Acute Renal Failure
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A diagnosis of acute renal failure means that one or both kidneys are no longer functioning properly. This is frightening news to hear because these small organs, weighing about one-third of a pound each, perform important physiological functions. The body has two kidneys that are located beneath the rib cage, one on each side of the spinal column. The bean-shaped organs cleanse wastes from the blood and regulate an individual's blood pressure. It even plays a part in the manufacturing of red blood cells in bone marrow. Additionally, the kidneys control the absorption and excretion of water, salt, calcium, and phosphorous. They work to balance the water content in the blood with the salt and other minerals. A person can live with just one kidney so it's not uncommon to hear of individuals donating one of their healthy kidneys to save a loved one's life. In these types of organ transplants, tests are first conducted to ensure compatibility between the donor and the one receiving this life-saving donation. While suffering from acute renal failure is scary, it's not necessarily life-threatening. Someone who receives such a diagnosis, or whose loved one receives such a diagnosis, will want to find out as much about the condition as possible and ask the medical professional a lot of questions about treatment options.
There are several symptoms that indicate a kidney may not be functioning properly. A person may experience swelling in her ankles, legs, and feet. She may find herself frequently getting up in the night to use the restroom or may realize a noticeable decrease in urine output. Fatigue, hand tremors, seizures, dehydration, and abdominal pain are other symptoms. In addition to these physical symptoms, there may be mental or emotional ones. For example, the individual may feel lethargic or agitated. Even people without much medical experience can usually see that these same symptoms can be caused by many other ailments besides acute renal failure. A proper diagnosis will include a medical history, lab tests such as a urinalysis and blood work. If kidney problems are suspected, the physician will almost assuredly want the individual to undergo abdominal imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, x-rays, or even a CT scan or an MRI. When possible, the results of all the tests will compare changes in the levels of certain minerals in the blood with the patient's baseline information. Changes in urinary output may also be considered in making a diagnosis.
A kidney may succumb to acute renal failure for a variety of reasons. The individual may have a severe illness that affects the organ. For example, people with diabetes often experience problems with their kidney function. The organs may experience trauma due to an injury or an infection (sepsis). Many prescription medications for other conditions list adverse effects on the kidneys as a possible side effect. Even aspirin can cause kidney damage. Sometimes the lowering of someone's blood pressure during surgery can harm the organ. The prognosis depends on the amount of damage. If the condition is caught before reaching renal failure, then the functions may be restored with proper healing. The patient will receive appropriate antibiotics and perhaps intravenous fluids. A strict diet may be prescribed that even specifies a certain quantity of liquids to drink. This is so that the acute renal failure patient receives just enough fluid to keep the body dehydrated, but not so much that the kidneys are overwhelmed and not given a chance to heal. For severe and chronic (ongoing) cases, individuals may have to undergo periodic dialysis treatments. In dialysis, the patient is hooked up to a special machine that cleanses the blood and performs the other kidney functions.
Receiving bad news about one's health is frightening. Many people become depressed which can sometimes worsen the condition. But it's hard to be optimistic about a future of ongoing tests and such things as dialysis treatments. Those individuals who place their faith in God may question His plan. But given time, many faithful people, even those with acute renal failure accept God's will. Along with Job, the man from the Old Testament who suffered emotional anguish and physical catastrophes, they can say: "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. He also shall be my salvation" (Job 13:15-16a). The faithful may also echo Job's prayer: "Only do not two things unto me: then will I not hide myself from thee. Withdraw thine hand far from me: and let not thy dread make me afraid" (Job 13:20-21).
Of course, the news of acute renal failure may come as a tremendous shock and patients need help to accept this threat to their very lives. Support groups help both patients and their families cope with this tragic diagnosis. These groups provide a safe outlet for patients and family members to discuss their fears and emotions. Support groups may also provide resource information regarding new research and treatment options. Social service assistance may also be available to help with the costs of medications and treatments or to assist the patient and family in filling out required paperwork. During tough times, patients and families need to reach out to others instead of hiding away. Friends and neighbors can provide assistance with childcare, transportation, and other needs. Perhaps most important of all, this is a time for prayer. Even if the body isn't healed, prayer does wonders for a person's emotional and mental well-being. When acute renal failure disrupts a family, the patient and her loved ones need all the support that's available to them.
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