in India typically excels in several key areas:

Experienced Surgeons: The expertise of the medical team is paramount. India is home to many renowned nephrologists and urologists with extensive experience in performing kidney surgeries, including transplants and minimally invasive procedures.

Advanced Technology: The best hospitals are equipped with the latest technology, such as robotic surgery systems, which allow for greater precision and faster recovery times.

Comprehensive Care: Top hospitals offer a multidisciplinary approach, with teams of specialists who work together to provide comprehensive care from diagnosis through recovery. This includes not only surgeons but also nephrologists, anesthesiologists, and nursing staff who are experts in their fields.

Patient-Centric Approach: Hospitals that are patient-focused provide personalized treatment plans and ensure that patients and their families are well-informed throughout the process. They offer post-operative care and follow-up services that contribute to successful long-term outcomes.

Accreditations and Certifications: Look for hospitals that are accredited by national and international healthcare organizations, as these certifications reflect a commitment to maintaining high standards of medical care.

Leading Hospitals for Kidney Surgery in India

Several hospitals in India stand out for their exceptional care in kidney surgery:

Medanta – The Medicity: Located in Gurgaon, Medanta is renowned for its world-class kidney transplant program. The hospital is equipped with advanced robotic surgery systems and a team of highly skilled surgeons who specialize in complex kidney surgeries.

Apollo Hospitals: With locations across India, Apollo Hospitals is a leader in healthcare. Their nephrology and urology departments are known for pioneering minimally invasive surgical techniques and providing comprehensive care for kidney-related conditions.

Fortis Healthcare: Fortis is a well-established name in Indian healthcare, with a network of hospitals that offer cutting-edge treatment for kidney diseases. Their multidisciplinary teams provide personalized care and have a high success rate in kidney surgeries.

Max Super Specialty Hospital: Located in Delhi, Max Hospital is another top choice for kidney surgery in India. Their advanced technology, coupled with a team of experienced surgeons, makes them a preferred destination for both Indian and international patients.

Why Choose India for Kidney Surgery?

Patients from around the globe choose India not only for the quality of care but also for the affordability of treatment. The cost of kidney surgery in India is significantly lower than in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, or Australia, without compromising on the quality of care. This affordability, combined with the expertise of Indian medical professionals, makes India a compelling choice for those seeking the best hospital for kidney surgery.

Moreover, India’s healthcare system is designed to accommodate international patients, with many hospitals offering dedicated international patient services. These services include assistance with travel arrangements, language interpretation, and personalized care plans to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best hospital for kidney surgery in India is a decision that can significantly impact your health and quality of life. With world-class hospitals, experienced surgeons, and a patient-centric approach, India offers unparalleled opportunities for successful kidney surgery outcomes. Whether you need a kidney transplant or other specialized procedures, India's leading hospitals are equipped to provide the highest standards of care.

For those in search of top-quality kidney surgery, India stands out as a beacon of hope and healing, offering a combination of excellence, affordability, and compassionate care that is second to none.

[indiacancersurgerysite]

Saving Lives, Saving Costs: Affordable Kidney Tumor Surgery in India

👨‍⚕💉💊🩺Kidney cancer surgery in India is anticipated to be at least 60 to 70% more affordable compared to Western countries like the US and the United Kingdom. 👨‍⚕💉💊🩺

📌To make an appointment, you can contact us:-

✅Contact:- +91 9371770341 ✅Website:- www.indiacancersurgerysite.com ✅Email ID:-info@indiacancersurgerysite.com

[hellenic-whore]

Had to draw a thing about organ transplants and trafficking. Took some notes about it too cause why not.

Did this partially because of the meat garden episode from the Magnus archives.

It was mostly about the middle east as it was for my middle eastern literature class, so yeah.

Notes and some interesting quotes are down below. The main source I used was "The Red Market:On the Trail of the World's Organ Brokers, Bone Thieves, Blood Farmers, and Child Traffickers" by Scott Carney.

If you want to read it yourself it's a pretty good book, you should be able to find a PDF of it pretty easily!

_____________________________________________________________

•Organ donors oftentimes are impoverished and sell their organs commercially to make money to feed themselves, afford rent etc.

