My Diagnosis Process – What Was That Experience Like?

I want to share how I found out about my chronic kidney disease. I thought I was the picture of health. Today, I want to talk about the diagnosis process of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and share my personal experience of how I found out about my CKD. It's not an easy topic to discuss, but I hope that sharing my story can help others that are going through the same thing.

I thought I was the picture of health

So, let's start from the beginning. I exercise daily and thought I was the picture of health. I didn’t have any symptoms and was feeling fantastic. It was time for my annual check-up and this is when I was thrown this blow.

During my appointment, my doctor asked me a lot of questions about my health history and performed a physical examination. They also ordered some blood tests and a urine test. I didn't think much of it at the time, as I thought it was just a routine check-up.

A few days later, I received a call from my doctor's office asking me to come in for a follow-up appointment. I was a bit nervous, but I still didn't think it was anything serious.

During my follow-up appointment, my doctor told me that my blood test results showed that my kidney function was not normal. I was shocked and didn't really understand what that meant. My doctor explained that my kidneys were not filtering my blood properly and that I had chronic kidney disease.

I had so many questions

It was a lot to take in and I had so many questions. How did this happen? What does this mean for my future? My doctor was very supportive and took the time to answer all of my questions. They also referred me to a nephrologist, a doctor who specializes in kidney disease.

Over the next few weeks, I had to undergo a lot of tests to determine the stage and cause of my CKD. It was a very overwhelming and scary time for me.

Finally, after weeks of exhaustive waiting, I found out that my CKD was caused by high blood pressure that I had no idea I even had. It was a relief to finally have an answer, but it was also scary to know that there was no cure for my illness.

I'm so grateful for my doctors

Looking back, the diagnosis process was a rollercoaster of emotions. I was scared, confused, and overwhelmed. But I am grateful for my doctor's support and the care I received from my nephrologist. They helped me understand my condition and provided me with the resources and tools to manage my CKD.

If you or someone around you are experiencing any symptoms of kidney disease, I urge you to make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.

It's important to catch kidney disease early, as it can lead to serious complications if left untreated. And if you do receive a CKD diagnosis, know that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you manage your condition and live a fulfilling life.