Wanita Bandung Fails Kidney Test, Needs Lifetime Dialysis
Battling Chronic Kidney Disease: A Bandung Woman’s Story
Table of Contents
Published: 2025-03-13
Diagnosis and Initial Symptoms
Jakarta – Asry Mahendra, a 38-year-old woman from Bandung, is sharing her experience after being diagnosed with stage 5 chronic kidney disease in 2024. Her journey began with severe headaches in late 2023, eventually leading too the life-altering diagnosis.
Asry revealed that she had a history of uncontrolled hypertension, for which she never sought treatment. She only discovered her hypertension in 2022, a significant risk factor for developing chronic kidney disease (CKD).
The intense headaches prompted her to seek medical attention at a local clinic.
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Asry recounts the onset of her health crisis: Di tahun 2023 akhir, di bulan Desember, saya ngerasa sakit kepala hebat, dan saya cek tensi ternyata tensi saya sudah tinggi di angka 215/120.
This translates to: “At the end of 2023, in December, I felt a terrible headache, and I checked my blood pressure, and it turned out to be very high at 215/120.”
The clinic prescribed medication to manage her high blood pressure. While the headaches subsided, a range of unusual symptoms emerged, including weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, hiccups, itching, a metallic taste in her mouth, unexplained bruising, foamy urine, and persistent fatigue. These are all potential indicators of kidney problems.
The Diagnosis: Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 5
Her deteriorating condition led to further medical evaluations, including a recommended blood test.
Nah di situ saya disarankan cek darah sama dokter. Ternyata selesai cek darah, hasilnya dinyatakan gagal ginjal kronis stadium 5,
Asry explained. This means: “that’s when the doctor suggested I get a blood test. It turned out that after the blood test, the results showed chronic kidney disease stage 5.”
According to Asry, doctors attributed her hypertension to a sedentary lifestyle and an unhealthy diet. These are significant risk factors for chronic kidney disease.
Dulu saya memang jarang gerak, makanannya juga suka yang asin-asin gurih, seblak, basreng dan kawan-kawannya. Hari-hari saya rebahan terus, kerja di ruangan AC 24 jam, habis makan berat langsung rebahan. Mungkin dari situ penyakit timbul,
she admitted. In English: “I used to rarely exercise, and I liked salty and savory foods, seblak, basreng, and the like. I spent my days lying down, working in an air-conditioned room 24 hours a day, and lying down instantly after a heavy meal. Maybe that’s where the disease came from.”
Treatment and the road Ahead
Seeking alternative treatments, Asry traveled to Johor, Malaysia. Though, doctors there confirmed that dialysis was the only available treatment option.
Currently, she undergoes regular dialysis twice a week and is awaiting a kidney transplant.
Cuci darah seumur hidup, kalau belum mendapatkan donor ginjal,
Asry stated, emphasizing the long-term commitment to dialysis unless a kidney donor is found. This translates to: “Dialysis for life, unless I get a kidney donor.”
Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease: Asry’s Story and Expert Insights
This article explores chronic kidney disease (CKD) through the personal journey of Asry Mahendra, a 38-year-old woman from Bandung, Indonesia. We’ll delve into her diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment, while also providing broader insights into CKD based on expert medical knowledge.
Q: What is Chronic kidney Disease (CKD) Stage 5?
A: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Stage 5, also known as end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD), represents the final and most severe stage of CKD. It signifies that the kidneys have lost almost all thier ability to function effectively. In Asry’s case, she was diagnosed with Stage 5 CKD after experiencing symptoms and undergoing a blood test. Specifically, Stage 5 CKD is diagnosed when a person’s estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) falls below 15 for 3 months or more, or they are on dialysis. This means the kidneys are working at less than 15% of their normal capacity.
Q: What is eGFR and Why is it important in diagnosing CKD?
A: eGFR stands for estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate. It’s a measure of how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood. A lower eGFR indicates that the kidneys are not functioning properly. Doctors use eGFR, along with other tests, to diagnose CKD and determine its stage. An eGFR below 15, sustained over a period, is a key indicator of Stage 5 CKD.
