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Kidney Theft: How safe are you?

A Happy Woman special report.

Fiona was saved, but how safe are you?

Tips to protect your kidneys

• If you are going alone to a bar and a stranger buys you a drink, ask the bartender to take a sip. If the bartender passes out--do not finish the drink.
  

• If the bartender refuses to test your drink, handcuff yourself to the bar rail. Chances are the thieves will not remove your kidneys in a public place without fear of being spotted.
  

• Before you take a sip of the drink mention very casually "I really shouldn't drink as I don't have any kidneys" If the guy loses interest in you immediately, congratulate yourself on a near-miss.
  
  
• Be suspicious of a gent carrying a medical bag if he isn't a doctor.

How do I know if my kidney's have been stolen? Top signs to look for:

• You may feel the need to urinate more often or less often.
  
  
• Loss of appetite or experience nausea and vomiting.
  
  
• Swelling of your hands or feet or numbness.
  
  
• Drowsiness, trouble concentrating.
  
  
• If you ever awakened in an unfamiliar hotel room in a bathtub filled with ice.
  
  
• If you have a tube running out of your back and/or an ugly ragged scar near the middle of your back just below the rib cage.

As with everything an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. You are the most important person you know and your kidneys belong to you and you alone.

Protect yourself.

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