Explore to Discover. TransplantStrong Explorers are curious patients who refuse to accept conversation limitations. They’re constantly seeking information beyond the boundaries of their exam rooms. Explorers gather insights from respected experts and experienced patients and combine that information with medical advice to ensure no stone is unturned.

Explorers closely monitor their disease progression to ensure their best interests are being addressed. Known for their “all in” spirit and steadfast determination, explorers are constantly seeking their best path forward.  

Observe, Inquire and Stay on Top of Things. Explorers  commit to proactively staying on top of their disease by closely observing how their disease is progressing. Explorers also insist on truthful dialogues about their lab values and treatment choices so they can regain a sense of control over their destiny.

Explorers keep track of their test results and organize their information to optimize appointment visit conversations. They work hard not be intimidated so they can openly express their fears, hopes and goals.  Explorers are also known to seek second opinions or switch providers to ensure their best path forward. 

Doctor Visits: Explorers influence the focus of each appointment from the moment their doctor walks through the door. They do this by showing up with a pen and pad full of questions, concerns—and current lab results.

Explorers also inquire about lifestyle changes that could potentially slow the progression of their disease, minimize symptoms and secure transplant eligibility. Explorers are also known for their “inquiring minds.” Their intention is to always make informed decisions. They do this by keeping a diary full of questions, answers and conversational “takeaways.”

Initiating dialogues can be challenging, yet explorers understand it’s far more important to bring things up than wait and risk the consequences. When conversations fall on deaf ears, explorers will respectfully revisit topics to gain clarity and reduce the possibility of misunderstandings.  

Information is power and one of the best “information indicators” of kidney function  can be obtained from a lab test known as your estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate, or eGFR. (Click to link to eGFR calculator). While a handful of key lab values relate to kidney function and overall health, most explorers keep their eye on their eGFR* to assess the progression of their kidney disease. Their goal is to expand their knowledge and understand the different stages of kidney disease.

*A GFR of 90 or above is considered normal, though patients may be at increased risk for developing CKD if they have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease. The risk increases with age: People over 65 are more than twice as likely to develop CKD as people between the ages of 45 and 65. African Americans also have a higher risk of developing CKD. Download Chart: 5 Stages of Kidney Disease Chart.

Transplant or Dialysis? When a patient’s kidney function declines to a level where their kidneys can no longer function adequately on their own, they have two options to consider. Getting a transplant or starting Dialysis.

A Kidney transplant is known as the best option for treatment because it offers a better and longer quality of life when compared to dialysis. Many patients get confused by misinformation associated with dialysis and confusion surrounding transplant. Confusion often prevents patients from considering a transplant or the opportunity to seek a living kidney donor. Misunderstandings often cause patients to think their only option is to wait for a deceased donor’s kidney while requiring dialysis.

It’s important to understand that a functioning kidney transplant can offer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week kidney function. Conversely, dialysis requires its users to be tethered to a “kidney-mimicking” device for at least 4 hours a day, three days a week. Because the mechanics of the machine only operate part-time, dialysis patients only receive about 10%-15% function of what a transplanted kidney could provide.

Simply Put: Dialysis cannot compete with a transplanted kidney’s ability to remove all the body’s toxins or replenish essential hormones and active vitamins necessary for good bone health, red blood cell counts and overall well-being.

DOWNLOAD PDF: IS TRANSPLANT OR DIALYSIS RIGHT FOR ME? 

DOWNLOAD PDF HANDOUT: COMPARE THE FACTS: TRANSPLANT & DIALYSIS