A person with 18% kidney function regardless of whether they have one or two kidneys needs to be on frequent dialysis. Spontaneous kidney rupture is extremely rare, but can be seen in chronic dialysis patients. Sometimes the rupture can be repaired by inserting a laparoscope through several small incisions rather than opening up the abdomen. Generally dialysis patients have low blood counts and often take injections to improve their levels. They also receive blood transfusions at the time of dialysis if needed. Medications are prescribed to manage the blood chemistry abnormalities - such as high potassium, low calcium and low magnesium - to name a few. If he urgently requires a kidney, then the match will be made through your local organ/kidney donor organization. Whatever you do, do not set-up a fund to collect money to cover the transplant. Medicare coverage for people with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant) covers people of all ages, including children. You can call your local ESRD Network Organization to get information about these:
• Dialysis or kidney transplants
• How to get help from other kidney-related agencies
• Problems at your facility
• Location of dialysis facilities and transplant centers
Your ESRD Network makes sure that you’re getting the best possible care
and keeps your facility aware of important issues about kidney dialysis and
transplants.

Nancy Ferguson