While getting clinical trials down in western countries seems the road forward, we have found great hesitancy for our people in India to get experimental. To make patients in the kidney community understand the true value of such studies, a special session was held with Dr Arvind Canchi.
Kidney Warriors Foundation is grateful to have some huge hearts willing to help. Our initiatives would not have been successful without their contribution. If you feel inspired by them, please donate to help our cause. Donations made to Kidney Warriors Foundation are eligible for tax exemption under section 80G.
Mayank Singhal was diagnosed with CKD as a result of Alport Syndrome at a young age, when he was happy and carefree, and full of dreams for a bright future and a career. The diagnosis and treatment that followed put an end to his dreams and hopes. Mayank had to start peritoneal dialysis in July 2015, eight years after his diagnosis. This was the best option when facilities for hemodialysis were limited in the hilly region in Dehradun where he lived, and when initial attempts by doctors to create a fistula for him failed.
For people with CKD, physical activity is imperative in order to overcome the manifold side effects of dialysis and medications. Although walking is considered the best form of exercise, it can be supported by other forms for better outcomes. Yoga is one such form that can be practiced by people of all age groups for greater flexibility, better muscle strength, improved bone strength, increased blood flow, improved heart rate, and control of blood pressure and blood sugar. It also helps in relaxation which, in effect, improves sleep. Responding to the need expressed by several members of KWF to include meditation and relaxation as part of a patient’s routine, Saurabh Agrawal, a certified yoga instructor, volunteered to conduct yoga sessions for the members.
The coronavirus raised its hood in advanced countries in Europe and the United States of America sometime in December 2019. In early March, when travel restrictions were being applied, foreseeing problems in supply of imported medicines and consumables, KWF took a preemptive step to warn patients to stock medicines.
When the Government promoted social distancing, dialysis patients found few city autos on the streets. KWF’s Sejal Jobanputra’s tweets caught media’s attention with Hindustan Times carrying a story on 23rd March with interviews of affected patients. By 24th March, complaints came from other parts of India of patients unable to reach their dialysis centers. The police were strictly following orders, immobilizing patients who needed emergency treatments.
