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Anaemia is always a secondary
condition to some other disorder. In your case, the primary
disorder is your kidney failure and the anaemia
happens because this disease impairs your body's ability to
make red blood cells because your kidneys are not making enough
of the hormone erythropoietin (EPO). |
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EPO's job is to stimulate
your bone marrow to make red blood cells. |
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Within the red blood cell is
a protein called haemoglobin. Its job is to bind to oxygen so
this gas can be carried around the body. If you do not have
enough red blood cells, you will not have enough haemoglobin
to give your body enough oxygen. |
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You will know if you are anaemic.
Even simple daily tasks will leave you tired and short of breath.
You may also become annoyed and frustrated at this. Also, the
symptoms caused by your kidney failure -- lethargy, mood fluctuations,
disturbed sleep, and impaired sexual function -- may become
worse. |
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A traditional treatment involves
blood transfusions, but this can cause problems of its own:
fluctuations in haemoglobin levels; infections; and formation
of antibodies which could jeopardise the success of a later
transplant. |
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Nowadays, kidney patients can
be given recombinant human erythropoietin -- a form of EPO which
has been developed in the laboratory. It is identical to the
EPO your kidneys should be making and it should combat your
anaemia
by causing an increase in the levels of your haemoglobin through
increased red blood cell production. |
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EPO is given by injection after
dialysis. This can be into a vein or the venous line, or just
under your skin. It can be self-administered. |
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Although the EPO will begin
working immediately, it may be a few weeks before you begin
to feel its benefits. When you do, these will include improved
energy levels and appetite, improved sexual functions, and improved
heart function. |
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Most people have no problems
with EPO. You may need to take iron supplements so that the
body has enough of this building block of haemoglobin. And as
your appetite improves, you will have to watch your salt and
fluids intake, and you may have to dialyse for a little longer
each time. And you may have to increase the amount of heparin
you use during haemodialysis because the increased number of
blood cells makes your blood thicker. |
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Sadly, EPO is not as widely
available on the National Health Service as it should be. So,
if you are offered transfusions to treat your anaemia,
ask about EPO as an alternative. |
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