•A migrant put the issue this way "If you cannot find work when you get to Egypt, you will not find mercy. This is why people sell their kidneys."

•In Egypt, an organ seller will receive 2000$ while a buyer will pay 2000$.

•Refugees are especially vulnerable to organ trafficking because of a lack of legal protection.

•People in underdeveloped countries often view their organs in the same way one might view social security or unemployment benefits- as a safety net.

•One woman who was, in essence, scammed out of her kidney, alleged a police complaint about the fraud. When the police attempted to arrest the broker for organ trading, the police also tried to arrest the donor for selling her kidney. The broker was let off with a warning.

• "Flesh... Moves up the social hierarchy, not down" (Carney 53)

•"In America, it is taboo to suggest US transplant centers are in the business of buying and selling organs. They're here to save lives." (Carney 56)

Stylized gore warning for all of you that are new to here.

Sources and the picture are under the cut.

Here are my sources in big fancy mla format cause why not

___________________________________________________________

Carney, Scott. The Red Market: On the Trail of the World’s Organ Brokers, Bone Thieves, Blood Farmers, and Child Traffickers. William Morrow, 2022.

“Human Trafficking and Trauma in the Digital Era.” Google Books, Google, books.google.com/books?hl=en&amp;lr=&amp;id=2PtWEAAAQBAJ&amp;oi=fnd&amp;pg=PA159&amp;dq=organ%2Btrafficking%2Brefugee&amp;ots=D-PcbX-U0k&amp;sig=2Fv19I115KGwnpgjAHCaq_LAIO4#v=onepage&amp;q=organ%20trafficking%20refugee&amp;f=false. Accessed 13 Dec. 2023.

Lesniewski, Matthew James. “Monitoring Human Trafficking in Displaced Populations.” eTD Explore, 1 Jan. 1970, etda.libraries.psu.edu/catalog/21347.

“Organ Trafficking in Egypt: ’they Locked Me in and Took My Kidney.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 9 Feb. 2019, www.theguardian.com/global-development/2019/feb/09/trafficking-people-smugglers-organs-egypt-mediterranean-refugees-migrants.

Osmandzikovic, Emina. “How Conflicts Turned the Middle East into an Organ-Trafficking Hotspot.” Arab News, 10 July 2020, www.arabnews.com/node/1701871/middle-east#:~:text=The%20protracted%20conflict%20in%20Syria,the%20region’s%20red%20market%20hotspots.

[lets-donate-a-kidney]

Reasons Why You Might NOT donate a kidney

Your medication requirements aren't compatible

After donating a kidney, you may have to change the medication you take to minimize stress on the remaining kidney. For instance, all kidney donors are supposed to avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen, Aleve and aspirin, and to take Tylenol (acetaminophen) instead. You may also have other medications (including psychiatric meds) that would need to be changed.

If you aren't able to take Tylenol or find substitutes for other medications, it may be worth thinking long and hard about whether donation is right for you. Your physician and psychiatrist will be able to give you more information if needed.

You're scared of needles or blood

You will get your blood drawn a lot in the process of donating an organ, and may also get an IV drip after surgery.

You're nervous about surgery

That's valid! All surgeries and anesthesia do carry risks. The risk of long-term complications from donating a kidney is very low, but it's your body and your choice, period.

Your family has a history of kidney disease, or you already have just one kidney.

Some people are born with only one! Or if you think there's a good chance you'll need two, it's totally rational not to donate one.

You've had issues with painkiller addiction in the past

After surgery, you may have a morphine or fentanyl drip in the hospital, and you're likely to be prescribed an opioid painkiller. The amount of painkillers is normally not enough to create a physical dependency. But for some people in addiction recovery, this may still be concerning.

If this worries you, I highly recommend discussing this topic with your physician and the surgeon, and following their advice. Medical professionals in the USA cannot report you to law enforcement for using illegal substances.

Any other medical conditions that make you a bad candidate

Your own health is important, and it might also affect whether your kidney would be viable in someone else's body.

You'll get scanned to hell and back during the screening process, so if there's any medical issues that would get in the way, the transplant team will tell you. They will NOT remove your kidney if they believe the surgery or loss of the kidney could harm your health later.

