Local survivor of Chronic Kidney Disease creates awareness

Every second Thursday of March is World kidney Day, a worldwide campaign aimed at increasing public awareness of the importance of kidneys to overall health, as well as lowering the incidence, severity and global health problems associated with kidney disease.

The theme for this year was Kidney Health for All, which focuses on expanding access to medical care and medication that can stop or slow the development of kidney disease.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) refers to a class of kidney illness in which kidney function gradually declines over months to years. Usually at first, there are no symptoms, but, later on leg swelling, fatigue, nausea and disorientation are possible signs.

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Based on information uncovered by Urban News, the South African Medical Journal estimates that 10% of the people worldwide suffer from some degree of Chronic Kidney Disease.

This suggests that five million South Africans over the age of 20 may have chronic kidney disease.

36-year-old Nonhlanhla Nkotwana who was diagnosed with end stage of kidney failure in 1994 at the age of seven said there are many things to take note of on World Kidney Day. She adds that people should be more aware, particularly with regards to their health.

“Based on my own experience, World kidney Day is about showing compassion and understanding for your body. It’s about being aware of chronic kidney diseases and spreading awareness about them,” says Nkotwana.

Nkotwana described how her experience and journey with end-stage kidney disease has been extremely educational for her.

It includes not only her health challenges but also the surrounding environment and the experiences of others going through similar circumstances.

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She says throughout her journey she has had numerous difficulties including physical changes from both before and after her transplant surgery.

“I used to be extremely slim, but after receiving a transplant, I grew extremely huge and couldn’t find my clothing size at the department store. Because of this, my body image has truly caused me to detest school.

“It has been a long journey and the majority of it has been sorrowful, but psychologically I have grown to make peace with the situation I’m facing,” she explains.