Refugees from Ukraine: Oleg suffered from kidney failure. He fled from Zaporozhye to the Russians and found help in Prague
Oleg (48) worked in Zaporozhye as a manager. He has needed dialysis for over 20 years due to kidney failure. Dialysis is a method of replacing malfunctioning kidneys using instrumental blood purification, kpatients usually have to undergo it usually three times a week.
In 2000, Oleg underwent a kidney transplant, which worked for 8 years. In 2008 had to return to the dialysis program after the graft failure.
When Russian troops invaded Ukraine, It was clear to Oleg that he had to leave the country. Patients who needed dialysis began to move to Zaporozhye and capacity was filling up quickly. In some cities, due to the conflict, consideration has been given to reducing treatment.
“In addition, everything you need for dialysis comes from the capital Kiev, and due to the conflict, we were afraid that once the roads and supplies were cut off, dialysis will stop working in our city,“Oleg Blesk confided to News, which he decided to go to the Czech Republic to visit their children who are studying there.
Without dialysis, there is a risk of death
But the journey was not easy, although Oleg admits he was lucky. He left Zaporozhye on March 2 with his girlfriend and The Russians bombed mainly military objects and “did not shoot at civilians”as the man added. at the same time I admit that he was afraid for life. Especially since he knew he couldn’t work without dialysis.
As stated by the chairwoman of the Czech Nephrological Society, MUDr. Romana Ryšavá, patients can last some time without dialysis, but it is individual.
“If the patient has residual kidney function, so it can survive for a week to ten days, he will not be well. If it does not have residual kidney function, then inholds without dialysis for a maximum of 4 to 5 days, “Said Red.
Patients are at risk of receiving dialysis and death from cardiac arrest, caused by high levels of potassium in the blood. Or they may be too much hydration, which can also cause lung swelling.
Walking on dialysis
So Oleg had to plan a stop in Lviv, Ukraine, on his way to the Czech Republic. “I was afraid I would not be on dialysis“Oleg said.” In part, he had tothose due to the bombing on foot. Fortunately, he received dialysis in Lviv and was able to continue to Prague. In the capital received treatment on the fourth day after dialysis in Ukraine.
“He arrived in relatively good condition. If he had not undergone dialysis in Ukraine, he would already be in danger of death, “Said Blesk I report to MUDr. Satu Peši, head of the B. ra Avitum Dialysis Center in Ohradní Street, where Olegčková now goes.
“Thank you very much for your care. Everyone here in the Czech Republic is trying to help, “says Oleg from his dialysis bed. With staff communicates either in Czech or uses a translator in a mobile phone. He hopes with his girlfriend will be able to return to Ukraine as soon as possible.
The village of Marchalivka was also shelled at night, one of the locals lost his whole family and house, all he had left was his cat, introduced the Nexta channel.
“The war alone cannot be stopped, close the skies over Ukraine,” President Zelensky appealed to Sky News.
The US House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a law banning the import of oil, gas and coal from Russia. This is another reaction of the United States to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The measure was announced by US President Biden on Tuesday, and the House of Representatives has now given it the form of a law, the AP agency wrote.
It cannot be cured without electricity and water
As Blesk said I am maturing MUDr. Romana Ryšavá, Doctors in the Czech Republic have information that the supply of medical supplies to Ukraine is imminent and supplies begin to run low. And not only that.
“If you have hemodialysis treatment, so of course it requires electricity and a lot of water, you must have water treatment available. In some cities, water and electricity no longer work. This will leave patients with no choice but to move to western Ukraine, but even there they will soon run out of capacity and will have to take care of the borders,“Says Ryšavá.
Up to 400 refugees on dialysis
Doctors estimate that about 300 to 400 refugees who have so far come to the Czech Republic from Ukraine will need kidney dialysis. Up to 500 dialysis would, according to Rysava should not be a problem, it will only be necessary to spread the demand between the regions. “Dialysis capacity is currently relatively sufficient. Unfortunately, due to the covid, the capacity was relaxed because the patients on dialysis had a higher mortality ratet, “the doctor added.
Refugees who obtain a so-called distress visa in the Czech Republic you can also apply for public health insurance, thus gaining the right to the same health care as other inhabitants of the Czech Republic. The state pays premiums for them as well as for seniors, children or the unemployed. The Nephrology Society has declared that the centers are ready to take care of patients who need dialysis before thatbefore processing the necessary documents.
There is also on the website of the professional company map of all centers, the company also wants to disclose their capacity, which they may offer for the treatment of refugees.
