Dialysis crucial for kidney patients awaiting organ donors — Specialist
IPOH: Several years ago, a tuition teacher began experiencing frequent headaches and shortness of breath, which were among the initial symptoms preceding her diagnosis of Stage 4 kidney disease.
V. Thilaga, 46, who lives in Chemor, recalled that initial examinations at a clinic revealed normal conditions.
However, further tests prompted by persistent pain, even during menstruation, led to the diagnosis of the disease in January 2021.
“I was initially in disbelief upon receiving the diagnosis, and was reluctant to undergo dialysis to cleanse my kidneys.
“However, most of my family members, who are doctors, advised me to do so because my condition was worsening, making breathing difficult, and my kidneys were deteriorating,” she told Bernama when interviewed at the Perak Community Specialist Hospital (PCSH) Haemodialysis Centre here, run recently in conjunction with World Kidney Day 2024 themed ‘Kidney Health for All’.
Thilaga’s resolve to pursue treatment was fuelled by her responsibility towards her seven-year-old daughter and the numerous students who relied on her, emphasising the crucial role of family support in her journey toward recovery, especially her mother’s unwavering encouragement.
Thilaga now undergoes dialysis at the hospital three times a week, covered by the Social Security Organisation (Socso).
In this respect, she expressed her gratitude to the organisation, which had alleviated her financial burden.
Sharing further, Thilaga said she also had to control her diet by avoiding foods high in phosphates and potassium.
She is only allowed to drink about 500ml of water per day to prevent fluid build-up in her lungs, which could lead to breathing difficulties.
“My 37-year-old younger brother can donate a kidney, but I refuse because he is still young and unmarried,” she said, adding that she was only awaiting her turn to receive a transplant so she could lead a normal life.
Despite living with kidney disease, Thilaga emphasised the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and not succumbing to constant sadness, and also she advised closely following medical advice to live well.
Another patient, Zulkifli Mohammad, 66, a former accounting lecturer at a polytechnic, attributed his kidney damage to his frequent intake of painkillers due to gout – a condition that he has been grappling with for the past eight years.
“I also used to indulge in durians and sweet fizzy drinks, but now I can no longer savour any of them. Even my appetite has diminished,” he said.
A father of three residing in Pekan Razaki, Zulkifli lamented his inability to engage actively in badminton following his kidney damage.
He now undergoes dialysis three times a week at the hospital, covered by the Public Service Department (JPA).
Nephrology and medicine specialist Dr Ng Yong Muh underscored the importance of regular health check-ups, particularly through urine tests, for individuals at risk, such as those with diabetes, hypertension, obesity, or a family history of kidney disease, to detect the condition at an early stage.
“Patients typically do not exhibit symptoms in the early stages. If they do, they may experience signs such as swollen feet, foamy urine, or blood in the urine. Early detection would enable them to control the cause of the disease so that the kidneys would not deteriorate to a critical stage, which would require them to undergo dialysis.
“If patients experience shortness of breath and bodily fatigue, it means they have reached a critical stage because the kidneys have failed to function in cleansing toxins from the body,” he explained.
Dr Ng highlighted kidney transplantation as the best treatment for kidney patients, but due to the scarcity of organ donors, the majority would often find themselves on a waiting list.
As a consequence, around 91 patients currently undergo daily home peritoneal dialysis and blood dialysis at PCSH, two to three times a week.
According to Dr Ng, most critical kidney damage patients at the hospital are aged 60 and above, often due to diabetes and hypertension.
“There are many more patients than kidney donors. So they have to undergo dialysis to maintain their health while waiting for organ transplantation.
“Without this interim treatment, the body’s ability to function deteriorates, leading to elevated toxin levels and respiratory difficulties, ultimately shortening lifespan,” said the specialist.