Welcome to The Kidney Chronicles: Navigating Life with Kidney Failure and Transplantation

In this section of the blog, I’ll be sharing my personal experiences living with kidney failure, undergoing a transplant, and navigating life as an immunocompromised individual. This space is a mix of my own journey, valuable resources, and educational content for fellow kidney and transplant patients, as well as those interested in becoming living kidney donors. My goal is to create a community of support, where stories, tips, and insights can be exchanged. This is a safe space to share, learn, and grow together. As always, I’m not a medical professional, but I encourage all of you to work with your healthcare team, research on your own, and reach out to others who understand.

My Journey with Kidney Failure and Transplantation

In 2016, my life took an unexpected turn when I was diagnosed with kidney failure. I had been struggling with symptoms for a while before the diagnosis, and the news was both a relief and a shock. My body had been fighting for a long time, and I hadn’t known it. After months of dialysis and managing the overwhelming physical, emotional, and mental toll, I was fortunate enough to receive a kidney transplant in 2019. This kidney came from a living donor, which was a huge blessing in my life.

But the journey didn’t stop there. In 2020, I found myself dealing with the realities of being immunocompromised due to the medications required to prevent my body from rejecting the new kidney. While this meant I had to take extra precautions to protect myself from infections, it also opened my eyes to a new way of living — one that prioritized natural care, personal health, and community support. It has been a transformative experience, and this blog is a place where I will share the highs, lows, and lessons I’ve learned along the way.

What is Kidney Failure?

Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys can no longer perform their essential job of filtering waste, balancing fluids, and regulating vital bodily functions. There are five stages of kidney disease, with stage 1 being the least severe and stage 5 being the most severe, often referred to as end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

1. Stage 1: Kidney function is mildly reduced (typically 90% or more function remains). There may be no symptoms.

2. Stage 2: Mild decrease in kidney function (60–89% function).

3. Stage 3: Moderate decrease in kidney function (30–59% function).

4. Stage 4: Severe decrease in kidney function (15–29% function). This is often when dialysis or a transplant is needed.

5. Stage 5 (end stage): Kidney failure (less than 15% kidney function). Dialysis or a kidney transplant is required to survive.

Dialysis: Hemodialysis vs. Peritoneal Dialysis

Dialysis is a treatment that takes over the function of the kidneys when they can no longer do their job. There are two main types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

• Hemodialysis: Involves a machine that filters waste and excess fluids from the blood. Blood is drawn from the body, cleaned through a dialyzer (filter), and returned to the body. Hemodialysis typically requires visits to a clinic several times a week.

• Peritoneal Dialysis: This form of dialysis uses the lining of your abdomen (the peritoneum) as a natural filter. A dialysis solution is introduced into the abdomen, absorbs waste and fluid, and is then drained. This type can be done at home and offers more flexibility for patients, though it requires careful monitoring and regular exchanges.

Both types of dialysis have their pros and cons, and the choice depends on the patient’s health status, lifestyle, and personal preferences.

Kidney Transplant: What Happens and How It Works

A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure in which a healthy kidney from either a living or deceased donor is placed into the patient’s body. It’s important to note that a transplant doesn’t “replace” the old kidneys — it’s a third kidney that is placed in front of the pelvis. This new kidney is connected to your blood vessels and bladder, allowing it to perform its normal function.

One of the most critical aspects of receiving a transplant is the use of immune-suppressant medications. These medications help prevent the body from rejecting the new kidney. They work by dampening the immune system’s ability to detect the new organ as foreign. However, these medications also make the body more susceptible to infections, which is why transplant recipients must be extra cautious about their health.

Immunocompromised: What It Means and How It Affects Your Life

Being immunocompromised means that your immune system is not functioning at full capacity. For kidney transplant recipients, this is a direct result of the immune-suppressant medications. While these medications are essential to prevent organ rejection, they also lower the body’s ability to fight infections, leaving individuals more vulnerable to illnesses.

The term inflammation is also important to understand in this context. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection. For those with kidney failure or transplant recipients, inflammation can become chronic, which is harmful over time and can contribute to further kidney damage, complications with the transplant, or other health issues.

Supporting Kidney and Transplant Patients: Resources and Education

Throughout this blog, I’ll share insights, personal stories, and resources for those living with kidney failure, those considering a transplant, and those interested in becoming living kidney donors. Kidney disease can feel isolating, but we are not alone. I hope this space serves as a valuable tool for education, community support, and empowerment. If you’re navigating this journey yourself, know that you’re not alone, and there’s a wealth of information, resources, and people out there who understand.