PANJIM: To mark the importance of World Kidney Day (WKD), Healthway Hospital, Old Goa, hosted an interactive session on Thursday, between patients suffering from kidney ailments and those who had undergone a successful kidney transplant.
Focusing on the WKD theme, ‘Living Well with Kidney Disease’, patients along with their families were brought together by the hospital to create healthy conversations. Dr Shital Lengade, Consultant Nephrologist at Healthway Hospital explained, “Let dialysis be a part of your life and not at the core of your life. Most importantly don’t lose hope,” he advised patients.
Young Sarah Harris who recently underwent a kidney transplant said, “I was on dialysis for two and a half years and it was painful to be honest. I finally decided to undergo a transplant. After the transplant it was tough as there are measures to be taken such as being restricted in the house for six months, high levels of hygiene and a strict diet devoid of junk food and fizzy drinks. Through it all, my family’s support was very important to me. If you have a chance to do a transplant, please go ahead because it’s worth it.” Sarah’s donor was her mother who was a match. Harris stressed on the importance of family support through the transplant process and the role it plays in encouraging both the donor and receiver to stay positive through the journey.
Dr Lengade elaborated further about post-operative care. “A regular fitness routine, maintaining a proper diet, fluid intake, not smoking, as well as restricting overuse of painkillers and other medicines can help in keeping CKD at bay. Make sure to check and control your blood sugar and blood pressure regularly. Hydration and adequate fluid intake is very important. Moreover get your kidney function checked if you have any ‘high risk’ factors such as diabetes, hypertension or obesity,” added Dr Lengade.
