It's strange to think that about this time 36 years ago, I was a fetus. My internal organs were either just beginning to form or function, including my kidneys. Today one of those kidneys resides inside my brother.
It's been almost 2 years since the transplant. My brother is still doing well, he's had a few scares along the way. The main ind being his creatinine levels. Which if you've been reading my blog since I started it, you'll know it's an important indicator of renal health because it is an easily
measured byproduct of muscle metabolism that is excreted unchanged by
the kidneys.
High creatinine levels = poor kidney function
Low creatinine levels = good kidney function
My brothers levels have sort of yo-yo'd since the surgery and recently they became very high and then suddenly dropped back down again. Changes in these levels can be caused by a number of factors. One big one being hydration. The more hydrated you keep yourself the lower your results be. Simple, right?? There is no magic number for the correct amount of water you should drink each, it varies from person to person, your age, health level, lifestyle etc etc. A rule of thumb for kidney patients is between 6 & 7 pints a day. That's 2 large bottles of water. It's not as easy as it sounds, especially if you're not used to drinking that much water. So he has to manage his water intake a little better.
As for me, I have noticed some changes in the last couple of years. I get thirsty quite a lot. So much so, my doctor tested me for diabetes, just to be sure. All clear. I seem much more able to regulate my weight with one kidney than with 2. I know that kidney function and metabolism are linked but not sure how much of a difference this really makes. I just know that I have been able to maintain my current weight for the past 2 years, with no changes to my diet.
I wee a lot more often than I ever have. On a night out? the minute I "break the seal" forget about it!! Back and forth to the toilet at least every 15 - 20 minutes. Not much fun a date!!
I haven't been looking after myself all that well, but in fairness, I never really have. I never eat breakfast, never have. I don't drink much water, never have. I don't eat enough fruit and veg, never have (despite loving them!). I eat and drink alot of crap and I always have. However, I will say that I am now beginning to realise that I need to make some changes to my lifestyle and the things that I put in body.
