Episodes

  • A Very Kidney Warrior Christmas: Heartfelt Messages of Hope, Encouragement & Gratitude (Christmas Bonus Episode) 💚

    A Very Kidney Warrior Christmas: Heartfelt Messages of Hope, Encouragement & Gratitude (Christmas Bonus Episode) 💚
    Dec 25 2025
    Welcome to a special Christmas Day bonus episode of Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast, created in partnership with Kidney Care UK. In this episode, Dee is joined by returning guest Moe (Episode 144) to share heartfelt messages sent in by listeners, kidney patients, past guests, and Kidney Care UK staff. These messages are filled with hope, encouragement, gratitude, and resilience — for anyone living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), on dialysis, waiting for a kidney transplant, or supporting a loved one through kidney failure. You’ll hear reflections on: • coping with dialysis and protecting mental health • waiting for “the call” for transplant and living with uncertainty • the life-changing gift of kidney transplantation • honouring living donors and deceased donors’ families • finding strength through community and shared stories 🎥 Important: The full audio + video version of this episode is available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/hUHpVpz3rFY ✅ If this episode helps you: • Follow/Subscribe to the podcast • Leave a review (Apple/Spotify) to help more kidney warriors find support • Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement • Consider talking with your loved ones about organ donation and your donation decision Follow Diary of a Kidney Warrior: 📸Instagram: www.instagram.com/diaryofakidneywarrior 📘Facebook: www.facebook.com/diaryofakidneywarrior 🐦Twitter (X): www.twitter.com/diaryofakidneyw 🎵Tik Tok: @diaryofakidneywarrior 📺Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChGUfib7lu9eKENlLJ6lafw 🔵 BlueSky: @diaryofakidneyw.bsky.social 💌 Join the Diary of a Kidney Warrior Family Mailing List Get updates on new episodes, vlogs, newsletters, and more! 👉🏽👉 Sign up here: https://diaryofakidneywarrior.getform.com/rjv47 📲 Follow Diary of a Kidney Warrior on WhatsApp Stay updated with new episodes and exclusive content! 👉🏽👉 Join here: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaO3ms71iUxipp1eeh2r Follow Moe Instagram @MrCoolBeans2889 TikTok @MrCoolBeans Kidney Care UK • Website: www.kidneycarekuk.org • Email: info@kidneycareuk.org • Tel: 01420 541 424 • Facebook: www.facebook.com/kidneycareuk.org • Instagram: @kidneycareuk • Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/kidneycareuk.bsky.social • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeqQTdAsEzXphqjHVtcTD-A To sign up to receive the Kidney Matters Quarterly Magazine Email: info@kidneycareuk.org Disclaimer: The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, the Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast, or Kidney Care UK and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organisation, company, individual or anyone or anything. #Christmas #DiaryOfAKidneyWarriorPodcast #KidneyCareUK #KidneyWarrior #CKD #ChronicKidneyDisease #Dialysis #KidneyTransplant #OrganDonation #RenalHealth #TransplantJourney #ChronicIllness #PatientSupport #Hope #Encouragement #Gratitude #ChristmasPodcast We’d love to hear from you! Share your comments, questions, or suggestions—or let us know if you’d like to be a guest on the podcast—by emailing us at diaryofakidneywarrior@kidneycareuk.org And don’t forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen—it really helps others find us!
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    39 mins
  • Trailer: A Very Kidney Warrior Christmas. Your Messages Needed

    Trailer: A Very Kidney Warrior Christmas. Your Messages Needed
    Dec 22 2025

    This Christmas Day, Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast is releasing a very special bonus episode — and you’re invited to be part of it.

    “A Very Kidney Warrior Christmas: Heartfelt Messages of Hope, Encouragement, and Gratitude”

    In this short trailer, Dee shares details of the upcoming Christmas Day episode, where she and co-host Moe will be reading out messages sent in by the kidney community. These messages will come from podcast listeners, past guests, and Kidney Care UK staff, all offering words of hope, encouragement, and gratitude to support kidney patients during the festive season.

    If you’re living with kidney disease, supporting someone who is, or simply want to send a message of kindness to another Kidney Warrior, we would love to hear from you.

