Patients thankful for kidney foundation forums

[okarol]

Thursday July 30, 2009
Patients thankful for kidney foundation forums
By DESIREE TRESA GASPER

JOHOR BARU: For dialysis patients, forums conducted by the National Kidney Foundation of Malaysia (NKF) is an opportunity for patients to find people who can provide emotional support.

Mohd Alif Richard Abdullah, 52, who attended such a forum here recently, said he had been undergoing dialysis for over a year and found that many patients were depressed as they felt they had a lost cause.

“When I started on dialysis, I noticed that many of them were sad and lacked enthusiasm.

“Forums like this help us exchange ideas and form support groups,” he said.

He added that support groups were important for those suffering from kidney failure.

“Most of us spend at least three times a week in hospital and this can be depressing,” he said, adding that he was thankful to NKF, which was very supportive.

Another forum attendee, M. Ganesan, 46, said he initially struggled to cope with the disease but found it easier after making friends with others in the same situation.

“When we meet, we talk about the problems we face and share tips related to the disease,” he said.

He added that the forum allowed them to learn about medical advancements related to kidney failure.

For Salimah Ahmad, 45, her purpose in attending the forum was to gain information on the disease.

“I have been undergoing dialysis for six months and am still learning about different aspects of diabetes and kidney failure,” she said, adding that she came all the way from Kluang to attend the forum.

Johor Women, Family, Community Development and Health Committee chairman Dr Robia Kosai, who opened the forum, said it was important for emphasis to be given to diabetes.

“In Johor, the state has spent RM8mil to subsidise dialysis treatment,” she said.

She noted that kidney failure was becoming rampant in children as well.

“The only way to control the illness is to ensure we eat balanced meals and exercise daily,” she said.

http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2009/7/30/southneast/4407972&sec=southneast