Living with chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a severe condition that affects your kidneys and prevents them from functioning properly. You can live with CKD for a long time while the condition gradually keeps getting worse until the kidneys fail permanently. Detecting the condition early is important to receive the necessary care. There is no cure for CKD but there are various medical and self-care treatments that can help you live a good life with the disease.

Chronic kidney disease can be caused by high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels and kidney stones. Someone with the condition may experience the following symptoms:

• Facial puffiness especially around the eyes.
• Feeling tired.
• Swelling of the feet and ankles.
• Peeing more especially at night.
• Poor appetite.
• Difficulty sleeping well.

Following the medical instructions and treatment options recommended to you by your healthcare provider is essential. You can also work on the following to live a better life with chronic kidney disease.

• Work on your diet: what you eat plays an important role in CKD. You are advised to limit the amounts of salt, fat and sugar you take. Eat more starchy foods like bread and rice, fruits like watermelon and pineapple, and vegetables like spinach. When in doubt about what to eat ask your healthcare provider for recommendations.
• Exercise often: exercise boosts your physical health, keeps you fit, reduces the risk of heart disease and promotes good mental health.
• Manage other conditions: if you have other conditions like high blood pressure and high blood sugar levels, it is important to manage them properly with help from your healthcare provider. This is to prevent (further) damage to your kidneys.
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol: smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol only worsens your condition. You can talk to your healthcare provider about ways to stop smoking or drinking.
• Keep up with your management: know what medications you are on, your appointments, your test results, and always talk about how you feel to your friends and healthcare provider. Make sure that you do not miss dialysis sessions.
• Have a strong support system: this isn’t a battle you can fight alone. Ask friends and family to assist you when you need it.

Chronic kidney disease is a lifelong condition that requires you to take actions to reduce the disease progression. Follow the diet and medical plan provided to you by your healthcare provider to help you live a life where you are able to do normal day-to-day activities. Find the right support, maintain a healthy weight and eat a healthy diet.