    📅 Important deadline:

    Messages must be submitted by Tuesday 23rd December — yes, it’s a short deadline, but even a few words can make a big difference.

    🎤 How to take part:

    Submit your message using the link below:

    👉🏽👉 https://diaryofakidneywarrior.getform.com/10w58

    Whether it’s a message of hope, encouragement, gratitude, or simply letting someone know they’re not alone, your words could bring comfort to someone listening on Christmas Day.

    Join us in coming together as a community and sharing warmth, compassion, and support this Christmas.

    Follow Diary of a Kidney Warrior:

    📸Instagram: www.instagram.com/diaryofakidneywarrior

    📘Facebook: www.facebook.com/diaryofakidneywarrior

    🐦Twitter (X): www.twitter.com/diaryofakidneyw

    🎵Tik Tok: @diaryofakidneywarrior

    📺Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChGUfib7lu9eKENlLJ6lafw

    🔵 BlueSky: @diaryofakidneyw.bsky.social

    💌 Join the Diary of a Kidney Warrior Family Mailing List

    Get updates on new episodes, vlogs, newsletters, and more!

    👉🏽👉 Sign up here: https://diaryofakidneywarrior.getform.com/rjv47

    📲 Follow Diary of a Kidney Warrior on WhatsApp

    Stay updated with new episodes and exclusive content!

    👉🏽👉 Join here: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaO3ms71iUxipp1eeh2r

    Kidney Care UK

    • Website: www.kidneycarekuk.org

    • Email: info@kidneycareuk.org

    • Tel: 01420 541 424

    • Facebook: www.facebook.com/kidneycareuk.org

    • Instagram: @kidneycareuk

    • Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/kidneycareuk.bsky.social

    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeqQTdAsEzXphqjHVtcTD-A

    To sign up to receive the Kidney Matters Quarterly Magazine Email: info@kidneycareuk.org

    #DiaryOfAKidneyWarriorPodcast #KidneyWarrior #KidneyDisease

    #ChronicIllness #ChronicIllnessSupport #KidneySupport

    #KidneyCommunity #DialysisLife #TransplantLife #RenalHealth

    #LivingWithKidneyDisease #ChristmasWithChronicIllness

    #ChristmasSupport #HopeAndEncouragement #Gratitude

    #MentalHealthMatters #EmotionalWellbeing #YouAreNotAlone

    #KidneyCareUK #PodcastCommunity

    We’d love to hear from you! Share your comments, questions, or suggestions—or let us know if you’d like to be a guest on the podcast—by emailing us at diaryofakidneywarrior@kidneycareuk.org And don’t forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen—it really helps others find us!
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    2 mins
  • Episode 149: Managing Christmas with Kidney Disease: Emotional Wellness, Hope & Gratitude

