I hadn’t really heard much about anaemia before I was diagnosed. It was one of those medical words you hear in passing but never think will apply to you. Then, without even noticing when it started, I began feeling tired all the time.
It wasn’t until I found out I had kidney failure that I also learned about anaemia—and just how much of an impact it was having on me.
Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor or medical professional. This blog is based on my personal experiences and what I’ve learned along the way. If you think you may have anaemia, kidney problems, or any health concerns, please speak to your doctor for advice tailored to you.
What Is Anaemia?
Anaemia happens when your blood doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to your body’s tissues. Without enough oxygen, your body feels weak, tired, and unable to function at its best.
For reliable information Bupa’s Anaemia page is a great place to start.
How Kidney Failure Led to My Anaemia
My anaemia was directly linked to my kidneys failing.
Healthy kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin (EPO), which tells your body to make red blood cells. When your kidneys are damaged, they produce much less of this hormone. That means fewer red blood cells and, eventually, anaemia.
How Anaemia Felt for Me
Living with anaemia caused by kidney failure meant:
- Constant fatigue, even after rest
- Shortness of breath with small activities
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
- Feeling colder than usual
- Large black bruises appearing all over my legs
It wasn’t just “being tired”—it was like my body didn’t have the fuel it needed to function.
My Treatment for Anaemia with Kidney Failure
Treating anaemia in the context of kidney failure is different from treating regular iron-deficiency anaemia. My treatment included:
- Erythropoietin (EPO) injections during dialysis to help my body make more red blood cells
- Dietary changes to balance iron intake without overloading my kidneys
- Ongoing dialysis to help remove excess creatinine and other waste products
It took about eight weeks for my haemoglobin levels to rise enough for me to feel even a little more normal—but that improvement felt huge.
What I Wish I Knew Earlier
If you have kidney problems—or are at risk—watch out for signs of anaemia. Fatigue, dizziness, or feeling cold could be more than just “being run-down.”
Ask your doctor to check:
- Haemoglobin – to diagnose anaemia
Catching anaemia early when you have kidney failure can make a massive difference in your quality of life.
Final Thoughts
For me, anaemia was a direct result of kidney failure. My kidneys couldn’t make enough of the hormone needed to produce red blood cells.
Receiving the right treatment—on time—was the key to regaining energy and improving my daily life.
If you’re living with chronic kidney disease, know that anaemia is common—but it’s treatable. The sooner you get the right help, the sooner you can start feeling better.