You want to make a connection with someone

Yeah...don't go into this process expecting it to change your life, or win you lots of praise, or hoping to meet the recipient (if you donate to a stranger like I did). What if your recipient turns out to be someone you don't like? What if you stay in touch but the kidney fails after a few years? What if you were hoping to feel better about yourself, but a month after surgery you realize you're still the same old you?

(Personally, I do feel like it changed my life for the better, and some people do form strong relationships with their recipient after the transplant. But people can have a lot of different reactions. Nothing is guaranteed.)

I chose not to contact or receive contact from my recipient, or to hear follow-up reports of how they were doing. I didn't want them to feel indebted to me, or for me to unwittingly place expectations on them. You might choose differently, which is valid - but make sure you'd be okay with not ever hearing from the recipient, too.

You can't afford it

This isn't always a hurdle. If you donate through the National Kidney Registry, for instance, they'll try to compensate you for any lost wages during your surgery and recovery period. You won't bear the cost of surgery or follow-up appointments, either. At least, that's how it is in the USA.

However, I did have to take time off work to go to the pre-surgery appointments. I did have to buy extra groceries for before and after the surgery, an abdominal binder and robe, and a few other costs. If I get medical complications later in life, I will have to pay for those either out of pocket or with health insurance. These may still be serious considerations for you.

You can't take enough time off to recover

My surgery team recommended two weeks off work - even though I work from home. They also wanted me to have someone present to drive me to and from the hospital, and to stay with me for the first few days after surgery. Your own job, childcare needs, or transportation/living assistance needs may impact your ability to do this.

You just plain don't want to

As I said, it's your body, your choice. You never, ever have to undergo surgery and give away part of your body for someone else. Even if you love that person and they're in pain. A donated organ should be a gift given freely, and gladly, not a source of fear or worry for you.

If you aren't able or willing to donate yourself, there are still many ways you can help people in need:

You could donate blood or plasma, which regenerate over time and don't require surgery.

You could help a prospective kidney donor by offering childcare while they're in the hospital, transportation assistance, or helping them recover after surgery.

You could register as an organ donor on death, so that your body isn't affected at all while you're alive. In the USA, only 60% of adults are registered as organ donors even though 90% support postmortem organ donation.

You can spread awareness of how organ donation works! Many people don't realize that they can donate a kidney, even without an intended recipient. Or they might believe it's more dangerous or debilitating than it actually is. By sharing educational resources about it, you can still increase the likelihood of more patients getting kidneys.

[skippyv20]

Our Prayer List 🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️❤️

Prayers and good thoughts for our friend who is going through a very difficult time.  Her husband is divorcing her after 33 years. After the first hearing, the judge is having him give her so little that she will have no place she can afford to live, while he has already gotten himself a new house. She fears her attorney is firing her due to how emotional she is.  The day after the first hearing she had to go to the hospital for kidney failure, she has stage 4 heart failure, a tumor in her lung and leg. Please pray for judge to rule in her favour.

Prayers and good thoughts our friend’s brother in law. He has severe heart failure and he had colon cancer removed last nov.  He must get chemo to be put on heart life saving machine but heart is too weak for chemo. This is his 3rd week in the hospital and the prognosis is he might live a couple months. Prayers and good thoughts for our friend who has been battling depression long-term due to trauma and the resulting difficult circumstances.

Prayers and good thoughts for our friend’s rescue bunny who has a vet ppt tomorrow.  Praying he can be helped and is not in pain.

Prayers and good thoughts for Karen.  She has been through much medically, and her sister is worried about her mentally handling changes.

Prayers and good thoughts for our friend’s little boy who will be going through treatment for speech impediment.  We pray for his quick success.

Prayers and good thoughts for our dear friend whose disability renewal was denied.  She has another battle ahead.

Prayers and good thoughts for our friend’s father who has been diagnosed with early stage dementia.