    Episode 149: Managing Christmas with Kidney Disease: Emotional Wellness, Hope & Gratitude
    Dec 15 2025
    Christmas can be beautiful… and heavy—especially when you’re living with kidney disease. In this special seasonal episode of Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast (in partnership with Kidney Care UK), host Dee Moore is joined by two renal counsellors, Sarah and Paula, to talk honestly about the emotional realities of the holiday season and how kidney patients (and loved ones) can navigate it with more calm, support, and hope. Together, we explore why Christmas can bring a mix of emotions—from joy and community to grief, exhaustion, overwhelm, and pressure—especially when you’re balancing dialysis, medication side effects, fatigue, and changing family expectations. In this episode, you’ll hear: ✅ Why Christmas can feel emotionally challenging (and also uplifting) with chronic illness ✅ A powerful way to think about kidney disease during the holidays: the “uninvited guest” analogy ✅ How hope helps you keep going—and what to do when you can’t generate hope yourself ✅ The mental health benefits of gratitude, including simple “top and tail” daily practices ✅ Practical coping strategies: cutting the “Christmas fluff,” planning ahead, protecting your energy, and taking 5-minute self-care resets ✅ Permission to do Christmas your way (yes—even if you hate turkey!) If this season feels hard, please remember: you’re not alone. You don’t have to carry everything by yourself. Be gentle with your body, be kind to your mind, and take things one moment at a time. 🎧 Listen now and share this episode with someone who may need support this Christmas. 📺 Prefer to watch? The full audio + video version is available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0m2FLqlZvQc If this episode helped you, please follow/subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend—it really helps more kidney patients/warriors find the podcast. Follow Diary of a Kidney Warrior: 📸Instagram: www.instagram.com/diaryofakidneywarrior 📘Facebook: www.facebook.com/diaryofakidneywarrior 🐦Twitter (X): www.twitter.com/diaryofakidneyw 🎵Tik Tok: @diaryofakidneywarrior 📺Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChGUfib7lu9eKENlLJ6lafw 🔵 BlueSky: @diaryofakidneyw.bsky.social 💌 Join the Diary of a Kidney Warrior Family Mailing List Get updates on new episodes, vlogs, newsletters, and more! 👉🏽👉 Sign up here: https://diaryofakidneywarrior.getform.com/rjv47 📲 Follow Diary of a Kidney Warrior on WhatsApp Stay updated with new episodes and exclusive content! 👉🏽👉 Join here: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaO3ms71iUxipp1eeh2r Kidney Care UK • Website: www.kidneycarekuk.org • Email: info@kidneycareuk.org • Tel: 01420 541 424 • Facebook: www.facebook.com/kidneycareuk.org • Instagram: @kidneycareuk • Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/kidneycareuk.bsky.social • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeqQTdAsEzXphqjHVtcTD-A To sign up to receive the Kidney Matters Quarterly Magazine Email: info@kidneycareuk.org Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your doctor, consultant, or qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs and before making any medical decisions. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, the Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast, or Kidney Care UK and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organisation, company, individual or anyone or anything. #KidneyDisease #ChronicIllness #Dialysis #KidneyWarrior #KidneyCareUK #Renal #MentalHealth #EmotionalWellbeing #ChristmasWithChronicIllness #HolidayStress #Hope #Gratitude #Resilience #SelfCare #ChronicIllnessSupport #CKD #LivingWithKidneyDisease #PatientSupport #HealthPodcast #Podcast We’d love to hear from you! Share your comments, questions, or suggestions—or let us know if you’d like to be a guest on the podcast—by emailing us at diaryofakidneywarrior@kidneycareuk.org And don’t forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen—it really helps others find us!
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    29 mins
  • Episode 148: Menopause & Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): A Listener-Led Q&A With Dr Vikram Talaulikar

