Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast | Living with Kidney Disease cover art

Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast | Living with Kidney Disease

Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast | Living with Kidney Disease

By: Dee Moore
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Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast is a kidney health podcast sharing real stories, expert insight and practical information about chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the kidney disease journey, including dialysis and kidney transplant.

Hosted by kidney patient advocate Dee Moore, the podcast brings together patients, clinicians and specialists to have honest conversations about the realities of living with kidney disease. From managing CKD and preparing for dialysis to transplant eligibility, weight management, mental health and navigating the healthcare system, each episode aims to inform, encourage and empower.

Whether you are newly diagnosed with CKD, currently on dialysis, waiting for a transplant, supporting a loved one, or working in kidney care, this podcast offers trusted information, lived experience and hope from people who truly understand the journey.

Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast is produced in partnership with Kidney Care UK and is dedicated to supporting and empowering the kidney community.

Copyright 2020 All rights reserved. Alternative & Complementary Medicine Hygiene & Healthy Living Physical Illness & Disease
Episodes
  • Episode 162: How Do You Ask Someone to Donate a Kidney? A Guide to Living Kidney Donation Conversations

    Episode 162: How Do You Ask Someone to Donate a Kidney? A Guide to Living Kidney Donation Conversations
    Jun 22 2026
    How do you ask someone to donate a kidney? For many people living with kidney failure, this can be one of the most difficult and emotional conversations they will ever face. Fear of rejection, concerns about damaging relationships, feelings of guilt and uncertainty about where to begin can prevent people from exploring living kidney donation as an option. In this episode of Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast, host Dee Moore is joined by Jen Lumsdaine, Lead Nurse for Living Donation. Jen previously worked as a Living Donor Transplant Coordinator in Edinburgh, completed a PhD examining the quality-of-life impact of living kidney donation for donors and recipients, and has worked to improve equitable access to living donor transplantation across Scotland. Together they discuss: 💚 How to prepare emotionally before talking about living kidney donation 💚 Whether you should ask directly or raise awareness more generally 💚 How to keep the conversation open without putting pressure on others 💚 What to do if someone says no 💚 How to protect important relationships during the transplant journey 💚 Common misconceptions about living kidney donation 💚 Why every potential donor undergoes an independent assessment process 💚 The support available for donors and recipients 💚 Where to find trusted information and resources Whether you’re waiting for a kidney transplant, supporting a loved one, considering becoming a living donor or simply want to learn more, this episode offers compassionate, practical guidance from one of the UK’s leading experts in living donation. A special thank you to Jen and NHS Blood and Transplant for helping to make this episode possible. 🎧 Listen now and share with someone who may benefit from this important conversation. Follow Diary of a Kidney Warrior: 📸 Instagram: @diaryofakidneywarrior 📘 Facebook: Diary of a Kidney Warrior 🐦 Twitter: @diaryofakidneywarrior 🎵 TikTok: @diaryofakidneywarrior 🔵 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 the Podcast on WhatsApp Stay updated with new episodes and exclusive content! 👉🏽👉 Join here: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaO3ms71iUxipp1eeh2r Become a living donor - NHS Organ Donation https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/become-a-living-donor/ Kidney Care UK 💻 Website: www.kidneycarekuk.org 📧 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 For more information about GOLD (Gift of Living Donation) Website: www.giftoflivingdonation.co.uk Instagram: @giftoflivingdonation Twitter: @delaidowu Email: info@giftoflivingdonation.co.uk Robert Dangoor Partnership | Give a Kidney | Kidney Donation | Live Kidney Donor https://www.giveakidney.org/considering-donation/how-do-i-donate/robert-dangoor-partnership/ Donate A Kidney | Kidney Donation UK | Make Your Mark https://www.donateakidney.co.uk/ 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 #KidneyTransplant #LivingKidneyDonation #KidneyFailure #KidneyDisease #CKD #OrganDonation #TransplantJourney #KidneyPatient #NHSBloodAndTransplant #LivingDonation #KidneyHealth #RenalCare
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    31 mins
  • Episode 161: From Palliative Care to Purpose: Rebecca’s Journey Through Kidney Failure, Dialysis & Transplant Loss

