Name<\/strong>: Ema Temu
\nAge when kidneys failed\/diagnosis<\/strong>: 27 years old
\nCause of Kidney Failure:<\/strong>\u00a0I developed End Stage Renal Disease
\nNumber of years with kidney failure<\/strong>: I lived with kidney disease fir 6 years.
\nTransplant<\/strong>: Yea. I received a kidney transplant on November 12th<\/sup>\u00a02009.
\nAdvice for people without kidney failure:<\/strong>\u00a0My advice for people without Kidney failure is to be understanding to people who do. Also, do frequent kidney checks as well.
\nAdvice for someone who has been newly diagnosed with kidney failure:<\/strong>\u00a0Having kidney failure is not the end of the world. Be active when it comes to your health. Ask important questions about your diagnosis and know your numbers, e.g creatinine level. Also know your medications and their side effects. Get to know your doctors and nurses because they are also an important part of your support system.
\nWould you say there\u2019s Hope after diagnosis<\/strong>? Absolutely, there is hope after diagnosis. For me, living a normal life was very important to me. It helped me to cope with the aspect of going to dialysis 3 days a week. Also, being around family and friends who support you is key, as well as connecting with other people who are going through the same health issues.
\nWhat\u2019s the most difficult aspect of living with kidney disease?<\/strong>\u00a0The most difficult aspect of living with kidney disease for me was being on dialysis. Dialysis was draining, and I was tired all the time. I had no energy, and after treatment, everything would hurt. Being on dialysis was very depressing and sad when I saw other patients pass away or even get sick while on treatment.
\nHow important is having a support system?<\/strong>\u00a0Having a support system is key to getting better. Having a support system in place, will allow you not to fail, and you will be able to remain positive in the face of adversity.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n