Your local heroes honoured this month

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Unsung heroes of the kidney community honoured this month

Kidney Health Australia would like to thank everyone who helped in raising awareness during Kidney Health Week (26 May – 1 June) with the message ‘1 in 3 Australians is at increased risk of kidney disease. undetected, untreated kidney disease is a silent killer.’

The week began with a successful official launch in Parliament House, Canberra. The Federal Minister for Health, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, announced the addition of a kidney function test to the annual cycle of care for those with type 2 diabetes under the Practice Incentives Program, commencing on the 1st of October 2013. This means that it is now a requirement for patients with type 2 diabetes to be tested for kidney disease by their GPs.

Kidney Health Australia is delighted by this announcement as we had been calling for increased GP education and support to aid in the early detection of chronic kidney disease.

Federal Minister for Health announces preventative measure during Kidney Health Week launch

Issue 28 – June 2013Kidney Community

Pictured: CEO Anne Wilson, dialysis patient Jenny Handke, Kidney Health Australia’s National Consumer Council member Bill Handke, The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP

Last year’s Tasmanian Operation Angel Awardees: Mandy Moore, Sue Linnett, the Tasmanian Harley Owners Group, Rose Mace, Dr Peter Davies and Anna Waterhouse (photo courtesy of The Examiner)

This month the honourees of Kidney Health Australia’s prestigious Operation Angel Awards will be recognised throughout Australia. The awards are a National Awards program that recognise the unsung heroes of the kidney sector –the carers, the patients, doctors and nurses who work tirelessly to support those with kidney disease and to increase awareness of the need to reduce the burden of kidney disease.

We will individually highlight the efforts of our 2013 recipients in next month’s newsletter, on our website www.kidney.org.au and on our Facebook page.Thank you to all who submitted an application.

Kidney connections –Enormous community support for Kidney Health WeekKidney Health Australia was overwhelmed by community support for this year’s Kidney Health Week with more than 3,000 community events that were held throughout the country.

We would like to thank all who held an information stand, conducted risk assessment screenings, hosted a fundraising event or shared their story with media. Australians were also encouraged to hop online and take a free risk assessment at www.checkmykidneys.com.au. Be sure to get in touch and let us know what you did to mark Kidney Health Week at events@kidney.org.au or make a post on Facebook!

LET’S BE FRIENDS! Like Kidney Health Australia on Facebook at www.facebook.com/KIDNEYHEALTHAUST

Show your support for the pilot Live Donor Leave Scheme (commencing in July) to help us highlight the ongoing need for support for live donors and their families. Find more information at www.kidney.org.au

Photo Daily Liberal

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HEALTH/MEDICAL

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Have you ever wondered how people see their lives when they are using peritoneal dialysis?

An Australian research team has looked at the literature about this topic from all across the world. This month for Medical Matters, we wanted to share with you some of the study’s findings and personal quotes from those on peritoneal dialysis.

Peritoneal dialysis is a simple form of dialysis that involves a tube in the stomach with multi-daily exchanges of peritoneal dialysis fluid or overnight use of a machine.

VIEWS OF PERITONEAL DIALYSISPeritoneal dialysis was seen as a friendlier dialysis that could

be fitted into your life: “like brushing your teeth”. Despite many anxieties prior to starting the dialysis many people found it gave them an appreciation for life, and they were making more of their days. One respondent said: “Every day you are alive and you respect it.” Medical treatments always have upsides and downsides.

THE EFFECTS ON OTHERSThere was a great appreciation and acknowledgement that a

family or social network for support made it easier to cope, and unfortunately those who did not have this positive experience felt somewhat abandoned. Some did feel that having dialysis in the home and having family involved was intrusive. The overnight machine alarms were also considered by some to be too noisy.

CONTROL AND FREEDOMControl and freedom were very important positive factors for

those on peritoneal dialysis, and respondents certainly felt that they were in control of their lives and even developed ways to “get away with things” by adapting their diet and daily routines once they understood their dialysis treatment. Most people were able to work, carry out their social commitments and travel on holiday. For those who had also experienced haemodialysis this was considered a great advantage: “I could go fishing”, “I could get out and about more”, “I could adapt it much easier to maintain a normal life.” Patient support groups were also suggested to be valuable.

