Embracing Chronic Kidney Disease

By Holly Wakelin

2 min read

When I was in my teens, I honestly couldn’t care less about my health for context I am now 23. I was young, dumb (some people might say I'm still young and dumb) but I also had a single left kidney that had chronic kidney disease (CKD). Although I had CKD, I still thought I was invincible during my teens. My kidney function was slowly decreasing between ages 15-20 and I still didn't care.

I was avoiding my reality like people avoid standing on a piece of lego. They know when they do it... it’s really going to hurt.

The decision

Soon enough, stage 4 CKD came along when I turned 20/21. I was thrown off a cliff into a whole new world of potassium, phosphorus, blood tests, appointments, medication, new doctors, stricter diet, gout, sadness, confusion and so much more.

I quickly came to the realization that if I don't acknowledge this annoying kidney issue I'm going to keep butting heads with my reality. Or, I could finally change my perspective by owning this disease, embracing it, acknowledging the impact it has on my life and work with it rather than against it.

Facing my reality

When I say my mental state has never been happier or clearer. The day I decided to embrace my world of kidney disease... changed me. Sounds dramatic, I know but hear me out. There are honestly days where I am grateful that I was diagnosed with CKD. I know it sounds like a stretch, but CKD has pushed me into a healthier lifestyle. I make better decisions for my health and well being. I believe in myself more and I am always aiming to do better for my health.

Everything changed. Not just my mindset, but I changed my entire life. What I ate, what I drank. Who I was hanging out with. Less of the bad stuff and more of the good. I was feeling great because of it.

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Embracing CKD

Living with CKD is just a completely new game that I am playing. Now that I have FULLY embraced my reality of living with CKD, there are days I'm still terrified of what's to come and how quickly and dramatically my life could change overnight. But I know it's just something I'm going to have to deal with when it comes.

Luckily, I had a massive realization in my life that everyone has their own battle. CKD is unique to me but there are other people out there with their own battles that I also have no idea about and I bet they can feel it just hard as someone with CKD does some days. But in the end we are all here to keep fighting.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Chronic-Kidney-Disease.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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Lawrence Phillips Moderator & Contributor
Embracing CKD is important and for me life changing. I first had to embrace diabetes, then RA and now this. Oh it is a long road, but each new step starts with knowing where you are, only then can you determine where you are.
CommunityMemberb2f54e Member
I believe the hardest thing for me is trying to figure out what I’m supposed to eat. Some foods are good in some foods are not good, and I’m really struggling with the changes in my life. My daughter is in the Air Force and I care for my eight year old granddaughter, the pain in my back has caused me to slow down so much I go to school functions with my granddaughter field trips, and it’s just becoming too much.
1. Holly Wakelin Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMemberb2f54e" user-id="7001454"/> I agree. Food can be the trickiest part, as there is so much information out there about what you can and can't eat. I feel like that at times when it all gets a bit much but all you can do it take it day by day and try not put to much pressure on yourself as your trying your best!! I have a instagram page miss__ckd, where I talk about more of what its like to live with CKD. If you ever wanted to chat feel free to reach out. 😀 
2. Diane Talbert Moderator & Contributor
 Hello <inline-mention username="CommunityMemberb2f54e" user-id="7001454"/> , Just following up to see how things are doing. Are you still managing to care for your granddaughter with all the pain you are in? Trust me I get it. I have 6 grandchildren and had to opt out of attending so many of their functions. Now I'm a great grandma. Let us know how you are doing. We would love to hear from you. Diane (Team Member)
Diane Talbert Moderator & Contributor
Hello <inline-mention username="Holly Wakelin" user-id="6882877"/> , This is such a great article. I thought I had written it. I started out at 5 years old with a chronic illness. Over the years I develop several more, but I always thought I was invisible. It wasn't until "they" started talking about my kidneys that I had to face reality. I am 65 now and I listen to my team of doctors until they get confused themselves. One doctor told me I can eat bananas, another one said no. Long story. Thanks for sharing some of your journey with us. And you are so right, we have to embrace all of this. Diane (Team Member)
1. Holly Wakelin Moderator & Contributor
 Hey <inline-mention username="Diane Talbert" user-id="6705270"/> it is great to meet you! Wow you really have experienced it your entire life - Awesome to see you still going strong to tell the tale. But I agree the amount of conflicting information can get so confusing. But as you would know all you can do is your best and may as well try accept it along the way!!!
Khiry Rowe-Hopkins Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="Holly Wakelin" user-id="6882877"/> I completely agree with you embracing CKD is not easy at all it took me many years to actually admit to myself, some days are harder than others and it definitely is not easy but I believe accepting is the first sign of recovering Khiry (Team member)