Q: What are the common symptoms of CKD Stage 5?
A: Asry’s experience highlights several common symptoms of CKD, especially as it progresses to Stage 5. These include:
Severe Headaches: As experienced by Asry initially.
Weakness and Fatigue: A general feeling of being tired and lacking energy.
Loss of Appetite: Reduced desire to eat.
Nausea and Vomiting: Feeling sick to your stomach.
Hiccups: Persistent and tough-to-resolve hiccups.
Itching: Unexplained and bothersome itching of the skin.
Metallic Taste in Mouth: An unusual taste sensation.
Unexplained Bruising: Bruising more easily than usual.
Foamy Urine: This can indicate protein in the urine, a sign of kidney damage.
It’s important to note that these symptoms can be caused by other conditions, but if you experience a combination of them, especially if you have risk factors for CKD, it’s crucial to seek medical attention.
Q: What are the risk factors for developing Chronic Kidney Disease?
A: Asry’s case illustrates two significant risk factors:
Uncontrolled Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Asry had a history of untreated hypertension,which put significant strain on her kidneys.
Unhealthy Lifestyle: Her sedentary lifestyle and diet high in salty and processed foods (seblak, basreng) contributed to her condition.
Other key risk factors for CKD include:
Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage the kidneys.
Family History of Kidney disease: Genetic predisposition plays a role.
Heart Disease: Cardiovascular issues often coexist with kidney problems.
Obesity: Excess weight can strain the kidneys.
Older Age: Kidney function naturally declines with age.
Q: What are the treatment options for Stage 5 CKD?
A: Asry’s journey highlights the two primary treatment options for Stage 5 CKD:
Dialysis: This is a life-sustaining treatment that filters the blood when the kidneys can no longer do so. Asry undergoes dialysis twice a week. She will need dialysis to prolong her life unless she gets a kidney transplant.
Kidney Transplant: This involves receiving a healthy kidney from a donor. Asry is currently awaiting a kidney transplant.
Q: What is dialysis and how does it work?
A: Dialysis is a process that artificially filters waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys are unable to do so. There are two main types of dialysis:
Hemodialysis: This involves using a machine to filter the blood outside the body.
Peritoneal Dialysis: This uses the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) to filter the blood inside the body.
Q: What is the role of diet in managing CKD?
A: Diet plays a crucial role in managing CKD, especially as it progresses. People with CKD frequently enough need to limit their intake of:
Sodium: High sodium intake can raise blood pressure and worsen fluid retention. Asry’s preference for salty foods likely contributed to her hypertension.
Phosphorus: damaged kidneys have trouble removing excess phosphorus, which can lead to bone problems.
Potassium: Similarly, damaged kidneys may struggle to regulate potassium levels, which can affect heart function.
Protein: While protein is essential, excessive protein intake can put extra strain on the kidneys.
A renal dietitian can definitely help create a personalized meal plan based on the individual’s needs and stage of CKD.
Q: If I have risk factors for CKD, what can I do to prevent it?
A: If you have risk factors for CKD, taking proactive steps can significantly reduce your risk:
Manage Blood Pressure: Regularly monitor your blood pressure and work with your doctor to keep it within a healthy range.
Control Blood Sugar: If you have diabetes, carefully manage your blood sugar levels.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Losing weight if you’re overweight or obese can reduce strain on your kidneys.
Eat a healthy Diet: limit sodium, processed foods, and sugary drinks. Focus on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
Avoid Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels, which can harm the kidneys.
Limit Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can also damage the kidneys.
Regular check-ups: If you have risk factors, talk to your doctor about regular kidney health screenings.
Q: What is the prognosis for someone with Stage 5 CKD?
A: The prognosis for someone with stage 5 CKD varies depending on several factors, including age, overall health, and adherence to treatment. Dialysis and kidney transplantation can significantly extend life expectancy and improve quality of life. Seeking early diagnosis and initiating appropriate treatment can help slow the progression of CKD and improve outcomes.
Asry’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection, lifestyle modifications, and adherence to medical advice in managing CKD. While Stage 5 CKD presents significant challenges, with proper treatment and support, individuals can live fulfilling lives.