    Episode 148: Menopause & Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): A Listener-Led Q&A With Dr Vikram Talaulikar
    Dec 1 2025
    What happens when menopause meets chronic kidney disease? How do you know if it’s your hormones, your kidneys or your medication talking? And what options are actually on the table if you’re living with CKD, on dialysis or post-transplant? In this special listener-led edition of Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast (in partnership with Kidney Care UK), host Dee Moore is joined again by menopause specialist Dr Vikram to answer questions sent directly from the Kidney Warrior community. Together they unpack real-life concerns about: •Navigating menopause symptoms alongside CKD, dialysis or transplant •When HRT may or may not be suitable if you have kidney or liver disease •Non-hormonal options for hot flushes, night sweats, mood and sleep •Period changes on haemodialysis and after transplant •Bone health, osteoporosis risk and steroids •Fibroids, endometriosis, early menopause and hysterectomy in the context of CKD •How to advocate for yourself with your GP, renal team and menopause services You’ll also hear a powerful call from Dr Vikram for better research that truly includes women with CKD, especially those from ethnic minority backgrounds – and why your story and participation matter. 🔔 Please note: This episode is for education and information only and does not replace medical advice. Always speak to your GP, renal team or menopause specialist about your own situation. 🎥 Watch the visual version on YouTube This episode is also available as a filmed visual and audio conversation on YouTube. Search “Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast Episode 148” on YouTube to watch. 🎧 Continue the conversation For the first part of this topic, listen to Episode 142 – “Breaking the Silence: Menopause and CKD.” 👉🏽👉 If this episode helps you: •Share it with another Kidney Warrior, family member or support group •Follow/subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode •Leave a review to help more people living with CKD find this conversation •Send in your questions for future listener-led episodes – your voice shapes this podcast Follow Diary of a Kidney Warrior: 📸Instagram: www.instagram.com/diaryofakidneywarrior 📘Facebook: www.facebook.com/diaryofakidneywarrior 🐦Twitter (X): www.twitter.com/diaryofakidneyw 🎵Tik Tok: @diaryofakidneywarrior 📺Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChGUfib7lu9eKENlLJ6lafw 🔵 BlueSky: @diaryofakidneyw.bsky.social 💌 Join the Diary of a Kidney Warrior Family Mailing List Get updates on new episodes, vlogs, newsletters, and more! 👉🏽👉 Sign up here: https://diaryofakidneywarrior.getform.com/rjv47 📲 Follow Diary of a Kidney Warrior on WhatsApp Stay updated with new episodes and exclusive content! 👉🏽👉 Join here: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaO3ms71iUxipp1eeh2r Follow Dr. Vikram Talaulikar 🐦Twitter (X) @VikramSinai 👨🏽‍⚕️Linked in - Vikram Sinai Talaulikar 📸Instagram:- menopausecliniclondon, vikramsinaitalaulikar 📘Facebook: Menopause Clinic London Kidney Care UK • Website: www.kidneycarekuk.org • Email: info@kidneycareuk.org • Tel: 01420 541 424 • Facebook: www.facebook.com/kidneycareuk.org • Instagram: @kidneycareuk • Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/kidneycareuk.bsky.social • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeqQTdAsEzXphqjHVtcTD-A To sign up to receive the Kidney Matters Quarterly Magazine Email: info@kidneycareuk.org Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your doctor, consultant, or qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs and before making any medical decisions. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, the Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast, or Kidney Care UK and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organisation, company, individual or anyone or anything. #DiaryOfAKidneyWarrior #KidneyWarrior #KidneyCareUK #CKD #ChronicKidneyDisease #KidneyDisease #Dialysis #Hemodialysis #KidneyTransplant #Menopause #Perimenopause #PrematureMenopause #POI #HRT #HormoneReplacementTherapy #WomensHealth #Endometriosis #Fibroids #Osteoporosis #BoneHealth #Steroids #MenopauseAndCKD #PatientVoices #HealthEducation #BlackHealth #EthnicMinorityHealth We’d love to hear from you! Share your comments, questions, or suggestions—or let us know if you’d like to be a guest on the podcast—by emailing us at diaryofakidneywarrior@kidneycareuk.org And don’t forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen—it really helps others find us!
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    37 mins
  • Trailer: Menopause & Chronic Kidney Disease. Your Questions Answered.

    Trailer: Menopause & Chronic Kidney Disease. Your Questions Answered.
    Nov 26 2025

    A special filmed edition of Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast is coming on Monday 1st December!

    In this listener-led conversation, menopause specialist Dr Vikram returns to answer the questions sent in by the Kidney Warrior community about menopause and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

    This new edition continues the important discussion from Episode 142: Breaking the Silence: Menopause and CKD.

    👉🏽👉 If you haven’t listened to Episode 142 yet, we recommend starting there to get the full context before this new episode arrives.

    Available on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music and more!

    Stay tuned — you won’t want to miss it!

    Follow Diary of a Kidney Warrior:

    📸Instagram: www.instagram.com/diaryofakidneywarrior

    📘Facebook: www.facebook.com/diaryofakidneywarrior

    🐦Twitter (X): www.twitter.com/diaryofakidneyw

    🎵Tik Tok: @diaryofakidneywarrior

    📺Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChGUfib7lu9eKENlLJ6lafw

    🔵 BlueSky: @diaryofakidneyw.bsky.social

    💌 Join the Diary of a Kidney Warrior Family Mailing List

    Get updates on new episodes, vlogs, newsletters, and more!

    👉🏽👉 Sign up here: https://diaryofakidneywarrior.getform.com/rjv47

    📲 Follow Diary of a Kidney Warrior on WhatsApp

    Stay updated with new episodes and exclusive content!

