Struggling with obesity from childhood, Ketki from Navi Mumbai, India, faced serious health challenges throughout her life, including deep vein thrombosis, high blood pressure, PCOD, and eventually stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD). After a critical hospitalization in 2021, she made a life-changing decision to focus on her health. With the support of her nephrologist, dietitian, and loved ones, Ketki embraced a healthier lifestyle, lost 30 kg, and stabilized her condition without dialysis. Through her Instagram @ckd_girlwholifts, she now encourages others living with CKD to keep going, proving that even with a chronic illness, it’s possible to thrive and reclaim control.
My name is Ketki, and I am from Navi Mumbai, India. This is my health story.
It all started with my first hospitalization at the age of 29 due to deep vein thrombosis in my left calf. I was immediately admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) because the blood clot had traveled to my lungs, leaving me breathless.
Looking back, I was a healthy child until the age of six, but I gradually started gaining weight. Unhealthy eating habits and a lack of physical activity became part of my routine. Due to obesity, I developed several health issues, beginning with PCOD [Editor’s note: Polycystic Ovarian Disease] at a very early age. Little did we know at the time how important it was to address these issues properly.
Going back to my first hospitalization, at that time, I was dealing with deep vein thrombosis, migraines, and the onset of high blood pressure.
| My creatinine levels were also slightly elevated. I did not understand why this was happening or how I could control it. | Years of unhealthy eating habits had led me to this point, but no one had ever guided me on how to manage it. |
Three years later, I experienced a second episode of deep vein thrombosis, this time in my right calf. Fortunately, I recognized the warning signs early and sought medical help in time, allowing me to manage it at home. Since then, I have been on lifelong blood thinners. At that point, I weighed 120 kg and had also started medication for high blood pressure.
At the beginning of the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown, I stopped taking my high blood pressure medication because I believed that taking medicines for a long time could cause organ failure. Unfortunately, this decision backfired badly in December 2021 when my blood pressure spiked to 240/120. I was breathless again and did not understand why this was happening.
I went to the hospital and was admitted to the ICU once more. My blood pressure was brought under control, but by then, my creatinine levels had reached 7. After I was discharged, I realized this was the moment I had to seriously address my weight, which was at the root of all these problems.
I got in touch with one of the best nephrologists, Dr. Amit Langote, who advised me to lose weight. I also found the best dietitian, Mrs. Karishma Vazirani, who guided me with a personalized diet plan considering all my health issues.
At this point, I was 35 years old and weighed 110 kg. My health conditions included migraine, high blood pressure, a history of deep vein thrombosis, PCOD, grade 3 fatty liver, chronic kidney disease stage 5, high uric acid levels, and anemia.
For the first time ever, I started eating healthy, moving regularly, and gradually introduced strength training into my routine.
Today, after three years of consistency, discipline, and hard work, I have lost a total of 30 kg. I’ve reversed my grade 3 fatty liver, my uric acid medication dosage has been reduced, and my other health parameters are now stable. My creatinine levels remain high but have been stable for the past three years, and I am not on dialysis yet.
I was anxious when I was first told I was in the last stage of CKD, but my nephrologist advised me to accept it instead of fearing it. I have accepted it and now focus every day on improving my health and continuing to lose weight.
My family, doctor, dietitian, trainer, and friends have been incredible supporters throughout this journey. In April 2024, I started my Instagram account @ckd_girlwholifts to motivate others living with this disease not to give up, you can still work on your health and live strong. For those who are not ill, please never take your health for granted. You are all stronger than you think. Keep going!
Disclaimer: The blog series is intended for informational purposes only and is not meant to endorse or promote any specific drug, product, or brand. Each individual’s experience is unique and should not be construed as medical advice or a guarantee of similar results for others. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding your health and well-being.
