Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis
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WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:
- Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis is also called NSF. It is a condition normally found in people with kidney disease. With NSF your skin becomes thick and hard, mostly on your arms and legs. Your muscles, joints, organs, and the tissue that covers your brain may also be involved. NSF may progress quickly causing very bad pain, and may be life threatening. It is not clear exactly what causes NSF. It may be caused by a gadolinium dye used during a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test. Surgery and certain medicines and conditions may increase your risk for having NSF.
- With NSF, you may have itchy or painful skin-colored or reddish bumps on your skin. Your hands and feet may swell and you may have pain and weakness in your arms and legs. You may have chest pain or see yellow spots on your eyes. Blood tests and a deep skin biopsy may be needed to learn more about your condition. A computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and an echocardiogram may also be used. Treatment may include medicines, dialysis, kidney transplant, photopheresis, and physical therapy. Having NSF found and treated early may decrease your symptoms and prevent further damage to your body.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Medicines:
- Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
- Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.
Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.
Pain clinic: Caregivers at a pain clinic may help you learn new ways to control your pain. There are many ways to decrease pain, like relaxation therapy or special breathing exercises. Caregivers at the clinic can help you find ways that work for you. Ask your caregiver if these may be used instead of, or in addition to your pain medicines.
Physical therapy: Your caregiver may want you to go to physical therapy. A physical therapist will help you with special exercises. These exercises help make your bones and muscles stronger.
CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:
- Your arms or legs are swollen, or you have trouble moving them.
- Your skin becomes red or painful.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition, treatment, or care.
SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:
- You suddenly have trouble breathing.
- You have worsening pain that does not get better after taking medicine.
Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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