    👉🏽👉 Join here: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaO3ms71iUxipp1eeh2r

    Kidney Care UK

    • Website: www.kidneycarekuk.org

    • Email: info@kidneycareuk.org

    • Tel: 01420 541 424

    • Facebook: www.facebook.com/kidneycareuk.org

    • Instagram: @kidneycareuk

    • Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/kidneycareuk.bsky.social

    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeqQTdAsEzXphqjHVtcTD-A

    To sign up to receive the Kidney Matters Quarterly Magazine Email: info@kidneycareuk.org

    We’d love to hear from you! Share your comments, questions, or suggestions—or let us know if you’d like to be a guest on the podcast—by emailing us at diaryofakidneywarrior@kidneycareuk.org And don’t forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen—it really helps others find us!
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    1 min
  • Episode 147: Louise & Katie the Kidney: A Journey of Hope and Healing

    Episode 147: Louise & Katie the Kidney: A Journey of Hope and Healing
    Nov 17 2025
    In this powerful episode of Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast, Dee sits down with Louise, a kidney warrior whose journey with IgA nephropathy spans over 30 years – from diagnosis in her early 20s, to pregnancy complications and heartbreaking baby loss, to finally receiving her life-changing kidney transplant, lovingly named “Katie the Kidney.” Louise shares how her kidney disease was first discovered during pregnancy, the devastating loss of her son, and how for decades she coped by “putting everything in a box” and carrying on with life. She talks about living abroad with only 22% kidney function, unknowingly walking 20K with undiagnosed angina, and why kidney disease can be such a silent condition. In an emotional and hope-filled conversation, Louise describes the moment she received “the call” for transplant, watching her donor kidney arrive in a cooler from Edinburgh, and being wheeled to theatre with Katie the Kidney on the end of her bed. She also opens up about the emotional healing that came with kidney failure – exploring trapped emotions, trauma, faith, and learning to truly take responsibility for her health and wellbeing. If you’re newly diagnosed, living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), resisting the idea of dialysis or transplant, or struggling emotionally with your diagnosis, this episode will give you hope, validation and practical encouragement. In this episode, we discuss: •Louise’s first signs of kidney disease and IgA nephropathy diagnosis •Pregnancy, kidney disease and the loss of her baby son •Living 30+ years with CKD and feeling “fine” at 22% kidney function •Discovering angina during transplant workup •Getting the call and meeting “Katie the Kidney” •How transplant changed her energy, skin, and brain fog •The emotional side of kidney disease: grief, trauma, “putting it in a box” •Why acknowledging your diagnosis and caring for your mental health is essential •Louise’s advice for anyone newly diagnosed or scared of dialysis / transplant You are not alone. Kidney disease is not the end – it’s part of your story, not your identity. 💚 Connect with Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast: •Follow, rate and review on your favourite podcast app •Share this episode with a fellow kidney warrior •Tag us on social media and let us know your biggest takeaway 📸Instagram: www.instagram.com/diaryofakidneywarrior 📘Facebook: www.facebook.com/diaryofakidneywarrior 🐦Twitter (X): www.twitter.com/diaryofakidneyw 🎵Tik Tok: @diaryofakidneywarrior 📺Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChGUfib7lu9eKENlLJ6lafw 🔵 BlueSky: @diaryofakidneyw.bsky.social 💌 Join the Diary of a Kidney Warrior Family Mailing List Get updates on new episodes, vlogs, newsletters, and more! 👉🏽👉 Sign up here: https://diaryofakidneywarrior.getform.com/rjv47 📲 Follow Diary of a Kidney Warrior on WhatsApp Stay updated with new episodes and exclusive content! 👉🏽👉 Join here: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaO3ms71iUxipp1eeh2r 💬 Connect with Louise: Facebook: facebook.com/shinewithlou Instagram: @iamlouisefletcher TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iamlouisefletcher?_r=1&_t=ZN-91TqTzwku9u Kidney Care UK • Website: www.kidneycarekuk.org • Email: info@kidneycareuk.org • Tel: 01420 541 424 • Facebook: www.facebook.com/kidneycareuk.org • Instagram: @kidneycareuk • Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/kidneycareuk.bsky.social • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeqQTdAsEzXphqjHVtcTD-A To sign up to receive the Kidney Matters Quarterly Magazine Email: info@kidneycareuk.org Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your doctor, consultant, or qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs and before making any medical decisions. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, the Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast, or Kidney Care UK and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organisation, company, individual or anyone or anything. #diaryofakidneywarriorpodcast #KidneyWarrior #KidneyDisease #CKD #IgANephropathy #KidneyTransplant #OrganDonation #Dialysis #ChronicIllness #MentalHealth #EmotionalHealing #KatieTheKidney #KidneyCommunity #HealthPodcast We’d love to hear from you! Share your comments, questions, or suggestions—or let us know if you’d like to be a guest on the podcast—by emailing us at diaryofakidneywarrior@kidneycareuk.org And don’t forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen—it really helps others find us!
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    47 mins
  • Episode 146: Five Dry Runs, One Lifesaving call: Tony's Transplant Triumph

