Urine testing for renal and other health issues
In April 2019, Moonie King, President of the Tepehua Board of the Directors, gave us a urine testing machine. Nurse Olga (of Tepehua) provided the training and helped us by checking the results. The Poco a Poco community center provided this service for free for people in San Pedro Itzicán and anyone from the surrounding villages.
Urine testing machine
Testing machine
Unfortunately, at the end of 2021, the urine testing machine stopped working. (They are very sensitive to dust...). We did try to get it repaired, without success.
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We know that the nephrologists recommend urine testing, as well as testing of blood, as the only way to find out if someone has renal problems at an early stage (before they have any symptoms).
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In San Pedro, these tests are not available (there is no other medical office) and the people in these towns do not have the money to take urine or blood tests when they can't afford to even feed their families.
In San Pedro, these tests are not available (there is no other medical office) and the people in these towns do not have the money to take urine or blood tests when they can't afford to even feed their families.
Doctor review of results
The results from urine tests have to be reviewed by a doctor or nurse, and the Tepehua Community Center in Chapala has been very helpful with this. When we were doing our own urine testing, some people tested positive for bladder infections and were prescribed antibiotics when we took them to the doctor. (If left untreated, these infections can cause renal problems.) Other patients were referred to specialists in Guadalajara or Ocotlán, for follow-up because they were already showing signs of renal disease.
In 2021, we know of 18 people who died of renal failure in the San Pedro Itzicán area. By May 2022, another 14 people had died. Early detection and treatment is the only solution.
If you would like to help us with renal testing supplies, please email us.