If you are on peritoneal dialysis or have any form of kidney disease and would like to be involved with support networks or groups visit www.kidney.org.au/forpatients/kidneycommunity for details of options in your local area.

Source: Tong A et al. The perspectives of adults living with peritoneal dialysis: thematic synthesis of qualitative studies. Am J Kidney Dis 2013;61(6):873-88.

MEDICAL MATTERS –

How do people view their lives with peritoneal dialysis?

Australian elected President of Global Transplantation Society

Kidney Health Australia is pleased to report that Professor Philip O’Connell from Westmead Hospital (NSW) has been elected President of The Transplantation Society from 2014 through to 2016. The Transplantation Society provides global leadership

in transplantation. Professor O’Connell is Director of the Centre for Transplant and Renal Research and Director of Transplant Medicine and the Clinical Islet Transplant Program at Westmead Hospital. Professor O’Connell is the second Australian in recent years to hold this position—Professor Jeremy Chapman was President from 2008-2010. Congratulations Professor O’Connell on your remarkable achievement.

After the massive success of last year, the national Big Red Kidney Walk is back. This is a special time for the kidney community to get together, enjoy an easy walk and a free barbeque with entertainment on Father’s Day (2 September) in Adelaide, Launceston, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney and Toowoomba* (*held on 8 September).If your local community would like to put on your own walk, get in touch with events@kidney.org.au For more info and registration head to www.kidney.org.au

BIG RED KIDNEY

Big Red Kidney Walk

CONSuMER CORNER

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The story of my transplant BY SuZETTE GRIFFITHSAt 1am on April 13 I received the call that I had been waiting

for. From the moment I received the phone call from Dr Barbara at the Flinders Hospital, I felt very calm as I had been well-prepared for what was ahead – my kidney transplant. After I retired in December, being focused and positive was my priority, and getting physically ready for my operation, whenever that may be. I had met my goals well ahead of that phone call so I was ready to drop everything at a moment’s notice.

When I arrived at the Royal Adelaide Hospital for my transplant, I was greeted by two young doctors who then put the access line in my neck. They went about it quietly and calmly with one giving the other instructions so I knew what they were doing. It was pain-free with the local and I was appreciative of the gentle care I was given.

Though the operation was delayed, once it began it seemed to be over quite quickly. When I returned to my hospital room, I discovered I had the drain bag in and a catheter, but I found it was easy enough to manage. The 48 hour constant monitoring ensured that I remained calm and confident about the major surgery I had just undertaken. I found the nurses on rotation to be friendly, caring and patient in answering my many questions. I was extremely well cared for.

The doctors’ rounds were fairly early in the morning and two teams visited, asked questions and explained anything I needed to know. Even the head of the Renal unit at Flinders Hospital, where I had come from, visited.

After the transplant, I was determined to have goals each day, which might be simply sitting in a chair and not staying it

bed, having a shower each day, or walking around the ward for 15 minutes. I needed to feel that I was progressing. Although the doctors and nurses have particular roles in managing my condition, I saw myself as playing a definite part in this as well. By day seven,

I was ready to return home and recover further.

Daily I visited the Transplant Coordinator and doctor, which involved blood pressure, weight checks, urinary checks if requested, blood tests to check levels and an opportunity to ask any questions. They emphasised diet, keeping food and the kitchen free of bacteria, drinking lots of fluids and knowing what dosage the tablets were. It is a period of adjustment. Sometimes plans are changed and going with the flow was important but I learned that if something changed, it meant there was a better plan.

I am very appreciative of the opportunity I have been given. There have been changes I have noticed, like my skin and hair are softer and my husband tells me I look younger which is just lovely! I am still setting my goals and I am walking twice a day for 30 minutes. I also have goals for my tasks at home like managing the ironing, cleaning bathrooms and the kitchen, making the bed,

washing, getting some meals and washing up and I could do all this at the beginning of week five. If I need to stop, I do. Common sense must prevail.

I cannot speak highly enough of the doctors and nurses at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. I am confident that if at a later time I need to

return, the staff have the skills and knowledge to resolve any issues. Of course I don’t intend to do that!

