Since it is Mental Health Awareness Week, we thought it would be a good time to talk about how having chronic kidney disease can affect your mental health. My name is Chris and I am one of the patient experts on CKDExplained. I am also a mental health first-aider at my workplace and training to […]
Mental Health and Chronic Kidney Disease Read More »
Transplant Diaries … countdown to surgery Nicola was 38 years old when she received her kidney transplant in December 2019. In an extract from her transplant diaries, these are some of her memories of the journey before … I was lucky all my family offered to donate a kidney to me, siblings, parents, husband –
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My Mum is on Dialysis. Daniel’s Story. Daniel’s birth in 1993 was highly anticipated by the renal staff at Nottingham City Hospital. Until then, it was unheard of for an existing dialysis patient to successfully conceive and sustain a pregnancy. Daniel was the first baby, worldwide, born to a dialysis patient. “My earliest memory was
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Dialysis and your heart: how to keep it healthy. When we have kidney failure, the focus is often on our dialysis treatment. However, the most common cause of death in kidney patients is heart failure. This is because dialysis patients often suffer from other health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or problems with
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What is a fistuloplasty and why do I need one? Dialysis patient Nikki Fretwell explains the procedure of a fistuloplasty. If you have an arteriovenous fistula (AVF), there is a possibility that you may need a fistula angioplasty in the future. A fistuloplasty, as it’s commonly known, is a non-surgical procedure to clear a blockage
What is a fistuloplasty and why do I need one? Read More »
Today, we have a story from Heather, who wants to share her experiences and talk about how living with Chronic Kidney Disease affects her. “I am Heather and my condition is reflux nephropathy. When I was seven years old, I was poorly every day with nausea and headaches. My vision would also blur. My mum
Why did I need diuretics? As a patient with kidney disease, experiencing various symptoms is common, and some can be quite bothersome. One such symptom is water retention (or oedema), typically seen as swelling in the feet and ankles. It can also cause possible puffiness and swelling around the eyes. I regularly dealt with swelling
Diuretics – Darren’s experience Read More »
Type 1 Diabetic’s Journey Through a Motorcycle accident, COVID, Dialysis and Transplant Katie’s journey through numerous health struggles and a traumatic accident has illuminated the remarkable strength and resilience she possesses to persevere. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a teenager, she has faced challenges beyond what any young person should endure. “As a high
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Mirror I stand at the mirror And what do I see A road map of journeys Which glare back at me Each scar tells a story Each mark has a name Teenage years stolen Life never the same. Spirits were broken Tears, how they flowed How would I manage this overweight load? Some loved ones
Mirror – A poem by Nikki Fretwell Read More »
Garry’s Story A year ago, Garry had no idea he would have a story to tell. Having been diagnosed with kidney cancer and his left kidney removed thirteen years ago, his annual checks with the GP were always clear. Garry’s Type 1 diabetes was well managed and he worked at a holiday park in Keswick
