World kidney day

MariaPCC 14 March 2024

Did you know that your kidneys clean your blood 40 times every day, removing toxins and waste products.  They really are amazing organs which work away contributing to your overall health.

As well as cleaning your blood they also

  • Make urine
  • Remove extra fluid from your blood
  • Control your body’s chemical balance
  • Help control your blood pressure
  • Help keep your bones healthy
  • Help you make red blood cells

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive loss in kidney function over a period of months or years. When kidney function falls below a certain point, it is called kidney failure. Kidney failure affects your whole body and can make you feel very ill. Untreated kidney failure can be life-threatening, and there is no cure for kidney disease.

This Thursday (14 March 2024) is World Kidney day which is an annual event that aims to raise awareness about the importance of our kidneys and the vital role they play in our overall health. During the week I will be supporting Kidney Wales as a volunteer ambassador spreading the word about the importance of good kidney health, which I know from personal experience when your kidneys don’t work properly it can have a huge impact on your daily life.

I was first diagnosed with CKD in my early 20’s but lived with it for a further 10 years before my kidneys failed. Then my superhero Dad gave me a kidney, which lasted 15 years (that is pretty good).  But during Covid my transplanted kidney failed, so I had to start dialysis.

At present, I receive treatment three times a week (there are about 30,000 of us in the UK), whilst waiting patiently on the transplant list.  Whilst I have a fantastic team looking after me in my local unit, great family and friends looking after me, and a very supportive employer – PCC, I am not going to lie, it’s tough and challenging at times.

In 2010, 2.6 million people with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) or ‘kidney failure’ received dialysis or transplantation worldwide; this number is projected to increase to 5.4 million by 2030. This is why it is so important to advocate and raise awareness on kidney health.

Key things to remember:

  • Early chronic kidney disease has no signs or symptoms.
  • Chronic kidney disease usually does not go away.
  • Kidney disease can be treated. The earlier you know you have it, the better your chances of receiving effective treatment.
  • Blood and urine tests are used to check for kidney disease.
  • Kidney disease can progress to kidney failure.

Find out more about kidney health https://www.worldkidneyday.org/about-kidney-health/

Author: Helen Simmonds

Categories: Article

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