The kidneys are essential to the proper functioning of our bodies, as they play a crucial role in eliminating waste from our system. When they are affected by end-stage renal disease, they cease to function properly, and usually, people with this diagnosis need to undergo dialysis regularly to eliminate the waste from their bodies. Furthermore, some of them may even need a kidney transplant to survive. Exposure to PFAS has a strong connection to diseases that target the kidneys, including end-stage renal disease. For this reason, if you were stationed at a military base that was heavily contaminated with PFAS, you should pay close attention to your health and look out for the following symptoms, which may indicate the onset of end-stage renal disease:
- nausea
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
- fatigue and weakness
- sleep problems
- changes in how much you urinate
- muscle twitches and cramps
- swelling of the feet and ankles
- persistent itching
- chest pain, if fluid builds up around the lining of the heart
- shortness of breath, if fluid builds up in the lungs
- high blood pressure
If you experience some of the above symptoms and have a history of PFAS exposure in the military, please seek medical attention as soon as possible, as you may have developed end-stage renal disease. Early diagnosis is crucial, as it will grant you access to the treatment you need, which may lead to a favorable prognosis. In the regrettable case you have end-stage renal disease and are a member of the military or a veteran, we strongly encourage you to contact our law firm, as we specialize in toxic exposure and our legal team may be able to help you recover the compensation you deserve for your diagnosis.