    Episode 146: Five Dry Runs, One Lifesaving call: Tony's Transplant Triumph
    Nov 3 2025
    In this powerful Kidney Warrior Story, host Dee sits down with Tony to unpack a decade-spanning journey through chronic kidney disease (CKD)—from a shock Stage 4 diagnosis of IgA Nephropathy (IgAN) to Stage 5 kidney failure, peritoneal dialysis (PD) with brutal drain pain, a transition to haemodialysis (HD), line infection and coma, the courage to self-needle with a fistula, and ultimately the life-changing gift of a kidney transplant. Tony shares the practical and emotional realities few hear about: choosing PD vs HD, APD (overnight machine) vs manual gravity bags, buttonhole vs rope-ladder needling, home haemodialysis training, fluid management, and rebuilding confidence after hospital trauma. He explains how movement and sport (from 5K Parkruns to half marathons) helped his mental health on dialysis—and how he kept going after FIVE “dry-run” transplant calls before finally receiving his match. Post-transplant, Tony competed at the Transplant Games (bronze in cycling!), then faced a sudden cycling accident with a broken talus—and still came back stronger with kidney function over 90%. Tony’s message? You’re not alone. With support, information, and small, consistent steps, more is possible than you think. WHAT YOU’LL HEAR • Early signs missed: high blood pressure and “white coat” assumptions • Stage 4 to Stage 5 CKD: understanding IgA Nephropathy and next steps • Peritoneal Dialysis (PD): APD vs gravity bags, real talk on drain pain • Haemodialysis (HD): line infection → coma, then fistula and self-needling • Buttonhole vs rope-ladder: how Tony overcame needle phobia • Home HD routine + exercising safely on dialysis (5K to half marathons) • Five transplant calls that didn’t happen—coping tools that helped • The call that changed everything: consent, surgery, waking the kidney • Transplant Games success—and recovery after a serious cycling crash • Mental health: therapy, peer groups, and why talking saves lives • Practical tips: fluid limits, pacing activity, and building back slowly • Community resources: Kidney Care UK, young adult kidney groups KEY TAKEAWAYS • Movement is medicine—start with what you can manage (even 100 metres). • Your effort matters—even when decline happens, you may be delaying harm. • Build your circle: family, peers, clinicians, therapists, Kidney Care UK. • Advocacy counts: read clinic posters, join groups, ask questions. • Mindset + support = progress. Small daily actions add up. If you’re newly diagnosed or supporting someone with CKD, browse our back catalogue for in-depth episodes on PD, HD, transplant prep, and mental health. Follow Diary of a Kidney Warrior: 📸Instagram: www.instagram.com/diaryofakidneywarrior 📘Facebook: www.facebook.com/diaryofakidneywarrior 🐦Twitter (X): www.twitter.com/diaryofakidneyw 🎵Tik Tok: @diaryofakidneywarrior 📺Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChGUfib7lu9eKENlLJ6lafw 🔵 BlueSky: @diaryofakidneyw.bsky.social 💌 Join the Diary of a Kidney Warrior Family Mailing List Get updates on new episodes, vlogs, newsletters, and more! 👉🏽👉 Sign up here: https://diaryofakidneywarrior.getform.com/rjv47 📲 Follow Diary of a Kidney Warrior on WhatsApp Stay updated with new episodes and exclusive content! 👉🏽👉 Join here: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaO3ms71iUxipp1eeh2r FOLLOW TONY The Iron Kidney 📸Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ironkidney.lifeaftertransplant?igsh=MTVwOXBwb3lnbDNhMg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr 📘Facebook: 🎵TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.iron.kidney?_t=ZN-8yFOIFBpWOE&_r=1 SUPPORT & RESOURCES Kidney Care UK • Website: www.kidneycarekuk.org • Email: info@kidneycareuk.org • Tel: 01420 541 424 • Facebook: www.facebook.com/kidneycareuk.org • Instagram: @kidneycareuk • Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/kidneycareuk.bsky.social • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeqQTdAsEzXphqjHVtcTD-A To sign up to receive the Kidney Matters Quarterly Magazine Email: info@kidneycareuk.org If this episode encouraged you, follow/subscribe, rate, and share with a Kidney Warrior you love. Your support helps more people find life-changing stories like Tony’s. KEYWORDS kidney warrior, chronic kidney disease, CKD, IgA nephropathy, IgAN, stage 4 CKD, stage 5 kidney failure, peritoneal dialysis, PD, APD, drain pain, hemodialysis, HD, home hemodialysis, fistula, buttonhole, rope ladder, dialysis needles, dialysis access, kidney transplant, transplant recovery, transplant games, cycling injury, broken talus, mental health, fluid restriction, exercise on dialysis, Parkrun, half marathon on dialysis, Kidney Care UK, young adult kidney group, organ donation, patient story, lived experience...
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    50 mins
  • Episode 145: Healthy Heritage Series: African Foods & Kidney Health (Part 1)

