Being told you’ve got Kidney Failure...

by Maureen, 1999

The words ‘you have Renal Failure’ are perhaps one of the most dreaded things you are going to hear. From that day forward you start a ‘New Life’ of blood tests, low protein diet and visits to a Renal Consultant who keeps you up to date with how your kidneys are functioning.

My first reaction was ‘it isn’t happening to me, and it will get better’. But of course it doesn’t.

In my case there was a deterioration over years. The terrible tiredness and nausea were the most distressing, then the high blood pressure and finally I started to carry a lot of fluid and got so exhausted and breathless that dialysis was the next step.

Now I had read about dialysis in a magazine and I for one wasn’t having any part of that, thank you very much. But the dreaded day eventually arrived and I turned up at the Renal Unit very tired, breathless and very scared. I was taken into the unit, the nurses explained what was going to happen and before I had time to think I was connected up. I was really surprised it wasn’t anything like I had imagined. And when I came off, wonderful, I could really breathe properly again. And everyone was helpful and friendly.

So now I’ve entered another stage of my life. ‘Dialysis and me’. I am now on a different diet, as I’m allowed to eat more protein, because the machine does some of the work of my kidneys. I receive my treatment and meet lots of other people with the same problems as myself. We talk and swap news and have a laugh.

The machine is my lifeline and because of it I am reasonably well and lead a good life, certainly a lot better than I did before I received dialysis, and I look healthier too.

Maureen, 1999

NKF Controlled Document No. 190, Being told you’ve got Kidney Failure..., written 15 July 2001. Last reviewed 6 June 2011.

The National Kidney Federation cannot accept responsibility for information provided. The above is for guidance only. Patients are advised to seek further information from their own doctor.

The National Kidney Federation is registered in England and Wales as a Company limited by guarantee (Company No 5272349) and awarded charitable status (Charity Number 1106735). Give as You Earn contributions No. CAF GY511.

Registered Office:- The Point, Coach Road, Shireoaks, Worksop, Notts S81 8BW, Tel: (01909) 544999, Fax: (01909) 481723, Helpline: (0845) 601 02 09, E-mail:  NKF on  Fundraising on  Follow us on 

This website is intended for UK residents only.
If you have any comments about this site, please EMAIL the webmaster