Hafsa⁣ Begum,a mother of‌ three from ⁣Bradford,England,is undergoing treatment for chronic kidney⁤ disease after discovering⁤ blood in her urine in May 2023 and seeking immediate medical attention. before her diagnosis, Begum led an active life with her family. The⁣ sudden onset of symptoms led to a two-month hospitalization, where ​she was diagnosed with kidney thrombosis.

If I do not immediately see a doctor, there is a risk that blood clots⁢ that⁢ affect my kidneys can be fatal such as⁣ attacking the brain, lungs, or heart. By recognizing symptoms earlier,I can ⁤get dialysis treatment and plan kidney transplants, ⁣said Begum,who works as a nurse.

Recognizing the Symptoms⁤ of kidney Disease

Begum first experienced symptoms while at work, including blood in her urine, pain in her side, and heart⁢ palpitations.

frequently enough we ignore or look for reasons for symptoms that arise.Though it is vital to listen to our body, ‍begum said. The blood ‍in ‍my urine is clearly visible,‍ but I know that not all people with kidney disease ‌experience it. Sometimes changes occur subtly, especially ‌if we ⁢don’t know our normal urine color.

Recognizing ‍the symptoms, Begum consulted ​a doctor immediately. Blood tests ​revealed a significant decrease in kidney function. She underwent two months of tests, scans, and a biopsy to determine ​the⁢ cause.

Doctors diagnosed Begum with kidney‌ thrombosis, a ​condition where blood clots form in ⁣the blood vessels⁤ that filter blood from ⁣the kidneys. this caused an acute kidney injury, a typically temporary​ loss of kidney⁣ function. After treatment, her kidney function stabilized at 19%, and she was discharged. Though, her ⁤condition worsened in early 2024.

Living with Kidney Disease

Nausea, ​vomiting, loss of appetite, ⁢and weight loss signaled the progression of Begum’s chronic kidney disease. By March 2024, her kidneys had ⁢failed, making ⁤dialysis the only option​ for survival.

for the ‍past ⁢year,Begum has undergone dialysis at home three times a week,with each session ⁤lasting 3 1/2 hours.

Many people⁤ are not aware of the ​impact of⁣ dialysis on ‌life. The process is painful,⁢ tiring,⁣ and frequently enough causes‌ headaches. ⁤I am so exhausted after the dialysis session that I have to sleep all day to​ recover, ⁢ Begum said.

Despite adjustments to her treatment, Begum’s body struggles to adapt.She frequently ‍experiences high blood pressure, dizziness, fatigue, ringing in her⁤ ears, and uncontrollable shivering.Muscle and bone pain disrupt her sleep.

As a mother and nurse, I am always active. But now, three‌ days a week I have to be connected to the dialysis ⁣machine. The time I should be able to spend with my family is now seized. I also have to⁤ limit food, drinks, and long trips.⁣ It’s​ hard ​to enjoy family events or vacation when I have to undergo dialysis, she explained.

These changes have taken a toll on Begum emotionally and mentally, leading her to seek⁣ counseling.

If ​I have a‍ diet or a bad lifestyle, maybe I can⁤ accept this situation more easily. But ‌I have no health problems before, and it feels unfair, she said.

Begum now works part-time on non-dialysis days due to swollen feet.

I ‌still work as it is indeed critically important for my ‍mental health. Caring⁤ for patients helps me forget my own condition,until the ‍next day I returned ⁢to being a patient, she said.

However, many people are unaware of the severity of her condition. People see me⁢ dressing up and ​smiles, so​ they⁣ think I’m fine.​ In fact, only family and close friends who really know like⁤ my condition on the days of dialysis, ‍Begum explained.

Support⁢ from her husband, children, relatives, and friends provides strength. They are always there for me, entertaining me when I feel down, she added.

Hope for a Transplant

Begum’s only hope is ‌a kidney transplant. my husband is ‍undergoing a ‍test to become a‍ life ​donor,​ and I am also registered in the transplant waiting list.I can only hope that the process will run soon, even though I realize that the availability of donors from the Asian community is⁢ still very limited, she said.

Begum ‍believes a lack of awareness about organ donation contributes to‌ the shortage of donors from certain ethnic groups.

It takes more education so that people consider organ donors. If data is available in more languages ​​and reach various religious groups, I am sure that more people ⁢will realize the big impact they can give by becoming donors, she ⁢explained.

While awaiting a transplant,Begum keeps⁤ a bag packed,ready ‌to leave at a moment’s notice.Hopefully after ⁣the transplant, my family and I can return to enjoy hiking and travel together. I miss feeling calm when I can take a vacation and stay away from routine. Living with kidney disease is arduous,but I try to live day ​after ⁤day, she said.

Kidney ‌disease Can Affect Anyone

An estimated 7.2 million people⁤ in the United Kingdom live with chronic kidney disease, which can affect anyone. I never thought I would experience this disease and had to undergo ⁢dialysis. Everything happened so fast. I who used to control my life, now lost that freedom, ⁤she said.

Begum hopes⁢ to raise awareness about the impact of kidney ⁤disease and its symptoms. Pay attention⁤ to the signs, such as changes in urine ⁣color and immediately see a doctor. if ⁢it was not due to ‍dialysis, ⁤I might‌ have to undergo palliative treatment now, Begum concluded.