The past eight weeks have been a confronting period for James Lahood and his wife Lyn after the long time type one diabetes patient learned he had end stage kidney disease and his future was uncertain.
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Forty-nine-year-old James had no idea his kidneys were about to pack up; he had no pain and no symptoms, which according to Manning Hospital renal nurse practitioner, Kris Bentley was not unusual.
While James and his specialist have kept a watchful eye on his health since discovering the diabetes 20 years ago, this latest health scare seemingly snuck up almost overnight.
His high blood pressure - which typically goes hand-in-hand with diabetes, and can lead to kidney disease - was kept under control through regular exercise and a healthy eating plan.
James had began to feel lethargic, nauseous and generally a little foggy, as he put it.
"I didn't feel that good at all," he said.
"You can lose up to 90 per cent of kidney function and the progression is slow; you don't notice anything," Kris said.
Discovering he had diabetes was a similar experience.
"I sat down one Sunday and tried to read the newspaper and I couldn't, even with my glasses on," James said.
A visit to the optometrist revealed James was so dehydrated his eyes had begun to shut down.
At the same time his thirst was almost unquenchable, he vomited after meals and was generally feeling 'ordinary'.
A further test showed his blood sugar levels had skyrocketed to an alarmingly high 44.7, well above the 4-7 normal range.
He was rushed to Manning Hospital.
If kidney disease is picked up early maybe we can slow the progression.
- Kris Bentley
At the time the 184cm James weighed 120kgs - today he is an almost svelte 88.5kg.
"At the time I didn't realise how serious it was.
"I have tried not to let it rule my life; I have learned to deal with it as best I can."
Last month James began at-home dialysis through the Nita Reed Renal Unit, Taree.
He has trained to do peritoneal dialysis, a time-saving process which allows James the freedom to return to an almost normal lifestyle including his Club Forster workplace.
"This gives me the freedom not having to be in the hospital every two days," he said.
"It has taken a lot of stress out of the situation."
The health department provides James with everything he needs to perform his dialysis at home (and maintain his kidney function).
Kris has an urgent plea to the community who identify with any of the risk factors that can (fall into one of the many categories) lead to kidney disease - over 60 years, high blood pressure, diabetes, obese, family history, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander or anybody who has had a previous kidney injury (or diabetes) - to have a kidney health check.
"If kidney disease is picked up early maybe we can slow the progression," Kris said.
"Renal failure is on the increase because of obesity and diabetes (cardiovascular disease)."
Kris is keen to promote kidney health checks and is happy to visit community groups to discuss kidney health.
At the same time she is eager to advertise the many benefits of at home dialysis.
"My job is to educate; almost anyone can do dialysis at home and has many benefits over hospital dialysis.
"The majority of people with a kidney disease are aged over 65 years, people who are of the general opinion doctors and nurses look after you."
Please contact Kris at Manning Hospital Renal Unit if you would like to talk to her about a visit to your community group
And, a last word of thanks to the staff at the renal ward from a grateful James.
"We wouldn't have been able to do this without their support.
"We were expecting the worst; I was pretty worried and scared about the unknown and about what my life was going to be like."
Jeanene Duncan
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
