Information
With this page I not only want to talk about my life but also explain what kidneys are, what it means to do this and anything else you may want to know!
Frequently asked questions
What does this all mean?
When kidneys lose this filtering ability, harmful levels of fluid and waste accumulate in the body, which can raise blood pressure and result in kidney failure (end-stage renal disease). End-stage renal disease occurs when the kidneys have lost about 90% of their ability to function normally. End-stage renal disease occurs when the kidneys have lost about 90% of their ability to function normally.
Common causes of end-stage kidney disease include:
- Diabetes
- Chronic, uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Chronic glomerulonephritis — an inflammation and eventual scarring of the tiny filters within the kidneys
- Polycystic kidney disease
People with end-stage renal disease need to have waste removed from their bloodstream via a machine (dialysis) or a kidney transplant to stay alive.
What is peritoneal dialysis?
Peritoneal dialysis is a treatment for kidney failure that uses the lining of your abdomen, or belly, to filter your blood inside your body. Health care providers call this lining the peritoneum.
A few weeks before you start peritoneal dialysis, a surgeon places a soft tube, called a catheter, in your belly.
When you start treatment, dialysis solution—water with salt and other additives—flows from a bag through the catheter into your belly. When the bag is empty, you disconnect it and place a cap on your catheter so you can move around and do your normal activities. While the dialysis solution is inside your belly, it absorbs wastes and extra fluid from your body.
What is Posterior Urethral Valve?
A posterior urethral valve is a condition you’re born with where tissue blocks your urethra. This prevents pee from leaving your bladder as it should. The pee can back up and cause damage to your kidneys. Symptoms include difficulty peeing, urinary tract infections and painful urination. Treatment usually removes or destroys the tissue.
What is a g-tube?
Some kids have medical problems that make it hard for them to get enough nutrition by mouth. A gastrostomy tube (also called a G-tube) is a tube inserted through the belly that brings nutrition directly to the stomach. It's one of the ways doctors can make sure kids who have trouble eating get the fluid and calories they need.
A surgeon puts in a G-tube during a short procedure called a gastrostomy. The G-tube can stay in place for as long as a child needs it.
Who needs a g-tube?
Kids need G-tubes for different kinds of health problems, including:
- congenital (present at birth) problems of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, or intestines
- sucking and swallowing disorders (due to premature birth, injury, a developmental delay, or another condition)
- failure to thrive (when a child can't gain weight and grow normally)
- extreme problems with taking medicines
** Elijah's reason is failure to thrive and he has to take a lot of medications and will for years
What is an amniocentesis?
Amniocentesis is a test to look at the fluid that surrounds your baby (fetus) in the uterus. Amniotic fluid has cells and other substances that can give clues about the health of your fetus.
For this test, a needle is put gently through your belly into your uterus. About 30 mL (2 Tbsp) of fluid is taken out and looked at.
This test may be done between weeks 15 and 20 to look at the baby's genes. It can also be used later in pregnancy.
What burning questions do folks have about kidney health, especially for kids?
Many parents wonder about the specific signs and symptoms of kidney issues in children. They also seek information on how to best support their child's kidney health through diet and lifestyle.
If you had a magic wand, what's the one thing you'd want people to understand about kids' kidneys?
I'd want everyone to know how incredibly resilient and vital these little organs are. Early detection and proactive care can make a world of difference in ensuring lifelong kidney health for children.
What real-life kidney questions have parents asked you that you think would help other families?
Parents often ask about managing their child’s diet with kidney disease. They also inquire about the long-term implications of certain conditions and how to advocate for their child’s needs during medical appointments.
What common myths about kidney health in children would you like to bust?
One myth is that kidney problems only affect adults. In reality, children can also develop kidney diseases, sometimes from birth. Also, not all kidney conditions are genetic; many are acquired through infections or other factors.