GENERAL

 

What makes the Nebraska Kidney Association different from other kidney health organizations?

The Nebraska Kidney Association has been helping Nebraska kidney and transplant patients for 40 years.  The NKA is committed to improving the quality of life for all Nebraskans.  Though formerly known as the National Kidney Foundation of Nebraska, and The Kidney Foundation of Nebraska, the NKA is now Nebraska managed with no ties to a national organization.  We guarantee that 100% of all funds raised here in Nebraska stays in Nebraska helping our Nebraska friends and neighbors.

Our mission is to improve the lives of all Nebraskans through advocacy, education, early disease detection and patient services.

 

SERVICES

 

What services & programs does the Nebraska Kidney Association provide?

Early Detection Screenings (KEDS) – Free kidney health evaluation program conducted periodically throughout the state for individuals at increased risk of developing kidney disease.

Health and Education Programs (KHEP) – Classroom programs on kidney function, organ donation and kidney disease to elementary and middle-school students throughout the state.

Annual Patient/Family Celebration Day – An annual day-long program designed to inform patients and families about the latest treatment methods as well as entertainment and fun for everyone.

Medical Alert Jewelry and Emergency Financial Aid – Kidney and transplant patients can apply for emergency financial assistance or free medical alert jewelry through their social workers.

Kidney Patient Resource Guidebook – for newly diagnosed kidney patients and their families.

Access – The NKA offers a toll-free phone number for patients and families to contact the association.  Additionally this website provides information designed to inform and educate.

E-Newsletter – Sign up to receive the E-NETWORK to be emailed quarterly throughout the state.

Doctor to Doctor – A quarterly newsletter is produced and distributed to Nebraska family physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants with the latest information designed to help diagnose and treat kidney and transplant patients.

Speaker’s Bureau – Speakers from the NKA are available to speak to organizations, clubs, groups, corporations or social gatherings throughout Nebraska on topics such as programs and services, organ transplantation and estate planning.

 

HEALTH

 

My doctor has told me that my kidneys are not functioning at full capacity.  Is there anything I can do now to slow the progression of kidney disease?

The two most common causes of kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure.  If you have either or both, you are at a greater risk for developing kidney disease. 

At a minimum, you should try to keep your blood pressure in the 120/80 range which is considered normal for an adult. 

If you have diabetes, your doctor will probably do an A1C test which can tell your doctor whether your blood sugar level stays within a normal range.

You may be asked to restrict the amount of protein in your diet.

Maintain healthy levels of fats (also known as lipids) which are responsible for cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood.

If you smoke, quit.  Nothing good is attributable to smoking and the habit becomes even more dangerous if you are at risk for developing chronic kidney disease.

I read that the Nebraska Kidney Association offers free health screenings.  What’s the cost and what kind of tests are done?

The free health screening program is called the Kidney Early Detection Screening (K-EDS) and is offered primarily for individuals at increased risk of developing kidney disease.  Anyone 18 years of age or older may participate but those with a history of high blood pressure and/or diabetes are encouraged to be tested.

The screening includes blood pressure & weight measurements plus blood and urine tests for signs of diabetes and kidney disease.  The tests will measure blood glucose levels; hemoglobin; a full Lipid panel as well as calcium, phosphorus and tests for anemia, protein in the urine and other factors.  There is no requirement to fast before these tests.

What are some of the symptoms of kidney disease?

Burning or difficulty during urination.

More frequent urination, particularly at night.

Puffiness around eyes, swelling of hands and feet, especially in children.

Passage of bloody-appearing urine.

High blood pressure.

Pain in the small of the back below the ribs (not aggravated by movement).

What are the tests your doctor may perform to determine if I have kidney disease?

Complete Blood Count (CBC) - This test gives your doctor information on the levels of red and white cells and platelets and whether they are functioning properly.

Creatinine Level – A simple blood test identifies the Creatinine Clearance level and tells your doctor whether the kidneys are functioning properly.  If the kidneys are damaged, the amount of creatinine in the urine decreases while the amount of creatinine in the blood increases.

Protein in Urine – In this test, your urine is collected for a 24-hour period and the amount of protein in the urine is measured. 

GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate) – The GFR is calculated based on a formula that takes into consideration your blood creatinine levels, age body size and gender.  

Additional tests may include blood urea nitrogen (BUN), blood electrolytes, creatinine level and in some cases, a kidney biopsy.

 

TRANSPLANTATION

 

How do I get my name on the transplant list?

To become a transplant candidate, you must be evaluated and accepted by a transplant hospital.  It is up to each center to decide whether or not it will accept someone as a transplant candidate.

I have a relative that needs a transplant.  How do I get tested to see if I’m compatible?  OR   I’m considering donating one of my kidneys.  Who do I contact to start this process?

In order to qualify as a living donor, an individual must be physically fit, in good general health, and free from high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, kidney disease and heart disease.  The living donor must first undergo a blood test to determine blood type compatibility with the recipient. 

The decision to become a living donor is a personal and voluntary one, and the donor may change his or her mind at any time during the process.

Contact must be made with the local transplant center so they can begin this testing process.

Will it cost me anything to donate one of my kidneys?

Because health insurance coverage varies for living donation, it is important to check with your insurance company for verification of benefits.  If the recipient is covered by a private insurance plan, some insurance companies pay 100 percent of the donor’s expenses.  If the recipient is covered by Medicare, Part A pays all of the donor’s medical expenses, including preliminary testing, the transplant operation, and post-operative recovery costs.  Part B pays for physician services during the hospital stay.  Medicare also covers follow-up care if complications arise following the donation.

 

FINANCIAL

 

I’m on dialysis (or have had a transplant) and I need assistance with some bills.  Does the Nebraska Kidney Association help with such things?

The Nebraska Kidney Association depends on charitable contributions from the public to support its many programs and services.  Patient assistance to Nebraska kidney patients is one of these vital programs.  The extent of direct assistance and the number of patients who can be helped is determined by the availability of funds.   Since there are many resources available, we are seen as the last resort.  Contact should be made with the social worker in your dialysis unit or transplant center.

 

DONATIONS

 

If I make a donation, how will my money be used?

82% of all expenditures go directly to programs and services.  The Nebraska Kidney Association depends on charitable contributions from the public to support these many programs and services such as free medical alert jewelry, emergency financial aid, Kidney Patient Resource Guidebook, annual Patient & Family Celebration Day, newsletter, Nebraska toll-free number, and website.  100% of all money raised in Nebraska stays in Nebraska!

Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes, it is.

How do I make a donation?

Donations can be made by with any credit card or debit card, checks and cash either by mailing the information or calling our office directly (800-642-1255).  We also have a link on our website (www.kidneyne.org) that links directly with PayPal if you desire to make a donation that way.

A relative that had kidney disease recently died.  We’ve received memorials with the NKA named.  How do we go about sending these in?

You can bring in or mail the memorials to our office.  We send thank you cards to those who donated.  All memorials are listed monthly on our website (www.kidneyne.org) and also listed in our newsletter.

Do you have a car donation program?  What’s the process?

Yes, we do have a car donation program.  We have a third party that takes care of the process for us.  Simply call 888-642-8543 and they will send the paperwork to transfer the title and then make arrangements to pick up the vehicle.

 

 

 

Nebraska Kidney Association

Frequently Asked Questions