Cory's Condition

What is Kidney Failure?

Kidney failure, also known as end-stage kidney disease is the circumstance when the kidneys fail to adequately filter waste products from the blood. This is a medical condition in which the kidneys are functioning at less than 15% of normal. Treatment of chronic failure may include; hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Hemodialysis vs Peritoneal Dialysis

There are two different types of dialysis that patients with kidney failure can try. The two different types are called Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis. Hemodialysis uses a man-made membrane called a dialyzer to clean the blood, whereas peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of your belly. In Hemodialysis the patient’s blood is circulated to an external dialysis machine which filters the waste and extra water from the blood before returning it to the body. This treatment can be done at the hospital 3 times a week for 4 to 5 hours, or done at home 4 to 7 times a week with reduced cycle hours. Also, Peritoneal Dialysis, which is a permanent catheter affixed to the abdomen is used to fill the peritoneal cavity with a dialysis solution. The peritoneal membrane functions as a filter for wastes and extra water, and the dialysis solution is exchanged, either intermittently or continuously. This can also be done at the hospital or at home. My father does peritoneal dialysis at home daily for 7 hours as it fits into his lifestyle better, and is more flexible.Both of these treatments (dialysis) can help those with kidney failure or improve it immensely to the point of normal functioning. However, one or the other may help an individual more depending on their body and lifestyle.

Kidney Transplant

In order to donate a kidney you have to ensure that you are a match. . .

If your blood type is: You Can Donate to These Blood Types:

Type O Type O, A, B ,AB

Type A Type A, AB

Type B Type B, AB

Type AB Type AB

If you are interested in living kidney donation you must go through these steps:

Contact the transplant center where the transplant candidate is registered
You will need to have an evaluation at the transplant center to make sure that you are a good match for the person you want to donate to and that you are healthy enough to donate (you will go through tests such as blood tests, Urine tests, Pap smear/ gynaecological exam, Colonoscopy (if over age 50),Screening tests for cancer, Antibody test, X-ray, Electrocardiogram (EKG) which looks at your heart, and Other image testing like a CT scan and meetings with a psychologist).
If you are a match, healthy, and willing to donate, you and the recipient can schedule the transplant at a time that works for both of you
If you are not a match for the intended recipient, but still want to donate your kidney so that the recipient you know can receive a kidney that is a match, paired kidney exchange may be an option for you

The procedure is most often done laparoscopically which would be the least invasive.

How Can You Help?

If you are looking to find a #kidneyforcory there are a number of ways that you or people you know can help! We appreciate your kindness and generosity!

In order to help you may…

Donate a kidney: To see if you a match with my dad you would have to go visit the hospital to be tested. His blood type is O Negative. If even if you are not a match with my dad and are still willing to donate that is still perfectly okay!

Spread the word; sharing links and post on social media take only a few seconds but go along way!

Help research to find helpful tips or remedies

Ask friends and family if they are a match

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