Diagnosed with stage 4 chronic kidney disease (CKD) in 2019, Erika, a Filipina living in the UAE, faced an unexpected health battle. Unable to return home for treatment, she relied on UAE’s healthcare support and endured three years of dialysis. Her mother’s attempts to donate a kidney were unsuccessful, but in 2022, Erika received a life-saving transplant from a young donor. Now, she raises awareness about CKD and organ donation, hoping to inspire others to seek early detection and give the gift of life.
Background
Hi, I am Erika – a 34-year-old Filipina living in the UAE. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and hypertension run in my family. We lost my dad’s older sister to complications from CKD, and while I had heard about kidney issues, it felt like something that happened to others. I was healthy, with no symptoms to hint otherwise, until one week I had unbearable headaches and constant vomiting. What started as a visit to a GP quickly spiraled into a journey I never expected.
Diagnosis
In July 2019, after a series of tests, my nephrologist gave me the news that changed everything: I had CKD, and it was already at Stage 4. I remember looking at him and asking “Am I going to die soon?”. He was compassionate and reassuring, explaining the steps ahead – dialysis, transplant, and finding a way to manage this. Living abroad, the question of how I would afford the treatment felt overwhelming, but thankfully, I learned about Abu Dhabi’s support for residents with life-threatening diseases – a blessing I will forever be grateful for.
Progression
After my diagnosis, I continued working full-time. I thought if I pushed through, I could handle it. But the fatigue and brain fog were unlike anything I had felt before. My daily routine became a battle and, eventually, in January 2020, my body could no longer keep up.
| I ended up needing emergency dialysis. | Looking back, I realize that I was pushing myself to live as if I were not sick, but all I was doing was making things harder for myself. |
My Family’s Determination
As a family, we had tough decisions to make. Going back to the Philippines was not an option financially, so I decided I would stay in the UAE for treatment. My mom, who is my biggest supporter, insisted on being my donor, despite my wish to wait for a cadaver donor. Twice, she flew to the UAE for work-ups, and twice, her borderline hypertension prevented her from donating. It was a heartbreaking moment for us both, but, in an unexpected way, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Her test results encouraged her to make healthier choices and pay closer attention to her own health.
Living with Dialysis
Starting dialysis was a whole new world. I was hesitant about the arm fistula [Editor’s note: An arm fistula is a surgically created connection between an artery and a vein, typically in the arm, used for dialysis access], so initially, I had hemodialysis through a chest catheter, which led to multiple infections – stubbornness did not do me any favors there. Finally, in May 2022, I transitioned to peritoneal dialysis. The experience was tough, and adapting to my “new normal” was one of the hardest things I have ever done. But it was necessary to survive.
The Transplant Call: A New Lease on Life
After three long years of waiting, I finally received the call on November 30, 2022. My donor was a 10- to 12-month-old baby, whose kidneys I was fortunate to receive. I do not know anything else about my donor, but the gratitude I feel is beyond words. Knowing that this precious child gave me another shot at life is both humbling and overwhelming. I often find myself staring at my scar, reflecting on the reality of this miracle I have been given.
Reflecting on the Journey
This journey has been nothing short of life-changing. There were times I felt utterly alone, but the support of my family and friends kept me grounded. Dialysis was grueling, and there were days I questioned if I could keep going, but here I am – living proof of resilience, love, and second chances.
Raising Awareness
One of my biggest realizations I have had through this experience is how often kidney disease goes unnoticed. Now, I make it a priority to raise awarenes about organ donation and CKD whenever I can. Dialysis is an incredibly difficult experience, and I wish more people understood how deeply kidney disease impacts countless lives. If sharing my story can inspire even one person to become more informed or consider becoming a donor, it will be worth it.
I am endlessly grateful for everyone who supported me and for the generous gift of life I received. While my journey is not over, every day I carry the memory of my donor with me and hold onto the hope that others might never have to face this struggle alone.
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.