    Episode 145: Healthy Heritage Series: African Foods & Kidney Health (Part 1)
    Oct 20 2025
    Episode 145 — Healthy Heritage Series: African Foods & Kidney Health (Part 1) African food is filled with memory, flavour, culture and community — and Kidney Warriors deserve to enjoy the dishes they love with confidence. In this Black History Month special, brought to you in partnership with Kidney Care UK, Dee is joined by renal dietitians Timi and Tadala, contributors to the Kidney Kitchen African & Caribbean Recipes magazine. Together, they share practical tips for adapting traditional African meals for kidney health, including reducing potassium, salt and phosphate, choosing herbs and spices wisely, and preparing dishes such as Jollof rice, greens and cornmeal without losing cultural identity or flavour. Whether you are living with CKD, on dialysis, post-transplant, or supporting a loved one, this episode will empower you to enjoy heritage foods with knowledge and balance. 🎥 Want the FULL Experience? Watch the Cooking Demonstration on YouTube! https://youtu.be/S3AjQx_ES8k Follow Diary of a Kidney Warrior 📌 All socials: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X, BlueSky 👉🏽👉 https://linktr.ee/diaryofakidneywarrior 💌 Join the Diary of a Kidney Warrior Family Mailing List Get updates on new episodes, vlogs, newsletters, and more! 👉🏽👉 Sign up here: https://diaryofakidneywarrior.getform.com/rjv47 📲 Follow Diary of a Kidney Warrior on WhatsApp Stay updated with new episodes and exclusive content! 👉🏽👉 Join here: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaO3ms71iUxipp1eeh2r Get your print copy of the Kidney Kitchen African & Caribbean Recipe Book (UK only): https://kidneycareuk.org/get-support/healthy-diet-support/kidney-kitchen/order-kidney-kitchen-magazines/ Or browse and read the online version here: https://kidneycareuk.org/get-support/healthy-diet-support/kidney-kitchen-magazines/kidney-kitchen-african-caribbean-recipes/ 🧡 About Kidney Care UK Kidney Care UK is the UK’s leading kidney patient support charity, providing trusted information, advocacy and practical help for people affected by kidney disease. 🌐 https://www.kidneycareuk.org/ Email: info@kidneycareuk.org • Tel: 01420 541 424 • Facebook: www.facebook.com/kidneycareuk.org • Instagram: @kidneycareuk • Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/kidneycareuk.bsky.social • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeqQTdAsEzXphqjHVtcTD-A To sign up to receive the Kidney Matters Quarterly Magazine (UK only) Email: info@kidneycareuk.org ⚠️ Disclaimer Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your doctor, consultant, or qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs and before making any medical decisions. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, the Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast, or Kidney Care UK and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organisation, company, individual or anyone or anything. If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, comment and share to support more Kidney Warriors & Friends. #diaryofakidneywarriopodcast
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    19 mins