Prayers and good thoughts for our friend’s son-in-law’s mother.   She has cancer in her spine, leg and lung.  She will be having surgery on her spine.     This woman raised 4 boys by herself, her now 23 year old son is  severely autistic and needs 24/7 care, which his mom has provided him his entire life.    She is only 64 years old, a wonderful person, warm, loving and very independent.  My heart breaks for her.  Please also pray for my son in law - he is in the Navy, fortunately stationed only a few hours from his mom.  He has power of attorney for his mom and his brother’s care - he has some very difficult and no doubt heart wrenching decisions to make.

Prayers and good thoughts for our friend’s friend whom has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called Myelodysplastic Syndrome, or MDS.  She is undergoing chemo and waiting for the bone marrow transplant.

Prayers and good thoughts for our friend’s son B.  He is very stressed at work, it is making him ill,  and needs a new job with less stress.

Prayers and good thoughts for our friend’s brother in Spain.  He is doing better, it will be a long road.  He still faces many trials.

Prayers and good thoughts for our friend’s daughter who is struggling.  She is in much pain mentally. We prayer for her family as well as they try desperately to help her.

Prayers and good thoughts for our friend who is battling an undiagnosed mental illness which led to decisions with consequences.  Praying for her to stay strong in faith, for her family issues to be resolved.  Also, for her to be free of financial hardship.

Prayers and good thoughts for Baby James and his heart brother Matthew.  Also their heart brother Conrad

[alittlebitofrainbyyourside]

The story begins in 2020. Except it doesn't. The story begins in 2005, with a trip with a shaky hand. It begins with a doctor telling my father that he won't live to see me walk the stage. It begins in 2012 with a 'fatty liver'. It begins in Dec 2012 with a phone call. With multiple organ failure. With a coma. It begins with the alcoholism and the anger getting worse. It begins with a lot of arguing. It begins. The story begins in Dec 2013 a suicide attempt the day I moved out. The story begins because it never ends. It begins and begins and begins. Organ failure, brain damage. It begins in a hundred different doctor's offices. 'I know you don't drive, but you'll get there faster than the ambulance will get here.' The story begins with the dialysis machines failing. The story begins in the ER, where they rush him back without checking our insurance first. The story begins with organ failure and appointments about transplants, knowing that he will never be a candidate and that even if he was- the drugs cost 10k a month. The story begins with his throat so swollen he can't breathe. They want to take his tonsils out. The surgery will kill him. Not breathing will kill him.

The story begins in 2020. They're shutting the border between the US and Canada. My father tells me to go. I have been working his job for him for weeks, he will have to go back to it. It begins with us acknowledging that I may never see him alive again. He tells me I have been putting my life on hold for him for 7 years, but if I don't make it across that border to my wife- we don't know when it opens again. The story grows quiet until it doesn't. He's losing weight still. He can't eat still. They're stretching his throat. They want to start dialysis. They want to do exploratory surgery, he doesn't. The story grows quiet until it doesn't. Several years after it was initially suggested- they finally agree that the risk of not doing the surgery is higher than the risk of doing it. They're going to take his tonsils out. The day of, one of the team pulls out, says he can't do this. The story grows quiet until doesn't. The story grows quiet until the risk grows higher. I am supposed to go home at the beginning of September. But my employer sits me down at the end of July and tells me that the end of August will be my day with them. I need to find a job. I can't afford that vacation anymore. I am supposed to go home at the beginning of September but instead I find a family that wants me for September, and a family that wants me starting in December. We move my flight to October. The story quivers in August. He tells me that they've agreed to do the surgery, but first, they need to do something to his heart. They need to operate on him for two whole days. He is going to die, but he will be in the hospital, which is the best place for something to go wrong. He is confused. It's just a stress test. They're keeping him for two days because his kidneys are so weak they want to slowly leak the necessary poison into him. He is gifted with foresight. The stress test never happens, he almost dies, they have to operate. It takes two days. I have a new job. One that is only supposed to last a month. I am coming home after it. We're supposed to go on vacation. He is going to get his tonsil surgery after all. I ask him if I need to come home sooner. He tells me no. He tells me he's sorry that we won't go on vacation. That we won't make it to the beach like he's been promising for years. The story explodes in September. He is going to get his tonsil surgery. I ask him if I need to come home sooner- he has me move my flights a week or so early so that I can be home when he gets out of the hospital. My September employers agree. He is going to get his tonsil surgery earlier than expected. I ask if I need to come home. I am told no. He does not wake up from surgery. They keep him alive on machines. I ask if I should come home. They tell me no. This is normal. They also tell me they found cancer. I ask if I should come home. He rips out his tubes. They sedate him again. He wakes up again. They agree to take the tubes out. He is hopeful. I ask if I should come home sooner. He tells me no, my flight is so soon. He'll see me in a week. He'll see me in a week. He'll see me in a week. My flight is on Sunday. He calls me on Wednesday delirious with pain. . He calls me on Thursday. He does not call me on Friday. He has a heart attack. My sister overrides his DNR. He has been without oxygen for over half an hour when they manage to revive him. The ER leaves me on hold for hours. When Calvin finally answers the phone, he tells me he forgot about me. I ask if I need to move up my flight. He asks when it is. He tells me there's no point in moving my flight. I buy funeral clothes. I fly home on Sunday. I make the decision on Monday. We give everyone until Tuesday to say their goodbyes. No one comes. They want to hold onto their last happy memories of him. They do not let us stay.

