March is National Kidney Month and a time to bring awareness of kidney health. Most Americans now know that they need to watch their blood pressure and cholesterol if they want to avoid heart disease, but very few have the same awareness when it comes to kidney disease. As the second World Kidney Day approaches on March 8, 2007, the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) believes it is time for Americans to become just as knowledgeable about preventing chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Some 20 million Americans—or one in nine adults—suffer from CKD and another 20 million are susceptible due to risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, family history of kidney disease and racial or ethnic heritage. Diseases such as diabetes not only can wreak havoc on kidneys, but they also can have devastating effects on the pancreas. African-Americans and Native-Americans have a significantly higher risk of developing CKD; rates also are elevated among Hispanics, Asians and Pacific Islanders.

The University of Tennessee Medical Center expanded its transplant services to provide combination kidney and pancreas transplants. This was implemented due to many diabetic patients that receive kidney transplants will require a pancreas transplant as well. This program witnessed a success story from the very beginning.

This success is Ross Webster, age 33, who has discovered a new life. He is one of the recipients of a kidney/pancreas transplant at the UT Medical Center. His type I diabetes required him to have insulin injections since the age of 12. Eventually, it led to end stage renal failure and in July 2004, Webster had to begin kidney dialysis.

End stage renal disease and the need for regular dialysis treatments severely restricted Webster’s lifestyle. He had to quit his full-time job and was very limited in what he could eat or drink, including many fresh fruits and vegetables. His energy level quickly declined.

After a six-hour kidney/pancreas transplant performed in October 2005, Webster is now insulin free. He can eat and drink whatever he wants, and planned on going back to school to become an automotive mechanic.

For more than 20 years, UT Medical Center has had the region’s only kidney transplant program. Dr. Mitchell Goldman, chairman and professor for the Department of Surgery at the UT Graduate School of Medicine says, “The addition of pancreas transplants was a natural expansion of the program. Many diabetic kidney transplant patients ultimately will need a pancreas transplant, and the ability to offer both here at UT Medical Center is a great benefit to our patients.”

Dr. Oscar Grandas, assistant professor for the Department of Surgery at the UT Graduate School of Medicine, says Webster was an excellent candidate for the surgery because of his age and otherwise good health.

When Webster was asked what he thought about before he was put to sleep for his surgery, he responded that he was thinking about eating a pizza. Sometimes wishes really do come true. The day Webster was released to go home from the hospital, he was able to eat sausage pizza.

If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, are 60 years of age or older, a family history of kidney disease or are African-American, Hispanic or Asian you could be at risk for chronic kidney disease. Speak to your doctor about being tested, particularly if you experience symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, muscle cramping, swollen feet and ankles, puffiness around eyes or difficulty sleeping.

Call toll free 1.877.UT.CARES (1.877.882.2737) to request an appointment with a doctor.

Click here to find out more about FREE kidney health screenings in March!

Click here for more information on Transplant Services or the Heart Lung Vascular Institute.

References
National Kidney Foundation. “March is Kidney Month,” 2007.