Norfolk

What can the Kidney Doctors (Nephrologists) do for you.

The nephrologists in Norfolk

Nephrologists will help your kidneys keep working for as long as possible. With the use of medication the nephrologists can maintain a healthier balance in your body which your failing kidneys find it harder to do.

Primarily this means:

• Controlling your blood pressure. High blood pressure can lead to (faster) kidney failure, heart failure and strokes, and damage your small blood vessels. Click here to really understand Blood Pressure.
   

• Trying to stop or reduce the amount of protein leaking through the kidneys into the urine. Protein in the urine is called proteinuria. The filters in the kidney are designed to hold back proteins and red blood cells, while letting waste products pass through. Proteinuria is linked to kidneys getting worse because proteins harm the filters of the kidney as they leak across them. Doctors have drugs that can reduce the amount of protein leaking into the urine. This can significantly prolong the life of your kidneys. 
          This is one reason why doctors sometimes want  you to bring in a urine specimen.  Knowing what is in your urine (e.g. protein) will help them choose the best treatment for you.
   

• Controlling your blood sugar if you are diabetic. Uncontrolled blood sugar can itself damage the kidneys and other small blood vessels in the body. It can also damage the nerves.
   
• Controlling your body's calcium and phosphate levels. Uncontrolled calcium and phosphate levels can lead to calcification of the blood vessels and bone disease.
   
• Controlling your blood count (the amount of red blood cells). The kidneys play an important part in your body's production of red blood cells. These are the cells which carry oxygen around your body. A low blood count will make you anaemic and can make you feel tired.
   
• Controlling high cholesterol and obesity which are linked to heart and blood vessel problems (cardiovascular problems) and diabetes.

People with renal failure are at risk of having the above problems. These risks remain lifelong. The health care team will keep an eye on these potential problems and the good news is that the medication prescribed helps prevent them. The medication can not work properly if it is not taken properly. To find out more about the common drugs used in kidney failure click on the links below.

Common drugs in renal failure from the Patient Kidney Guide

Information from the National Kidney Federation Look down the list to find the "Drugs" section.

Office Fax:

01603 288936

Mark Holdsworth 2010