[bihansthot]

Saw that pathetic hater of yours. She is jealous of your Lin Kuei tattoo because she can't get it herself. She is also jealous that you can buy comissions... wow people are so petty... Don't worry love. You're amazing. I love your page and your dedication towards Sub-Zero and Reptile. Fuck them haters 😁

Let’s discuss some of this, I’ve had a ridiculously difficult life medically and I have had to fight for my life so many times I deserve nice things. Just like all you lovelies deserve nice things. Hating me because I have to means to obtain them is just like you said petty. Before my kidneys started failing I worked very hard, very long hours at a job that was very stressful that I loved quite a bit. I HATED having to quit when I got so sick, I hated having to rely on my parents and my partner at 30 something years old but life didn’t give me a choice in the matter. I’ve always tried to make the best out of a bad hand in life, the tattoo was a gift from my partner for the 25th anniversary of my heart transplant. A tattoo I had wanted since I was a teen but had never gotten because my tattoos prior to my Lin Kuei one were to cover my scars from years of open heart surgeries because insurance considers scar removal or medical tattoos frivolities that they won’t cover. So, when my partner got a bonus that was his present to me, was the tattoo I had wanted for years. As for being able to afford commissions, well I made wise investments when I worked and I use my investment dividends to commission artists, or buy Mortal Kombat related things. I don’t get a lot of money from my investments, maybe $150 every three months but I save that money so it’s there when I do want to use it. So, maybe instead of hating someone they don’t even know they should learn that person’s story and why they’re the way they are. I don’t judge people, ever because I don’t know what they’ve been through and what things are like for them, I wish people showed me the same curtesy. It sounds to me like this person needs to look inside and fix what makes them so miserable that they have to lash out at others who appear to have things better than they do that are in actually suffering from kidney failure and chronic heart failure. Make no mistake I try and show you lovelies the good and positive side of my life and keep the horrible agonizing shit to myself because I don’t like worrying people, but I promise my life is a shitshow. I really hope they get some help, this level of hate or jealousy isn’t healthy for anyone.

[kemetic-dreams]

Understanding African American and non-African American eGFR laboratory results

Understanding why eGFR laboratory reports include African American and non-African American results

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the best way to measure how well your kidneys are working, but this test is complicated and cannot be easily done in a doctor’s office. To get around this, laboratories use mathematical equations to estimate the glomerular filtration rate instead of measuring it. This is why laboratories report estimated GFR or eGFR.

Two commonly used estimating equations for eGFR are the CKD MDRD (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease) and the CKD EPI (Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration) equations. Using these math equations, eGFR is calculated from the amount of creatinine in the blood.

Creatinine is a waste product that comes from the normal wear and tear on your body’s muscles and also from the foods you eat. Everyone has creatinine in their bloodstream. However, creatinine levels can differ between people. This reason for this difference may not only be related to kidney disease – it may be affected by several other factors, such as age, sex, and body weight.

