Kidney, Urinary, Gastro Intestinal, Liver

Most of us are familiar with the term Gout without being aware of its full implications. This FAQ briefs us about all that we need to know about the condition and how we can tackle it, should we be affected. 1.  What is Gout? Gout is a kind of arthritis where uric acid gets deposited in the joints and soft tissues. This, in turn, causes inflammation with redness, swelling, heat, pain and stiffness in the affected joint. Since the foot has numerous joints, the big toe is primarily affected…

It is estimated that about 2 lakh (200,000) new patients develop end-stage kidney failure every year in India. Dialysis can extend their life, but the treatment can be demanding and disruptive. Dr. Jyotsna Zope, a senior consultant Nephrologist gives us an overview about dialysis and advices ways to prevent kidney problems and diseases. What is dialysis? Dialysis is a procedure by which waste product and excess water are removed from the body. The waste products (‘Uremic toxins’) are the end…

61 year old Mdm Ruhaya is lovingly referred to as ‘sayang’ by the nurses here at KDF. With a characteristic twinkle in her eye and a warm chatty personality, one would not guess that she is a kidney failure patient. Mdm Ruhaya stays positive despite her illness and says that she has learnt to adapt to the hardships she faces by choosing to focus on the simple joys of everyday life. However, she acknowledges that life has been exceptionally cruel to her over the years. At a young age she not…

When actors go through phases of rapid weight gain to rapid weight loss in preparation for film roles, many eyebrows are often raised among health professionals. Dr Shital Raval lists out reasons why it is medically dangerous and unhealthy of such yo-yoing. Imagine going from 68 kg to 93 kg in six months and then back again to original size. Well...That’s what actor Aamir Khan did recently oscillating from rapid weight gain to rapid weight loss. While Khan’s bulging - thinning programme…

Imagine a time when your spouse, sibling, child, or even yourself, had to be responsible for connecting tubing and inserting needles into your arm for medical treatment. It is quite unthinkable for most of us as we are used to these procedures being done by medical professionals. But that was the situation at the Self Dependency Dialysis Unit (SDDU) at Alexandra Hospital before KDF took over its management in 1996. Mdm Tan (not her real name or picture) is one of KDF’s first patients and one of…

Diagnosed with Choledochal Cyst or a situation which causes a nagging digestive problem, Piali Syam strongly advises patients with similar issues to consult specialists and get a proper diagnosis at the earliest. Ignoring common symptoms is a huge mistake as an early treatment can also procure quick cure and comfort for the patient. Piali, please tell us a bit about your condition I have never had any major illnesses related to my digestive system prior to being diagnosed with a Choledochal…

“Prejudice is the child of ignorance.” ― William Hazlitt ― In a diverse and informed society like Singapore, it remains not completely uncommon to hear of instances of discrimination. While it is understandable to fear or even condemn something that is strange or new to us, we should be reminded that understanding breeds tolerance and empathy. A Gift of Life Mr S, is a dialysis patient at the San Wang Wu Ti-KDF Centre at Kreta Ayer, and he has been dialysising there for slightly over a year. He…

Courage, as defined by the Oxford dictionary, is 'the ability to do something that frightens one' and 'strength in the face of pain or grief'. But how exactly does it show in everyday life? To Mr Neo, every waking moment entails a conscious act of courage. Courage is taking the bus alone. Courage is looking past the curious eyes and indifference of others. Courage is taking every day in stride, despite being partially blind and dependent on dialysis for life. Neo - as he amiably requests to…

Mdm Zainon's life took an unexpected turn after a hit and run accident in Malaysia. She is now on daily peritoneal dialysis and her faith keeps her going through the difficult phases. Read on here:   We all imagine that when the time comes we age gracefully and naturally, surrounded by the warm and smiling faces of our children and grandchildren. We envision that life would be simpler, slower – better. So what do you do when you are aged and forced to accept that you are now a feeble…

Like any young woman, Choo Peck See, 45, had dreamed of meeting the right person someday, settling down and starting a family of her own.  It was a dream come true when she was called up to receive a kidney transplant and have a shot at a normal life. But life had other plans. Read on: Bittersweet Sixteen Mere months after completing her O-Levels and still finding her bearings in the aftermath of her mother's sudden stroke, Peck See herself showed symptoms of kidney failure. The poor…