Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast | Living with Kidney Disease

What does it really mean to become a living kidney donor — and what would inspire someone to donate a kidney to a complete stranger? In this episode of Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast, Dee Moore speaks with Hayley about her remarkable living kidney donation journey, which began with a dream she first had at just eight years old. Years later, Hayley turned that childhood ambition into reality, becoming an altruistic living kidney donor and giving a stranger the gift of a kidney transplant. Hayley takes us through the living kidney donor process from beginning to end: finding a potential recipient, undergoing donor assessment and matching, initially being turned down by one transplant centre, navigating the medical evaluation process, preparing for surgery and recovering after donating a kidney. Remarkably, Hayley’s journey from contacting the organisation that helped facilitate her donation to undergoing surgery took approximately eight weeks. In this conversation, Dee and Hayley discuss: • Why Hayley wanted to become a kidney donor from the age of eight • What motivated her to donate a kidney to someone she had never met • Direct kidney donation and paired kidney exchange • Being initially rejected as a potential donor and why she continued • The medical assessment and kidney donor matching process • Meeting her kidney recipient before transplant surgery • What living kidney donor surgery and recovery were like for her • Walking six miles just three days after donating her kidney • Returning to exercise, weightlifting and martial arts after donation • What life with one kidney looks like for Hayley today • The emotional impact and personal meaning of living kidney donation • The importance of support before and after donor surgery • Why more people need to know that living kidney donation is possible • How Hayley turned her experience into work supporting other potential kidney donors • Her advice for anyone considering becoming a living kidney donor • Her message of hope for people waiting for a kidney transplant Hayley also addresses a question many people may wonder about living organ donation: what does the donor get from giving a kidney? For Hayley, the answer goes far beyond the physical act of donation. She describes the profound impact of knowing that her decision helped another person, their family and potentially even the next person waiting for a kidney transplant. Today, Hayley continues to raise awareness of living kidney donation and supports others considering taking the same journey. Whether you are living with kidney disease, waiting for a kidney transplant, considering living kidney donation, supporting someone through transplantation, or simply want to understand why someone would choose to donate a kidney to a stranger, this conversation offers an insightful first-hand perspective. 🎥 WATCH THE AUDIO + VISUAL VERSION The audio and visual version of this conversation is available on the Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast YouTube channel. 💚 HELP MORE PEOPLE FIND THIS CONVERSATION If this episode has helped you, please follow or subscribe to Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast, leave a review and share this episode with someone who may benefit from hearing Hayley’s story. Sharing these conversations helps raise awareness of kidney disease, kidney transplantation and living kidney donation — and could help this information reach someone who needs it. Until next time, take care and choose to live. 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://diaryofa

What happens when recurring kidney infections begin in childhood but the full picture isn’t discovered until years later? In this powerful episode of Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast, host Dee Moore is joined by Andrea, who shares her remarkable Kidney Warrior story. Andrea reflects on the first signs of kidney problems as a teenager, years of recurrent kidney infections, living with ureteric stents, and the long journey to finally being diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD). She speaks honestly about the difficult decision to have a severely damaged kidney removed, the emotional impact of losing an organ, and the strength she found through her Christian faith. This honest conversation explores the physical, emotional and psychological realities of living with kidney disease, while offering hope and encouragement to anyone facing their own health challenges. In this episode you’ll hear about: Andrea’s first kidney problems during childhood Recurrent kidney infections and living with ureteric stents The long road to a chronic kidney disease diagnosis Why one kidney eventually had to be removed The emotional impact of major kidney surgery Living with one kidney Finding hope, resilience and faith through life’s challenges Why it’s important to listen to your body and advocate for yourself Whether you’re living with chronic kidney disease, receiving dialysis, have had a kidney transplant, care for someone with kidney disease, or simply want to understand more about kidney health, Andrea’s story is one that will educate, encourage and inspire. 🎥 Watch the full audio and video version of this episode on the Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast YouTube channel. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who may benefit from hearing Andrea’s inspiring story. Your support helps us reach more people living with kidney disease around the world. Thank you for listening to Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast—the kidney health podcast that educates, empowers and inspires. 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.kidneycareuk.org 📧 [email protected] 📞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: [email protected] 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 #ChronicKidneyDisease #CKD #KidneyHealth #KidneyWarrior #KidneyWarriorStory #KidneyPatient #KidneyAwareness #KidneyPodcast #ChronicIllness #LivingWithKidneyDisease #PatientStory #HealthPodcast #Podcast #DiaryOfAKidneyWarriorPodcast

New Year, New You: Why Gut Health Matters for Kidney Patients What does New Year, New You look like when you’re living with kidney disease? In this episode, we explore gut health and why it matters for kidney patients, including the relationship between the gut microbiome and chronic kidney disease (CKD), inflammation, diet and wellbeing. Kidney dietitian Tadala shares practical and realistic ideas for Kidney Warriors in 2026, covering: • gut health & kidney health • the gut microbiome • dietary restrictions in kidney disease • probiotics & prebiotics • plant diversity & fibre • slowing the progression of CKD • kidney-friendly nutrition • realistic lifestyle changes • supporting health in the new year If you have ever wondered what can I eat with kidney disease?, does gut health matter for CKD?, or what practical steps can Kidney Warriors take?, this episode will support you. This conversation focuses on education, empowerment and choice for people living with kidney disease, without pressure or perfection. Next episode: A powerful Kidney Warrior story — resilience, hope and choosing to live beyond a diagnosis. 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 Tadala LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tadala-kolawole-3470381ba?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app Kidney Care UK • Website: www.kidneycarekuk.org • Email: [email protected] • 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: [email protected] 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. Keywords: kidney disease, chronic kidney disease, CKD, kidney health, renal health, kidney patients, kidney warrior, gut health, gut microbiome, probiotics, prebiotics, fibre, kidney diet, renal diet, kidney-friendly nutrition, slowing progression, chronic illness, new year new you, kidney dietitian, kidney care, kidney wellness

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: [email protected] • 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: [email protected] 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

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: [email protected] • 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: [email protected] 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