Blood & Organ Donation

We work to remove the stigma surrounding blood and organ donation in Trinidad & Tobago. People who are on an organ waiting list typically have end-stage organ disease that significantly impacts their quality of life and may be near the end of their life. Receiving an organ can become a life-changing event for these people.  One organ donor has the potential to save eight lives, save or improve as many as 60 lives and enhance the eyesight of two. In the case of blood donation, although there are  a lot of blood donors in Trinidad & Tobago there’s never enough blood. You can save many lives by being a blood donor. 

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Prevention

Major risk factors for kidney failure include diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of kidney failure and being age 60 or older. Because kidney disease often has no symptoms, and can go undetected until very advanced, you could lose up to 90% your kidney function without knowing anything. But a simple urine test can tell you if you have kidney disease. Remember, it’s important to get tested because early detection and treatment can slow or prevent the progression of kidney disease. Preventing chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its complications is possible by managing risk factors and treating the disease to slow its progression and reduce the risk of complications. Some of the ways you can limit your chances of ending up with renal failure are  eating healthy foods, low salt and low sodium diet, quit smoking, limit alcohol, regular kidney function tests, understanding food labels and regular exercise.

#YourRenalDiet

Your Renal Diet is one of the most important things you have to deal with when you are diagnosed with kidney failure. Completely changing your diet can be difficult but it’s necessary to maintain your quality of life. Your kidneys filter your blood, removing toxins from the foods we eat and getting rid of excess fluid from our bodies. When your kidneys aren’t functioning properly you loose the ability to clean your blood. That’s where dialysis comes in, it does the job your kidneys can’t do anymore. However, you have to remember that normal kidneys work 24/7, while those of us on Hemodialysis (HD) only do dialysis every other day. That means toxins and fluid get a chance to accumulate in our bodies which can lead to a whole lot of issues. So ensure we remain as healthy as possible we need to follow our renal diet as closely as possible. 

Financial Support

Let’s face it, dialysis is expensive. Yes some of us are lucky enough to have the government pay for 12 sessions per month but that still doesn’t deal with all the other expenses that are racked up on a monthly basis. Patients have to pay for transportation, blood work, antibiotic cream, tegaderm ( a special plaster used on the catheter site to protect it from getting wet as well as prevents infection) and in some instances even medication. These things add up and before you know it you’re having difficulties paying for everything. Many renal patients don’t work and have to rely  either on disability or a pension cheque to make ends meet. That’s where our Care Box comes into play, we do our best to help renal patients out every month by providing some of the basics like flour, toothpaste etc. As well as much needed  medical supplies. 

Mental Health

Being diagnosed with kidney failure takes a toll on your mental health. You are given news that changes your life instantly, it’s a lot to deal with both mentally and emotionally and without proper counseling it can be difficult for someone to cope with. It can eventually lead to depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. However, with the right tools they will be able to accept their diagnosis and as a result  do what’s necessary to be healthy and preserve their remaining kidney function. One of the ways Kidney Warriors of Trinidad & Tobago intends to make a difference with this issue is by hosting support groups in which renal patients will get the opportunity to hear from others in a similar situation and be able to speak about what’s bothering them in a non judgmental space. 

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Community Outreach

Kidney disease often has no symptoms, which means it can go undetected until it's at a very advanced stage, and can progress to kidney failure with little or no warning. Because of this, kidney disease has been labeled a “silent killer”.  A simple blood or urine test can tell you if you have kidney disease. It’s very important to get tested because early detection and treatment can slow or prevent the progression of kidney disease.

We are committed to the health and well being of our community and  Kidney Warriors Trinidad & Tobago intends to do our best to  help you and learn more about your kidney health.