It is never too early to have your kidneys checked!

Veronica Aswani, 48 has much to tell about her 12 years in search of freedom from her ailment. Though uncertain of what it was in the earlier stages, she was not prepared for the strain on her physical, emotional and financial abilities once she was diagnosed and started on treatment.

“My family has a history of High Blood Sugar, and I thought nothing much of my illness but that. I was treated for about 12 years before the pain became unbearable. I am also lucky I had my children when I was younger because they are now adults, with my four children all grown up, I am safe.” Ms Aswani narrated.

It was after about 5 years of her high blood sugar treatment that she started to notice that things were getting worse. She would get extremely tired and consequently, she gained a lot of weight. She would often consult her doctor in a Nakuru based hospital for further treatment and diagnosis, but it was in 2011 when the pain on her left abdomen struck to the extent of her losing consciousness, she then thought it best to seek a second opinion in The Karen Hospital Nairobi. 

“The doctor in Nakuru quickly identified my pain even without testing, but I felt doubtful and decided to rush to Karen Hospital to confirm his claims. I was not prepared for what I was going to be told. My Kidneys had failed by 85% and it is almost impossible to live on the 15% that is left, I was immediately admitted and started on dialysis, where the machines took up the work of the kidneys; they removed excess waste and water,” added the Kiswahili and Religious Education Teacher.

A hopefully Ms Aswani was advised on kidney transplant as a means of bringing an end to her suffering and with about 5 potential donors, Veronica was certain that her decade of ingesting drugs was about over, but with every donor match came a problem, and for over a year she was unable to get a perfect match.

The match came in July 2013, and as she lay in the hospital full of desire to make her health better, her only hope at the time her brother, was denied the opportunity to save his sisters life. This was after tests showed that his sugar levels had increased.

“It was one of the worst days of my life, I had spent over half a million for the procedure and just before we went on he became sick. It was very frustrating. I continued to attend dialysis as I waited for another match. I am luckier than many Kidney failure patients, my blood group is AB, so finding a match is easy as compared to other blood groups and in December 2014, I was blessed again with a donor.” Ms Aswani continued.

Ms Aswani is one of many Kenya’s that only sought renal care after showing symptoms of Kidney failure. She is among many that fail to have frequent kidney tests and only get to the urologist, a urinary tract specialist, when it is almost too late.

Dr Moturi, Karen Hospital Urologist said that many people only come to him when they have already developed extensive kidney failure signs. He added that it is important for those that consider themselves healthy to get tested for high blood pressure, hypertension, urine tests and diabetes, which are major signs of likeliness to kidney failure.

“We need to institute constructive measures to kidney diseases, get screened early enough to allow for better and more curative treatment. Do not wait for the symptoms, it will already be too late,” Dr Moturi reiterated. 

WORLD KIDNEY DAY

The Karen Hospital is set to have a screening center in preparation for the World Kidney Day. Together with the urology department in Karen Hospital, Dr Moturi will observe a three day screening of diabetes, hypertension, blood sugar and urine to mark the special day.
“From the 9^th to 31ST  March, 2015, our doors will be open for screening as we mark the World Kidney day on March, 12^th 2015. The Karen Hospital will provide the necessary equipment for people to be tested and incase there is need for reference they will be referred appropriately.” Dr Moturi stated.

This is a perfect opportunity for many that have no knowledge of their renal health to get answers and avoid being a little too late. Ms Aswani added that had she known she would have tested earlier and maybe would be in a better position. 

“I am still waiting on my life changing transplant. The other one failed and was removed only two days after the surgery. I have never felt so depressed in my life. I have had to go on leave because the trauma from the last surgery is still fresh in my mind. I have to wait another six months before I undergo another surgery. Eat healthy, exercise and go get tested, save yourself.”Ms Aswani concluded.

By Rosehilda Kamanga
Images Courtesy of brandcare.net and worldkidneyday.org