Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
LONG TERM KIDNEY DISEASE
Renal consultants at HCA UK can diagnose and offer advanced treatment for chronic kidney disease
What is chronic kidney disease?
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long-term condition where the kidneys don't work as well as they should. It often occurs in older people and can get worse over time. It's possible to manage the disease and live a normal life.
Need to know
It can be hard to detect chronic kidney disease as there are few symptoms during the early stage.
As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:
- weight loss and poor appetite
- swollen ankles, feet or hands
- shortness of breath
- tiredness
- blood in the urine
- urinating less frequently or more frequently in cases of infection or diabetes
- difficulty sleeping
- itchy skin
- muscle cramps
- feeling sick
- headaches
- erectile dysfunction
This stage of CKD is known as kidney failure, end-stage renal disease or established renal failure.
You may be tested for chronic kidney disease if you have an underlying illness such as diabetes. If you're displaying symptoms of CKD, your consultant may order the following tests:
- blood test: this measures a waste product called creatinine in the blood — it used to determine how many millimetres of waste your kidneys filter in a minute.
- urine test: this checks levels of creatinine and protein in your urine
Other diagnostic tests are ultrasound and CT scans, which show any blockages to the kidney, and a biopsy, which determines damage.
There's no cure for chronic kidney disease but treatment can help relieve the symptoms and stop it getting worse. The main treatments are:
- lifestyle changes: to ensure you remain as healthy as possible
- medication: to control associated problems, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, calcium supplements and phosphate binders as indicated
- Dialysis and Holiday Dialysis: treatment to replicate some of the kidney's functions, which may be necessary in advanced CKD
- kidney transplant: this may also be necessary in advanced CKD
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.