Impact of Total Kidney Removal: What to Expect and Consider
The impact of bilateral nephrectomy on the human body? Hello Doctor, my father had one kidney removed a few years ago due to a kidney tumor. Now, there are issues with his remaining kidney. If the only remaining kidney is also removed, will he have to rely on dialysis? Are there ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your inquiry, your father may face the possibility of needing to have his other kidney removed as well. In my clinical practice, I have indeed encountered patients who required lifelong dialysis due to bilateral nephrectomy. Thanks to advancements in modern medicine, ind...[Read More] Impact of Total Kidney Removal: What to Expect and Consider
Understanding Renal Vascular Calcification: Causes and Implications
Renal vascular calcification Doctor, I previously underwent a health check-up at the hospital where I had an abdominal X-ray and a kidney ultrasound. The kidney ultrasound results were normal, but the abdominal X-ray indicated vascular calcification in the kidneys. Could you plea...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on the information provided, we are unable to address your medical condition. We recommend that you consult a nephrologist for blood tests to check your "creatinine" levels and a urinalysis to clarify the issue. Thank you for your inquiry. The Nephrology Departmen...[Read More] Understanding Renal Vascular Calcification: Causes and Implications
Understanding Kidney Health: Common Concerns and Diagnostic Tests Explained
How are kidney blood and urine tests conducted, and are there any issues to be aware of? In mid-October, I had blood tests, urine tests, and X-rays done at the nephrology department. The reports came back normal. 1. However, I notice that my urine has bubbles that disappear in ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. Based on the report you provided, it can only be roughly determined that there is no proteinuria, and it is not possible to fully confirm whether kidney function is normal (as there are no blood test results for creatinine and glomerular filtration rate provided). 2. Most cas...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Health: Common Concerns and Diagnostic Tests Explained
Understanding Creatinine Levels: Impact of Exercise and Hydration
Creatinine 1.3 My creatinine level from my health check is 1.3. I have been exercising for about 20 years, running over 4.5 kilometers a day, weightlifting with dumbbells (the heaviest I can lift with one hand is 40 pounds, and I can lift with both hands), doing 200 push-ups, and...
Dr. Lin Shunfa Reply:
Dear Mr. Li, Your creatinine level of 1.3 is within the normal range. It is commendable that you have developed a long-term exercise habit. However, exercise and water intake should be within your own tolerance levels. As long as you maintain a regular lifestyle and a balanced ...[Read More] Understanding Creatinine Levels: Impact of Exercise and Hydration
Managing Kidney Health: Dietary Tips and Donation Concerns
Facing the brink of dialysis? After the blood test, the following levels were elevated: creatinine 4.31, potassium 5.0, and phosphorus 5.5. I have high blood pressure. I have the following three questions: 1. How can I improve these levels through diet? 2. If I face the need fo...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: Your creatinine level is 4.31, which indicates that you may be entering or approaching stage five of chronic kidney disease. I must remind you to seek treatment from a nephrologist and to follow the guidance of the healthcare team. Do not trust any alternative remedies, as...[Read More] Managing Kidney Health: Dietary Tips and Donation Concerns
Managing Membranous Nephropathy: Treatment Options and Lifestyle Tips
Membranous nephropathy Before treatment for membranous nephropathy, proteinuria was between 1-2 grams, and albumin was above 1000. After treatment, proteinuria decreased to below 0.5 grams (minimum 0.17), and albumin fluctuated between 300-500 (minimum 100). With continued treatm...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Dear Hong, Hello. Membranous nephropathy is an important glomerular disease that can lead to end-stage renal disease, especially in cases with severe proteinuria reaching nephrotic syndrome. In a ten-year follow-up, 30-40% of patients with this condition progress to renal failur...[Read More] Managing Membranous Nephropathy: Treatment Options and Lifestyle Tips
Understanding the Connection Between Kidney Calcification, Tubular Acidosis, and Hypokalemia
The relationship between renal calcification, renal tubular acidosis, and hypokalemia? Two to three years ago, I underwent an ultrasound at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Keelung, which diagnosed me with numerous kidney stones (calcifications) in both kidneys. I have a history o...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello Yao: Nephrocalcinosis, renal tubular acidosis, and hypokalemia are three distinct conditions. Nephrocalcinosis, which is different from renal stones, is usually caused by hypercalcemia. It involves calcium deposits in the renal parenchyma, whereas renal stones are concentra...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Kidney Calcification, Tubular Acidosis, and Hypokalemia
Understanding Membranous Glomerulonephritis: Treatment, Prognosis, and Emotional Impact
Glomerulonephritis The biopsy report indicates membranous glomerulonephritis. Prior to the biopsy, the proteinuria was 1.25 grams, which increased to 2 grams after the biopsy. Following one month of steroid treatment, the proteinuria decreased to 1.3 grams. Due to significant sid...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Membranous nephropathy is the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults, with the majority of cases being of unknown origin, while a minority are associated with medications or infections (such as hepatitis B). Treatment and prognosis can be categorized into three types: ...[Read More] Understanding Membranous Glomerulonephritis: Treatment, Prognosis, and Emotional Impact
Can Foreign Workers in Taiwan Apply for Kidney Transplants?