    Episode 161: From Palliative Care to Purpose: Rebecca’s Journey Through Kidney Failure, Dialysis & Transplant Loss
    Jun 8 2026
    In this powerful episode of Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast, host Dee Moore is joined by Rebecca Griffiths, who shares her extraordinary journey through kidney failure, dialysis, kidney transplantation and transplant loss. Rebecca’s story is one of resilience, determination and hope. After gaining approximately 25kg of fluid in a matter of days and requiring emergency treatment to drain fluid from around her heart, she found herself facing kidney failure without the support of a renal team. What followed was a life-changing journey that included dialysis, a kidney transplant, the devastating loss of that transplant and the challenge of starting again. In this episode, Rebecca discusses: 💚 Her diagnosis and rapid decline in kidney function 💚 Gaining 25kg of fluid in just one week 💚 Having fluid drained from around her heart 💚 Being sent home under palliative care 💚 Starting dialysis and adapting to a new way of life 💚 Receiving a kidney transplant 💚 The emotional impact of transplant failure 💚 Returning to dialysis and rebuilding her confidence 💚 Speaking in Parliament to advocate for kidney patients 💚 Finding purpose, strength and hope despite adversity 💚 Why life is not over on dialysis Rebecca’s story is a powerful reminder that even in life’s darkest moments, hope remains possible and that a meaningful life can still be lived despite kidney disease. 🎧 Listen now and be inspired by a remarkable Kidney Warrior who refused to give up. If you enjoyed this episode, please: ✅ Follow Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast ✅ Leave a rating and review ✅ Share this episode with family, friends and healthcare professionals ✅ Help us raise awareness of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), dialysis, transplantation and organ donation Medical Terms Explained eGFR — a blood test score for how well your kidneys filter. A healthy result is around 90 or above. Rebecca's was 5. Tessio line — a soft tube placed in the chest to connect you to a dialysis machine. Uremia — a dangerous build-up of waste in the blood when the kidneys can't filter it out. TPN — nutrition fed directly into a vein when you're too unwell to eat. Renal nutcracker syndrome — a rare condition where a vein near the kidney gets compressed, causing pain and damage. SPK (Simultaneous Pancreas and Kidney transplant) — receiving a new pancreas and kidney in the same operation, often offered to people with type 1 diabetes. ICU — Intensive Care Unit, where the most seriously ill patients are monitored closely after major surgery. HDU — High Dependency Unit, a step down from intensive care for close monitoring during recovery. Biopsy — taking a tiny sample of tissue to check how the transplanted kidney is working. Anti-rejection drugs — medicines that stop the body's immune system from attacking a transplanted organ. 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 Rebecca 📸Instagram: www.instagram.com/Rebecca.c.griffiths 📘Facebook: www.facebook.com/Rebecca Griffiths Kidney Care UK 💻 Website: www.kidneycareuk.org 📧 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 #ChronicKidneyDisease #KidneyFailure #Dialysis #Haemodialysis #KidneyTransplant #TransplantJourney #TransplantFailure #OrganDonation #RenalPatient #KidneyHealth #PatientStory #...
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    47 mins
  • Episode 160: From Childhood Kidney Disease To Three Transplants | Johanna’s Kidney Warrior Story

    Episode 160: From Childhood Kidney Disease To Three Transplants | Johanna’s Kidney Warrior Story
    May 25 2026
    Welcome to another episode of Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast. In this powerful Kidney Warrior Story episode, host Dee Moore is joined by Johanna, who shares her lifelong journey living with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Diagnosed as a young child after years of unexplained symptoms, Johanna opens up about growing up with kidney disease, navigating dialysis, experiencing transplant loss, and undergoing multiple kidney transplants. She speaks honestly about the physical and emotional realities of living with CKD for decades, including the uncertainty that comes with transplantation and the challenges of returning to dialysis. Johanna also shares the impact kidney disease has had on her mental wellbeing, family life, pregnancy, identity, and future plans. Throughout the conversation, she highlights the importance of resilience, support, advocacy, and finding joy in life despite the ongoing challenges of chronic illness. This episode is an honest and deeply moving insight into the realities of long-term kidney disease and the strength it takes to keep moving forward through every stage of the journey. In this episode, Johanna discusses: Being diagnosed with kidney disease as a childGrowing up with CKDThe symptoms that led to diagnosisStarting dialysisReceiving her first kidney transplantThe emotional impact of transplant lossReturning to dialysisUndergoing further kidney transplantsPregnancy after transplantationThe uncertainty of living with CKDMental health and emotional resilienceFinding hope whilst living with chronic illness If you are living with kidney disease, supporting someone who is, or want to better understand the realities of CKD, this episode is not to be missed. 🎧 Listen now and join the conversation. 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://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 Johanna 📸Instagram: @mrsjohannabridges Kidney Care UK 💻 Website: www.kidneycareuk.org 📧 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 #CKD #KidneyTransplant #Dialysis #ChronicIllness #KidneyWarrior #TransplantJourney #KidneyFailure #KidneyHealthPodcast #DiaryOfAKidneyWarriorPodcast
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    1 hr and 4 mins
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