I never gave my kidneys much thought until the day I was diagnosed with kidney failure. If you’re wondering, what is kidney failure? — it’s when your kidneys stop doing their job of cleaning your blood and balancing fluids properly. It’s a scary diagnosis, but understanding it is the first step to taking control of your health.
For reliable information, the NHS kidney disease page is a great place to start.
Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor or medical professional. This blog is based on my personal experience of kidney failure and what I’ve learned along the way. If you think you may have kidney problems, or any health concerns, please speak to your doctor for advice tailored to you.
What Is Kidney Failure?
Your kidneys act like filters, removing waste and extra fluid from your blood. One of the key waste products they remove is creatinine — a substance made when your muscles use energy. In healthy kidneys, creatinine passes into your urine and leaves your body. When your kidneys aren’t working properly, creatinine builds up in your blood.
Doctors use your creatinine level, along with your age, sex, and other factors, to calculate your eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate). This number shows how well your kidneys are filtering waste and is a key measure for diagnosing and monitoring kidney disease.
When your kidneys can no longer filter waste like creatinine effectively and your eGFR drops to dangerously low levels, it’s called kidney failure or renal failure. It can feel overwhelming, but learning about it helps you manage your health better.
If you want support or advice from others affected, Kidney Care UK offers fantastic resources and a community for people living with kidney conditions.
How Did I Get Kidney Failure?
For me, the cause was never completely clear. My doctors said it could have been either:
- High blood pressure damaging my kidneys over time, or
- My kidneys failing first, which then caused my blood pressure to rise.
Because I had no obvious symptoms for a long time, I don’t know how long I had kidney failure or high blood pressure before being diagnosed. It was frustrating to not know the exact cause.
If you want to learn more about causes and risk factors, The National Kidney Federation provides detailed information and patient support.
Symptoms of Kidney Failure I Experienced
In the early stages, I didn’t notice anything unusual. But looking back after my diagnosis, I realised I had been experiencing several symptoms, including:
- Swelling in my ankles and legs
- Constant fatigue
- Loss of appetite (I thought I was just doing really well with my weight loss, turns out I was just very unwell)
- Large, dark bruises on my legs
- Frequent headaches
- Nosebleeds (I had never had one before)
- Feeling cold all the time
- Slightly blurred vision (I just thought I was tired)
- Pale skin
- anaemia
Some of these symptoms were actually side effects of kidney failure, like anaemia..
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to get your kidneys checked. The NHS page on kidney symptoms explains what to watch for and when to see your GP.
Treatment Options for Kidney Failure
When my kidneys couldn’t filter my blood, my doctor told me I needed dialysis — a treatment that uses a machine to remove waste products like creatinine, urea, and excess fluid from your body. Dialysis can help when your eGFR has fallen so low that your kidneys can no longer keep you healthy on their own.
Some people, like me, can get a kidney transplant — receiving a healthy kidney from a donor. A transplanted kidney can filter blood naturally again, removing creatinine and restoring your eGFR to a much healthier level.
For updates on research and new treatments, Kidney Research UK is an excellent charity funding advances in this field.
How to Protect Your Kidney Health
If I could go back, I’d tell myself to take better care of my kidneys early on. Here are some simple steps that might help you avoid kidney problems:
- Check your blood pressure regularly. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for kidney damage. Whether that means investing in a home monitor or visiting your GP regularly, it’s worth it.
- Drink plenty of water to help your kidneys flush out toxins.
- Be cautious with medications like ibuprofen. I learned from my doctors that prolonged or high doses of ibuprofen can potentially harm your kidneys. (I’m not a doctor, so definitely ask a professional if you have questions about medications.)
- Eat a diet low in salt. Excess salt can increase blood pressure and strain your kidneys.
For practical advice and support, the British Kidney Patient Association (BKPA) is a great resource for patients and carers.
Final Thoughts
Kidney failure is serious, but it doesn’t have to control your life. Early detection and proper treatment make a huge difference. Something as simple as regularly checking your blood pressure could be lifesaving.
If you’re concerned about your kidney health, don’t hesitate to talk to your GP.
Remember, your kidneys work hard for you every day — take care of them, and they’ll take care of you.