Kidney transplantation Can a foreigner working in Taiwan and holding a health insurance card apply for an organ transplant? (Has been on dialysis for two years...)
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
In principle, individuals working in Taiwan who hold a National Health Insurance card can apply for organ transplantation. However, the specific circumstances need to be assessed by a nephrologist during an outpatient visit to determine if the patient's health condition is s...[Read More] Can Foreign Workers in Taiwan Apply for Kidney Transplants?
Managing Post-Dialysis Nausea and Dizziness: When to Seek Further Help
Frequent vomiting after dialysis? My boyfriend has been on dialysis for over a year now. Recently, he often feels dizzy after dialysis or the next day, and he frequently experiences vomiting. Sometimes he vomits right after eating, and other times he rushes to the bathroom to vom...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Regarding dizziness and frequent vomiting after dialysis or the following day, we can discuss it in two parts: 1. First, consider the quality of dialysis. Is the dialysis adequate? Is there excessive weight gain between sessions? Is there poor blood pressure control? These factor...[Read More] Managing Post-Dialysis Nausea and Dizziness: When to Seek Further Help
Understanding Proteinuria in Teenagers: Causes and Concerns
Dear Doctor, why do I easily have proteinuria? Hello, I am a 17-year-old male. I have been experiencing proteinuria (+~++) for about a year. During this time, I have visited three major hospitals for diagnosis. I have undergone blood tests to assess kidney function and a 24-hour ...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello, I am a nephrologist who relies on "tests (blood and urine tests, X-rays)" and "machines (dialysis machines)" to make a living... This is purely a joke (any resemblance is coincidental), but it does highlight the concerns of nephrologists and patients wi...[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria in Teenagers: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Risks of Dialysis: Can Patients Face Life-Threatening Issues?
Dialysis-related issues (forwarded from the Director's mailbox) Is it possible for dialysis patients to experience life-threatening situations during the dialysis process? I saw news from mainland China where someone died during dialysis, and the doctors there mentioned that...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Ms. Weng: Hello, regarding your inquiry, it should be related to the patient's pre-existing conditions. If you have the opportunity to accompany your father to dialysis, you will notice that each individual's situation is different and cannot be compared. If your father...[Read More] Understanding Risks of Dialysis: Can Patients Face Life-Threatening Issues?
Kidney Health and Orthopedic Challenges After Severe Injury
Kidneys and Orthopedics After a severe car accident, my friend suffered a comminuted fracture in the lower leg, with the bone unable to be fully reconstructed, and there was damage to both blood vessels and nerves. Due to severe injuries in almost all limbs, a lot of medications ...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Dear Pin, Thank you for your message. The patient is currently hospitalized, and it is recommended to discuss the condition with the attending physician at the hospital. If you have any other questions, please feel free to reach out again. Wishing you safety and health, Dr....[Read More] Kidney Health and Orthopedic Challenges After Severe Injury
Choosing Between Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis for Complex Cases
Hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis? Based on the medical history provided, including left nephrectomy in 1988, abdominal surgery for peritonitis in 1992, and two cardiac catheterizations in 1997, this patient may be more suitable for peritoneal dialysis (PD) rather than hemodial...
Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
Due to the incomplete understanding of the patient's overall issues, such as the patient's age, whether they have diabetes or other systemic diseases, and their adherence to medical treatment, performing peritoneal dialysis may be less appropriate considering the patien...[Read More] Choosing Between Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis for Complex Cases
Managing Symptoms of Nausea and Fatigue in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Peritoneal dialysis, but my physical condition has been very poor recently? Dear Dr. Wu, My mother has a history of hypertension for over 30 years. In January of this year, she was hospitalized for treatment due to renal failure and is currently undergoing peritoneal dialysis. P...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. Based on your description, I infer that your mother has been undergoing peritoneal dialysis for about 10 months. Theoretically, you should have a certain level of familiarity with the peritoneal dialysis nurse. You can discuss or clarify the symptoms you described with your mo...[Read More] Managing Symptoms of Nausea and Fatigue in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Understanding Kidney Health: The Impact of Protein and Nutrition on Urinary Issues
Kidneys and Urinary Protein Hello Doctor: During a recent health check-up, my report indicated that both my blood pressure and urine protein levels were too high (the doctor mentioned it could indicate glomerulonephritis). I also noticed that my urine is foamy almost every time I...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. Based on your statement that "both blood pressure and urine protein are too high," it is possible that you have "glomerulonephritis." General recommendations include: a. controlling blood pressure (<130/80 mmHg) b. following a "low" protein die...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Health: The Impact of Protein and Nutrition on Urinary Issues
Understanding Abnormal Kidney Function: What You Need to Know
Is there any abnormality in kidney function? Hello, Doctor. Last July, I had a urinalysis that showed hematuria and proteinuria, both positive. In August, I went to another hospital for another urine test, and again, there were reactions for hematuria and proteinuria. After blood...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. First, let's discuss the risk factors for kidney disease: the three highs (hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia) and proteinuria. Based on the data you provided: Blood Pressure??? Blood Glucose (GLU AC) 89 mg/dL: OK; Lipid Profile Cholesterol 224 mg/dL: borderl...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Kidney Function: What You Need to Know
Understanding Creatinine Levels and Kidney Function in Fitness Enthusiasts
Creatinine levels Hello, during a recent company health check-up, my serum creatinine level was 1.1. I am 38 years old, and the doctor mentioned that my kidney function is not very good. This has made me a bit worried, especially since Taiwan is known as a dialysis kingdom. I rea...
Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
1. A creatinine level of 1.1 is still within the normal range. 2. Having a high muscle mass does not impose a burden on the kidneys. 3. If there are any concerns, it is still recommended to visit an outpatient clinic for examination. Thanks, Chen Jianyu, March 28, 101.[Read More] Understanding Creatinine Levels and Kidney Function in Fitness Enthusiasts
Dietary Guidelines for Pre-Dialysis Kidney Patients: What to Know
I would like to ask about dietary issues for dialysis patients? I'm sorry to hear about your mother's condition. Here are some dietary adjustments that can help: 1. Yes, you can use reduced-sodium salt when cooking. It's important to limit sodium intake to help ma...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. The most appropriate course of action is to visit a nephrology outpatient clinic (if you regularly see a nephrologist, consult with your usual physician or dietitian) to discuss in detail with the physician or dietitian (including the arrangement of subsequent treatment plans,...[Read More] Dietary Guidelines for Pre-Dialysis Kidney Patients: What to Know
Understanding Uremia: Kidney Dialysis, Symptoms, and Life Expectancy
Uremia Hello Doctor: My friend is 56 years old and was diagnosed with uremia due to diabetes at the end of last year. He has been experiencing continuous vomiting and has now started dialysis. Will the vomiting symptoms decrease after starting dialysis? How long can he expect to ...
Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
1. If vomiting is caused by uremic symptoms, it should improve after dialysis; if it is not caused by uremia, vomiting will likely persist. 2. Dialysis is not a terminal condition; the duration of life is more closely related to the control of diabetes and its vascular complicati...[Read More] Understanding Uremia: Kidney Dialysis, Symptoms, and Life Expectancy