Mediterranean Pizza

LIFESTYLE RECIPE

This recipe is dialysis, CKD and diabetes-friendly with a tasty Mediterranean flavour that’s quick to prepare and suitable for lunch or dinner. Courtesy of ‘Dining In: Delicious Dialysis Recipes and Meals’ from the Renal Resource Centre.

INGREDIENTS•1mediumflatbreade.g:

Lavash or Lebanese bread•½cupcannedtomatoes,salt

reduced•½teaspoonmincedgarlic•1redonion,diced•6capsicumrings,diced•¼cupfreshmushrooms,sliced•10blackolives,pitted•60greducedfatcheddar

cheese, grated•2tablespoonstornbasil•2teaspoonspinenuts

CKD, DIALYSIS AND DIABETES-FRIENDLY

Questions about this recipe? Email colette.lappin@kidney.org.au

Suzette and John Griffiths who work as a team

Each serve of this recipe will provide: 1100kJ energy, 14g protein, 11g fat, 26g carbohydrate, 300mg potassium, 250mg phosphate and 500mg sodium

METHOD1. Pre-heat oven to 180°C and

spray a round pizza tray or similar with cooking spray.

2. Lightly puree tomatoes and garlic. Spread sauce lightly on to the bread and top with the remaining ingredients in above order.

3. Cook in moderate oven for 10 minutes or until cheese melts and has started to brown.

4. Cut into quarters and serve hot.

SERVES 2

I am very appreciative of the opportunity I have been given. There have been changes I have noticed, like my skin and hair are softer and my husband tells me I look younger...

Photo: taste.com.au

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KIDNEY CALENDAR AND EVENTS

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Kidney Kids Capers

Kidney Health Australia is excited to announce dates for our upcoming Kidney Kids Capers programs and our 2014 National Kidney Kids Camp. Our 2-3 day Kidney Capers activities are a popular instalment in our Kidney Kids calendar each year providing ‘Family Fun Days’ and ‘Kids Only’ days to all children and siblings aged 7 – 17 living with chronic kidney disease. Applications have been converted to an online format this year and will be launched in the coming weeks on our website www.kidney.org.au

Making a difference – Chatswood Health Education Day: A recap

In mid-May the Sydney North Shore area of Chatswood was transformed for a health education day. With over 35 organisations attending the focus was on members of the public with English as a second language, and was a first of its kind for Sydney.

Kidney Health Australia was embraced by the community due to the recent suite of translated fact sheets and willingness to engage in conversations as people requested information. Kidney Health Australia staff spoke via translators on site to educate the 250 attendees about kidney disease, its risk factors and prominence in Australia. After such a great response from the local community, the planning committee is already looking forward to not only delivering but growing the event next year.

Bringing kidney communities together

Last month, Kidney Health Australia in partnership with The Griffith Aboriginal Medical Service and the Agency for Clinical Innovation attended a two day screening event in remote communities in the Griffith catchment area.

As part of the two day program, nearly 100 at-risk members of the public were screened for kidney disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. The attendees had an opportunity to engage with health professionals about many different aspects of health, as well as starting a relationship that could enable follow up and close monitoring of those people who returned high test results. A strong partnership has now been established across these three organisations with plans for another three events in the coming months.

Participate in our new online support serviceshttp://kidneycancer.org.au/forum/- This forum offers an opportunity to share your stories with kidney cancer, ask questions, share practical information and most of all support each other.

http://homedialysis.org.au/forum/- A place to share your home dialysis experiences, seek support and highlight achievement and successes.

5-8 June RENAL SOCIETY OF AuSTRALASIA – Annual Conference, Hobart. http://www.renalsociety.org/

14-20 July NATIONAL DIABETES WEEK – Let’s Prevent Diabetes

27-28 JulyKIDNEY KIDS CAPERS – NSW. http://bit.ly/11vMbe6

28 July – 4 August19TH WORLD TRANSPLANT GAMES –Durban South Africa

SAVE THE DATE!Sunday, 1 September - Father’s DayTHE NATIONAL BIG RED KIDNEY WALK returns for a second year, details on page 2.