Rachel Ramsay

My Red Socks Move for Kidney Health

This one is close to home with our baby James born with a single kidney and hydronephrosis. Hydronephrosis (hydro - water and nephro - kidney) is swelling of the kidney. Swelling occurs when urine cannot freely pass from the kidney to bladder and often caused by a blockage or narrowing along the ureter (the pipework).

Temporary measures were implemented when J was born to preserve his single kidney and balance his electrolytes. There were good days and bad days but always love. It is very difficult to pinpoint exact problems with kidneys and bladders in such tiny newborn bodies. 

We will forever be amazed by the on the spot calculations and quick decisions made by our doctors across the four hospitals involved: St George special care nursery, Royal Women’s NICU, Sydney Children’s Westmead NICU and Sydney Children’s Randwick C1 South ward. Surgeries, transport vehicles, blood tests, ultrasounds, single pull out sofas, sound machines of a different kind and nighttime ward laps became all too familiar. 

Prior to leaving hospital, the surgeons created a ureterostomy. This is a small incision (a stoma) on the side of J’s abdomen which redirects his urine flow to the opening and relieves the pressure on his single kidney. J is currently living with his ureterostomy, thriving and growing stronger each day. He will continue to do so for some time and next steps will be decided with his doctors. For now, J frequently visits his specialists at Randwick and is no stranger to the ED. 

This October, James and Rach are moving to fundraise for people impacted by kidney disease and our renal units across the country. Together we are moving for people who spend upwards of 60 hours a month on dialysis. 

We want to spread awareness on the importance of our kidneys. Kidneys are vital organs which filter blood, remove waste, regulate blood pressure and maintain our chemical balance. Without healthy kidneys, toxins build up and can impact our other organs. Tracking water intake, changing makeshift nappies, antibiotics and eating healthy are every day activities for our family.

Please donate to support a better future for people with kidney disease. Or please take a moment to consider becoming a living kidney donor. Where healthy, it is possible to live with one kidney.