I should begin by introducing myself. My name is Nikki Fretwell and I’m part of the patient expert team here on CKDExplained. I’m currently one of the UK’s longest surviving, non-transplanted dialysis patients, having clocked up thirty-four years so far. I’m also the first dialysis patient worldwide to conceive and successfully give birth. There are […]
Nikki’s Story: Part 1 The Beginning Read More »
Sara’s story – the reality of being a kidney donor My name is Sara, and I am 36 years old. Originally from the countryside on the Essex/Suffolk border, I now live in Southend-on-Sea with my husband, Chris. I met Chris 11 years ago after we had been chatting online for months through a mutual friend.
Sara’s story – the reality of being a kidney donor Read More »
Home Haemodialysis: could it work for you? Would you like to have dialysis at home? It might be easier than you think! There are no age limits or specific health requirements. You just need to be stable on dialysis and learn how to operate the machine and care for yourself, or have someone committed to
Home Haemodialysis: could it work for you? Read More »
Kidney transplant in the next decade: 5 objectives and vision for the future in 2024 Although the results of kidney transplantation (KT) have improved slowly in recent years, a chronic and inexorable loss of grafts mainly due to the death of the patient and chronic dysfunction of the KT, continues to be observed. The objectives,
Kidney transplant in the next decade: 5 objectives and vision for the future in 2024 Read More »
Kidney transplant information: 20 top tips and frequently-asked questions (FAQs) In this article we will describe 20 top tips and FAQs about kidney transplants. 1. A successful transplant Can come from a person who has died; or from a living partner, relative or friend Can come from an altruistic donor (living organ donation to a
Kidney transplant information: 20 top tips and FAQs Read More »
Five things you may not know about kidney transplants In this article, we will describe five things you may not know about kidney transplants 1. You don’t need to be on dialysis to have a kidney transplant In fact, patients who receive an early transplant (before dialysis; called a ‘pre-emptive transplant’) enjoy better long-term health
Five things you may not know about kidney transplants Read More »
What is a peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter? In this article, we will describe what is a peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter. A PD catheter is a soft, thin tube (catheter) which is placed through your tummy and into the peritoneum – to enable peritoneal dialysis to happen. It is about 30 cm (12 in) long and
What is a peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter? Read More »
What is an arteriovenous graft (AVG)? An AV graft is an access option for haemodialysis patients with veins that are not strong enough for an arteriovenous fistula (AV fistula). Unlike an AV fistula, which directly connects an artery to a vein, an AV graft uses a small synthetic tube. One end of the graft attaches
What is an arteriovenous graft (AVG)? Read More »
What is a haemodialysis line? In this article we will describe what is a haemodialysis line. A haemodialysis line (or catheter) is a soft plastic tube (twice the length and half the width of a pen) placed through the skin into one of the large veins in the neck (usually) or the groin at the
What is a haemodialysis line? Read More »
What is an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) for dialysis? In this article we will describe what is a fistula (or arteriovenous fistula, AVF) for dialysis. Key points An arteriovenous fistula is formed during an operation The surgeon joins a vein and an artery together in your arm, in preparation for dialysis A fistula enables haemodialysis to take
What is an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) for dialysis? Read More »