Race was originally included in eGFR calculations because clinical trials demonstrated that people who self-identify as Black/African American can have, on average, higher levels of creatinine in their blood. It was thought the reason why was due to differences in muscle mass, diet, and the way the kidneys eliminate creatinine. Since a patient’s race is not always used when laboratory tests are ordered, laboratories used different eGFR calculations for African American and non-African American and included both numbers in their lab results.

The use of race in calculating eGFR has been a subject of debate. Race is not a biological concept, but a social construct. Using race as a factor for calculating eGFR does not account for the diversity within communities of color. Also, people who self-identify as multiracial might not want to be put in a single racial bucket.

What is the NKF doing to address concerns about using race in measuring eGFR?

In 2020, the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) and the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) formed a joint task force to review the use of race in eGFR calculations. On September 23, 2021, the Task Force announced a new race-free calculation for estimating eGFR. The National Kidney Foundation is working with the nation’s laboratories to get this new calculation into use as quickly as possible.  The NKF is also creating materials to show how this new equation may impact patient care.

How is eGFR used?

Estimated GFR is one of the key tests for diagnosing kidney disease. The earlier kidney disease is detected, the better the chance of managing it or keeping your condition from getting worse. Your eGFR informs healthcare professionals about your kidney function and helps them to recommend the best treatments for you. For instance, eGFR results are used in the following ways:

Confirming that kidney function is normal for a potential living kidney donor

Making sure the right dose of medicine is used

Enrollment in clinical trials that use kidney function as an inclusion or exclusion criterion

Making sure the right type of imaging tests and dyes are used

When to refer someone to a nephrologist or kidney doctor

If and when to plan for dialysis

When to start an evaluation for a kidney transplant

Although the NKF alone cannot solve all inequalities, the NKF is working to help identify, confront and reverse them. NKF advocates for making affordable healthcare more available and making sure that communities of color are not left behind. NKF’s CARES helpline is available to all people with kidney disease. NKF’s educational offerings include the impact of kidney disease on diverse communities, and the reasons why communities of color have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. NKF is committed to continuing its work to address inequalities in kidney health.

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Gloria Harris-Isom, Kidney Transplant Recipient

Gloria Harris-Isom is a two-time kidney transplant recipient, and participated in our Roadmap for Kidney Transplantation video series. She also attended the Kidney Foundation of Ohio 31st Annual Gala to share her story. 

At 43 years old, Gloria was experiencing swelling in her feet, and through bloodwork and a process of elimination she was diagnosed with glomerular nephritis and nephrotic syndrome. 

She was shocked. As a nurse herself, and with what she knew of her family history, she made an effort to live a healthy lifestyle. “Why me?” was her reaction. She felt she had “done everything right”, and was overwhelmed. 

Her doctors thought it would be something she would just need to manage for awhile. They felt the chances of her going into kidney failure were rare. She took medications and modified her diet, but bloodwork eventually started to show signs of kidney failure. Her nephrologist informed her she would need a kidney transplant. 

Gloria wasted no time reaching out to family and friends to see if they would get tested to be a living donor. Her brothers volunteered to be evaluated and, although both were matches, one was a better match than the other. 

She received her first transplant at University Hospitals Transplant Institute in 2002, three years after finding out about her kidney disease. 

11 years later, Gloria tore her aorta while doing a sit up. She woke up and was on dialysis. She was told her kidney had failed. 

After doing in-center dialysis for a few weeks, she made the decision to move to in-home dialysis. She felt it provided her more autonomy, a more normal lifestyle. She was still able to work and travel if she wanted. In-home dialysis also provides near normal kidney function, and she felt comfortable with the process due to her nursing background. 

Gloria continued on dialysis for two years until her second transplant in 2015, which took place at Walter Reed Military Medical Center. Gloria is in the military so she was listed at the VA and three other transplant centers. Her second kidney transplant came from a deceased donor - a young soldier who lost his life. She received his left kidney, and remains friends with the woman who received his right kidney.

How is she feeling today? “The transplants have afforded me the ability to enjoy life to the fullest, the best I can”. While she still has to be considerate of everything she does, she is able to work part-time, travel, and be with friends.

Hear more from Gloria, and other transplant recipients, in Roadmap for Kidney Transplantation: Part Three.